Reeces Rally for ReClif

Thank you for visiting my page! My name is Reece Blankenship and I am the founder and inspiration behind ReClif Academy. My vision for ReClif is to create a unique and exciting community center that accepts and connects autistics with others through collaboration and understanding. Based on the theory that every individual, no matter their differences or perceived limitations, should have a place where they can strive to become the best that they can be, ReClif Academy will create a culture of acceptance, learning, growing, and achieving. Centered around a multi-functional gym area, ReClif will offer both personalized and group Special Fit exercise classes, individual speech, occupational, and interactive metronome therapy sessions, Spelling to Communicate coaching, advanced learning seminars and, most importantly, the chance to enjoy social and recreational outings with like-minded individuals. This is my vision, and here is my story. I am a 22 year-old non-verbal autistic who communicates via typing. For 19 years I was trapped inside a nightmare, fully capable of understanding the world around me, yet unable to control my wayward body in order to transmit my thoughts. Blessed beyond belief by caring and supportive friends, professionals, aides, and family, I always had people around me who believed and encouraged me even as I struggled to help myself. In November of 2014, my family attended a communication workshop put on by Elizabeth Vosseller of GKTC where I learned to harness my thoughts and purposefully connect to the letterboard. It is not as easy as it sounds, and there was much preparatory work involved, but that weekend my parents and supporters were stupefied and astounded as I literally hurdled the boundary from non-verbal to communicative! Although there was much work still ahead for me, it was at this time that I realized my dream of living a life that would mean so much more would be possible. My greatest desire is to help others like myself grow to achieve their highest potential. We, as autistics, are in need of a place to grow further in our knowledge, influence in the community, and to feel comfortable challenging the assumption of incompetence placed on us by having bodies that refuse to comply with our minds. A place where inclusion for all is supported, and uncommon friendships between autistics and “normals” are forged by exercising, learning, and socializing together. The importance of ReClif Academy goes way beyond what I can explain in a paragraph. Whether directly affected by autism or not, this is one world, and I encourage all of you to consider delving deeply into supporting this cause …. if not monetarily, then possibly in person. In order to establish a professional building that incorporates all necessary factors, and not wishing to place the financial burden of my dreams totally on my hero Dad, I am asking for your financial support. Please consider donating to ReClif Academy and joining my mission of empowering, accepting, supporting, and advocating for autistics. If you believe in this cause, please know that any and all donations will be appreciated and applied to furthering the growth of ReClif Academy and my vision.