Autism Life and Living, (ALL) is passionate about decreasing barriers to accessing needed support services for young adults with autism and related intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). Out of the 159,000 individuals with autism/IDD in Arizona, 85% are unemployed, 67% express desire for classes to learn healthy habits and become more independent, 87% experience loneliness, and they have the lowest rate of independent living at 19%, compared to their peers with other disabilities.
Lisa Masters, a single mother of two young adults with autism and founder/CEO of ALL, is driven to change this narrative. The concept of ALL was born out of her uncertainty of not knowing what would become of her two sons, when she was no longer able to care for them. “I couldn’t sit and wait for our government to take action, I had to do something,” she says.
ALL’s mission is to empower young adults with autism by providing programs that promote inclusion, independence, socialization, and wellbeing and to ensure the most vulnerable of society live an independent and fulfilling life.
ALL will be raising awareness of this support gap crisis along with much needed funds by hosting their second annual autism awareness month fundraising event called Roaring 20’s Speakeasy Casino Night. The event takes place April 23 in Scottsdale at Kazimierz, 7137 E. Stetson Dr. at 6 p.m. Highlights of the event include heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, live entertainment by Jazzona, casino tables, prizes, a silent auction, time period photo props, and a secret password that is required for entry. The event sponsor is Taylor and Lihn Law. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit autismlifeandliving.org/events.
