The Five Project, Inc.     美国“五项目”机构              

 THE FIVE PROJECT, Inc.
            

FIVE has a twofold mission:

1)    to increase the capacity of autism and other disability organizations in China to provide  effective intervention services

2)    to promote and support self-help and self-advocacy skills in Chinese individuals with disabilities and their families

FIVE’s goals are:

• Create, compile, and distribute Chinese language materials about autism and other disabilities.  These materials include written information such as FAQs, informational newsletters, video/DVD training materials, etc.  These materials are available to families and professionals in China, as well as to Chinese speakers in the US.

• In China, establish and support regularly scheduled family and peer support groups and family activities for individuals with mental illness, developmental delays, and autism and their families.

• Collaborate with disability organizations in China to provide training in the form of conferences and workshops, to introduce the latest knowledge and research.

• Refer and connect interested persons to disability-related volunteer opportunities in China, including working with individuals and organizations.

• Advocate to raise awareness of disability in Chinese society, and to advance educational, vocational, and community participation opportunities for people with disabilities.

Examples of current activities are below (for a more complete list, click on Activities)

• Presentation in Boston, MA for Chinese parents of young adults/teenagers with autism and other developmental disabilities

• Pen pals being matched (each pair inlcudes an American adult and a young adult with a disability in Nanjing, China for friendship and mentoring

• Semi-annual Chinese language mailing to over 400 families and professionals

• Two monthly support and activity groups in Nanjing, including day trips, support meetings, and guest speakers

• Lectures about autism and mental health provided by FIVE board members and volunteers

• Activities with both Chinese young adults with disability and young adults from the US studying in Nanjing including 1:1 activities, and group gatherings

• Media coverage of events including field trips and World Autism Awareness Day celebrations

FIVE's mission and goals serve to work towards our vision that all individuals with disabilities have opportunities for full and equal participation in society.