Our Workshops

Resilient Futures Workshops: Autism-Inclusive STEM Climate Education & Emergency Preparedness

 

 

Our Resilient Futures Workshops are hands-on, inclusive learning experiences designed to help families—especially those with autistic children—prepare for the growing risks of climate-related hazards in coastal communities like Norfolk, VA.

 

Held three times a year, each workshop builds upon the last to deepen understanding, promote resilience, and empower families with actionable tools. Through guest speakers, interactive activities, and community-building discussions, families gain vital knowledge about environmental threats like sea-level rise, flooding, and extreme weather.

 

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What to Expect:

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• Workshop I (Summer): Learn about Norfolk’s flood zones and the science behind sea-level rise through engaging, sensory-friendly activities.

• Workshop II (Fall): Develop personalized emergency plans, guided by local experts and first responders.

• Workshop III (Spring): Build community networks for disaster preparedness, increase communication strategies with local authorities and schools, and introduce the Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) project. Sensory friendly emergency kits will distributed for those participants who have attended all 3 workshops.

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Why It Matters:

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Children with autism face unique challenges during environmental emergencies—communication barriers, sensory sensitivities, and disruptions to routine. Our workshops are thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, trauma-informed, and empowering, ensuring all families leave better prepared and connected to their community.