Every child deserves the opportunity to
I Am Special Foundation is committed to a future where children with autism can access excellent educational opportunities, meaningful support, and community that celebrates their unique strengths. We want to give as many families as possible the opportunity to attend I Am Special Inc school, aka THE CASTLE.
Our commitment
Person-centered support.
Support designed around each child’s strengths.
To empower students on the autism spectrum to learn in a safe, empathetic, individualized, and fun environment and to give special parents peace of mind that their children will find a safe and lasting home in the school. The mission is to celebrate, focus, and capitalize on what these children CAN do vs what they are not able to do. We celebrate ability, not the disability.
Every child belongs in learning spaces designed for them.
Person-centered support that honors individual strengths.
Access to resources, tools, and experiences that unlock potential.
Working alongside families, educators, and communities.
Care rooted in dignity, patience, and understanding.
Transparent stewardship of every contribution.
Make an impact
Help fund supportive learning.
Your support helps bring our mission to life for children, families, and educators.
Why this matters.
Behind every statistic is a child with potential, and a family hoping for the right support. Here is why our work is urgent and personal.
Every child has strengths and a unique way of experiencing the world.
I Am Special Foundation was created with the belief that education should recognize those differences and provide every child with the opportunity to grow with confidence and dignity. Our journey is just beginning, but our commitment is clear: to support children, families, educators, and schools in creating a better future.
Real barriers, shared responsibility.
Autistic children and their families often navigate a landscape where access to the right support is uneven. We believe change begins by naming the gaps and working together to close them.
Limited access to specialized educational resources
Inconsistent teacher training on supportive practice
Fragmented support systems across schools and services
Financial pressure on families seeking additional support
Few supportive classroom environments in many communities
Need for stronger collaboration between schools and families
Where we're directing our energy.
Educational Support
Helping schools create classrooms where autistic children participate, progress, and feel supported.
Planned / In developmentTeacher & School Resources
Tools, training pathways, and effective learning strategies for educators.
Planned / In developmentFamily Guidance
Practical educational information, community connections, and support networks for families.
Planned / In developmentLearning Materials & Technology
Funding assistive tools and technology tailored to different learning needs.
Planned / In developmentCommunity Awareness
Educational campaigns promoting understanding, acceptance, and belonging.
Planned / In developmentFuture Scholarships & Grants
Planned financial support for eligible students, families, and educational programs.
Planned / In developmentBuilding programs, step by step.
Classroom Support Initiative
Working with pilot schools to improve strong classroom practice.
Teacher Resource Program
Curated resources and training pathways for supportive teaching.
Family Education Workshops
Community workshops on advocacy, learning at home, and school collaboration.
Learning Tools Assistance
Requests for assistive learning tools and technology support.
School Partnership Program
Long-term partnerships to strengthen quality education.
Autism Awareness & Community Events
Events promoting dignity, understanding, and belonging.
Guided by responsible governance.
Meet our board — committed to transparency, community service, and the values that shape great education for every child.
Maiia Hart
Leading strategic direction and long-term governance of the foundation.
M. Uzair Khan
Supporting programs, partnerships, and operational planning.
Anna Courtright
Supporting financial and tax compliance.
Heather Vallee
Fundraising and special programs.
Steven Intihar
Supporting fundraising and community programs.
Help build supportive classrooms.
Every contribution helps us fund learning resources, teacher support, and family workshops. Your gift shapes what this foundation becomes.