Asha Foundation - RTP Special Needs Families

02/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/18DxvQEiab/?mibextid=wwXIfr

AAC Bootcamp- You don’t need to be an AAC expert to build real communication access — you just need the right support.

12/31/2025

✨ Grateful as We Close Another Impactful Year at Asha Foundation ✨

As we wrap up this year, we reflect with deep gratitude and pride on what our community made possible—together.

💚 2025 Impact Highlights
• Supported special needs individuals and their families through inclusive programs and community events
• Hosted multiple inclusive celebrations and workshops, creating safe spaces for joy, talent, and connection
• Engaged dozens of dedicated volunteers, including youth leaders, who showed up with heart and purpose
• Partnered with local nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders to expand awareness and inclusion
• Provided platforms for self-expression through art, dance, music, and learning
• Strengthened a growing community rooted in presuming competence, dignity, and belonging

To our families—thank you for trusting us and allowing us to be part of your journey.
To our volunteers—your time and compassion are the backbone of Asha Foundation.
To our donors and sponsors—your generosity directly fuels impact and opportunity.
To our partners and supporters—thank you for standing with us in building a more inclusive world.

This year reaffirmed a powerful truth: when community leads with empathy and purpose, real change happens.

As we step into the new year, we remain committed to growing our impact, deepening inclusion, and uplifting every individual we serve.

With heartfelt gratitude,🙏🏼
Asha Foundation

11/05/2025

Asha Foundation Presents: Understanding NC Medicaid and NC HIPP Programs

Topic: Understanding NC Medicaid & the NC HIPP Program for Special Needs Families
Speaker: Kushal M Shah, Founder @ RISKEN®️ Group*
Date & Time: Friday, November 7 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Virtual Event)
Hosted by: Asha Foundation

Navigating the world of healthcare and financial support for special needs families can be overwhelming. This interactive session will demystify North Carolina Medicaid and the Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program, helping families access benefits they may be entitled to - but often overlook.

Join Kushal M Shah, a special-needs parent-advocate and financial services leader, as he breaks down how these programs work, who qualifies, how to apply, and how families can optimize coverage while reducing out-of-pocket costs.

What You’ll Learn:

✅Eligibility criteria and enrollment *process for NC Medicaid*

✅How the *NC HIPP Program* can help cover private insurance premiums

✅Coordinating *Medicaid benefits with employer-sponsored or marketplace plans*

✅ *Practical steps* and *real-life examples* for special needs families

This session is designed to empower parents and caregivers with practical tools, clarity, and confidence to make informed decisions about their child’s healthcare coverage.

Please use this form to register and send in your questions before the session.
https://forms.office.com/r/MFemv47mXT

**Please note that this session will cover general information for the benefit of all families that join the program. Individual situations and consultation is not available during this session.

This is going to be a very informative session. See you there!

08/28/2025

*🐝🌟 We’re thrilled to announce our second annual Special Needs Spelling Bee! 🌟🐝*
In proud *collaboration with AABAj*, this exciting event will shine a spotlight on the talents of our amazing participants while building confidence, celebrating inclusion, and creating unforgettable memories for families and friends.

📅 Date: September 20th
📍 Sign up using the QR code on the flyer

04/09/2025

04/08/2025

Join us for a free event Illuminate Autism Acceptance

Come hang out with us at a free event celebrating the amazing creativity and unique perspectives of autistic artists! You’ll get to see live art demonstrations, hear inspiring stories, and connect with artists, families, educators, and advocates. It’s all about moving beyond awareness to true acceptance and inclusion while shining a light on the strengths, passions, and talents within the autistic community.

Beyond Awareness – Championing true acceptance and inclusion.

Showcasing Talent – Featuring live art demonstrations and inspiring stories.

Building Community – Connecting artists, families, educators, and advocates.

Highlighting Strengths – Shining a light on passion, potential, and creativity.

We’re excited to partner with Asha Foundation, a local organization supporting special needs families in the RTP area.

Sponsors are welcome! If you provide therapies or services for individuals with autism, this event is a great way to connect with the community and share your support.

Register here: https://www.zenaviv.com/april-2025-event

Interested in sponsoring? https://zenaviv.fillout.com/sponsor-april-2025

02/26/2025

Webinar on Transition: Navigating Life Changes for Individuals with Diverse Abilities

Featuring: Kenzie Clark, Able Transition Consulting

📆 Date & Time: March 12th, 12:00 to 1:00 PM*
💻 Webinar Link will be provided closer to date

Join us for an insightful webinar with Kenzie Clark from Able Transition Consulting, where we will explore the challenges and strategies surrounding life transitions for individuals with diverse abilities. Transitions can be complex and require careful planning, whether they involve education, employment, independent living, or long-term support.

*Key Discussion Points:*
✅ What is Transition? – Understanding the process and its significance.
✅ The Transition Problem – Common challenges and barriers individuals face.
✅ Preparing for Transition – Essential steps for a smooth transition.
✅ Education – Navigating schooling, higher education, and vocational training.
✅ Benefits– Understanding available support systems and services.
✅ Financial Needs – Planning for financial security and stability.
✅ Guardianship– Legal considerations and decision-making.
✅ Planning for the Long Term– Building a sustainable and supportive future.

This webinar is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals supporting individuals with diverse abilities. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to make transitions smoother and more successful.

📌 Register Now! https://forms.gle/fdxTztA2mKHpxnqJ8

04/01/2024

If you’ve met one individual with autism, you’ve met one individual with autism.

-A famous quote by Dr. Stephen Shore, who is an autistic professor of special education at Adelphi University

04/18/2023

PA to become first state to introduce disability in to the curriculum in the comprehensive way!!

Way to go Pennsylvania! "The goal is to impact the overall culture and environment of schools by reducing stigma around disabilities and including… | 23 comments on LinkedIn

01/25/2023

“Why does she gets to do fun stuff and I don’t?”

“Why does she get to do fun stuff and I don’t?”

01/14/2023

Never thought that group home for individuals with different abilities can be looked as oppressing.. but Lynne has a point.. share your thoughts

Lynne Seagle shares her experince shutting down 13 group homes and helping people to live their own lives in their own homes.