Bill Biewener Project

Bill Biewener grew up in Burbank, California during a time when people with special needs were not well understood and often struggled to lead normal lives. Although never formally diagnosed, Bill was likely autistic and had trouble fitting in at school. In the 1940’s there were very few special education programs available, and few resources existed to help families and communities to support children with disabilities. Many people were uncomfortable around anyone who was different, and sometimes expressed their discomfort through cruelty. A lack of understanding led many to dismiss Bill’s ability to lead a normal life – some educators discouraged Bill’s parents from sending him to public school, believing that he could not succeed in that setting.

Despite many challenges, Bill attended public school. He was bullied by his peers and spent time in classes where teachers were unsure of how to accommodate his differences. Bill was extremely intelligent, yet, in his own words, teachers often treated him as if he were “stupid.” As Bill said, simply because he seemed different, people who did not know him were often rude and underestimated what he was capable of achieving. Very few understood that he was just as intelligent, just as motivated, and just as human as everyone around him. But Bill Biewener defied the societal expectations of his time and fought hard to live a happy, independent life doing all of the things that he loved. He graduated from high school, and worked first as a gardener and then as a janitor. After saving his entire life, Bill spent his retirement traveling the world.

Bill passed away on March 2, 2014. He spent his lifetime proving that he was just as capable of achieving his goals as those around him, even though he was a little bit different. In honor of Bill Biewener and everything that he stood for, we created the Bill Biewener Project. The project aims to support those with autism by donating funds to Autism Speaks, an organization focused on changing the future for all who struggle with an autism spectrum disorder. 90% of funds raised will be donated to Autism Speaks, and 10% will be used to focus on raising awareness for autism within our home community in Arlington. This will entail the creation of a club at Washington-Lee High School that distributes autism awareness t-shirts in addition to informative pamphlets to help the Arlington community better understand autism. We ask that you support the Bill Biewener Project in memory of Bill Biewener and the values that defined him to encourage tolerance and acceptance of everyone.

*Donations are not tax-exempt and no products or services will be provided in return for your donation. Supporters are free to donate any amount they wish. Funds will be used to create and manage a club at Washington-Lee High School as well as to support Autism Speaks.