Eagles Flight Advocacy Center working to close the gap for people with autism

SAN ANTONIO — Recent CDC data shows one in 45 adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism and for kids, its even higher, being one in 36.

The challenge with these stats tie to the likelihood for adults with special needs gaining employment. The non-profit Eagles Flight Advocacy Center is working to close this gap in our area.

The Nest is short for nurture, empower, share, and transform. It can serve 40 adults with special needs.

The Nest first creates a flight plan to learn each person’s interests and what they would like to have. The adults then develop skills through sensory activities at the nest.

They also get to volunteer and gain vocational skills and on the job training through community partnerships.

Its program director, Christina Leach, says it took six months to create this program. Leach adds how the program can help adults with special needs who lacked early intervention in school.

“There are about 43 centers within San Antonio right now, and most of them have a waitlist,” said Christina White, Nest Program Director.  “So it was very important for me, especially to give these adults an opportunity as they’re exiting the school system.”

The nest has a game room, music room, computer lab, sensory room and community area where the students can develop their skills. To offer different experiences, Eagle’s Flight also partners with food pantries, community closets, and animal organizations among other groups.

The nest has a staff of five and can serve up to 40 students. Its located off of Blanco Road in the Courtyard Business Center.

For more information, visit their website.

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