My name is Erica, and I am the mother of two amazing nonspeaking autistic boys. Since my first son's diagnosis, we have been searching for an educational program to support and challenge them while respecting their strengths. I was first introduced to Lisa Strata, founder of Spectrum Consulting Group, at a Rapid Prompting Method (or RPM) workshop she hosted in NJ. Several years later, both boys attend her program and are thriving beyond belief.

For those new to this journey, RPM is an academic program leading towards communication, the expression of reasoning and understanding, more reliable motor skills, and greater sensory tolerance. It was created by Soma Mukhopadhyay and empowers a student with the means to express his/her learning, understanding, reasoning and thoughts. Soma works with autistics (speakers and nonspeakers), people with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and diagnoses involving impaired motor function. While RPM presumes intelligence and creates a teacher-student response loop, it is not practiced in schools or even widely available to most students in need.

Lisa created Spectrum Consulting with the belief "that children who are active participants in their everyday learning will understand and allow for dynamic systems to occur... By integrating experiential hands-on learning, language and sensory-enriched environments, our students can become independent thinkers, perceive and plan, integrate and coordinate their actions with others and be competent problem solvers and flexible thinkers." In addition to providing RPM lessons daily, Spectrum Consulting also integrates RDI® (Relationship Development Intervention®) to target social interaction and dynamic thinking skills, Community Based Instruction to learn within the community, physical education, art, music, and more. What's more, these kids have an AMAZING time when they attend and continue to wow parents and staff with their progress.

This day program, with students from 7 to 24 years old, is the first of its kind. Lisa and her wonderful staff provide unparalleled care while presenting students with lessons, challenges, and skills that will support them for the rest of their lives. They are generous, kind, humorous, infinitely patient...

... and they need our help.

A few weeks ago, Lisa told me that the one thing she would love to have for the students is a Smartboard so she can project lessons and have students interact with them easily. I’d love to help her get an all-in-one version that would be a great investment for our kids’ education and continued growth.

One of the better and most cost-effective versions I’ve found is the Vibe Board. This smartboard, including a SmartCam, portable stand, 2-year protection plan, tax, and shipping, is USD $4,401.49.

Our goal of $4528 includes Gofundme fees. And if we exceed our goal, all remaining funds go towards additional supplies for the school year.

But wait! There's more! (I couldn't help it. I work in advertising)

The first 50 people who donate $50 or more will receive a gift of a printed hardcover book of quotes, musings, and observations of Spectrum students. I'll include a few pages in the first update, so keep your eyes peeled.

Thank you so much for your support, both of the angels at Spectrum and the incredible kids they love so much.