Well guys, I'm getting everything prepared for the 2018 Barefoot Autism Challenge. I even have an autism group reach out to me so they could help out! @Barefoot TJ and I will be here to answer any questions you may have about the challenge!
Starting to reach out to the other Autism Societies to make sure they're aware of the challenge. This is going to be bigger than last time!
So I had a phone call with Scott Badesch, the Autism Society of America President and CEO today, and he threw out some great ideas for the Barefoot Autism Challenge. He thought of having it be like a fundraiser, similar to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. For example, every mile someone walks barefoot, $10 will be donated to the Autism Society of America and then that money will be divided so the other Autism Societies in the nation will have a fair share. We'll be talking more during the first week of January. Stay tuned...
That's wonderful news and a good idea, Tyler. What is most important, I believe, is making sure that people who are dealing with Autism know about the "possible" benefits of being barefoot/walking barefoot/living barefoot. For those reading these threads at the BRS about the Barefoot Autism Challenge (BAC), some people with autism who go barefoot are able to break out of their "shells" (for lack of a better description) when they are able to FEEL the ground with the receptors in their feet. Tyler can explain this better for us. This is why he developed the BAC. I say "possible" benefits above because some people with autism have the opposite reaction when they touch the ground with their bare feet, as if being overstimulated. Please, Tyler, reiterate to the Mr. Badesch the importance of hitting these points home with those involved with the BAC, so that they can educate the public on these facts. It's important for caregivers and family members of those with autism know about these benefits too, if they don't already. Just my thoughts...
Well, it looks like someone has already gotten a head start on the BAC! Just saw someone made a post on the page!
Update: Scott is pretty swamped today and next week he'll be traveling all week, but I reached out to Joe Joyce, also from the Autism Society of America, and he said that he'll talk to Scott about having someone contact me about the challenge so that way I can be ready for the next Autism Society of Iowa Board meeting a week from tomorrow.
So a slight change of plans, the Autism Society affiliates are actually going to have a meeting this Thursday and Kris Steinmetz will discuss what I talked about with someone for the BAC, and we'll have a board meeting with ASI on Saturday. And come Wednesday the 17th, I'll talk with Scott from the Autism Society of America and someone else who'll help promote my challenge.
I think that sounds like a fantastic idea! I'm staying tuned and will be more than willing to participate in that kind of challenge.
Good deal trevize! With the other Autism Societies hearing about the challenge, there's bound to be some kind of fun thing going on in your area.
