Community Programs
Autism Friendly Community
Level 2 Partners
To receive the ranking of a Level 2 Autism Friendly Community Partner, in addition to the Level 1 training requirements, at least one of the following criteria must be met:
- The business has agreed to make small modifications/adjustments to their premises to help support those with autism and their caregivers in order to provide a better and more inclusive experience. This may include environmental adjustments like lighting changes, noise adjustments, or a location for someone to take a break/calm down.
- The business has agreed to hosting a special sensory friendly day/time to participate in an activity/event.
- The business has agreed to providing visual supports around the premises, such as creating a social story for specific activities/experiences or adding pictures to their signage in addition to word-only signs.
- The business has agreed to provide tools for customers to check out and use during their experience, such as providing sensory bags/equipment.
Dakota Barber Academy
Dakota Barber Academy has a vision of being a leader in the field of barber education using innovative solutions and local partnerships to help their students meet the needs of their communities.
For more information, contact 701-404-7387.
Elevate Rock School
Elevate Rock School inspires kids to learn about music and playing instruments by incorporating live performance, theory, and the buddy system. Students thrive in an environment where they are encouraged while playing their favorite music in a positive atmosphere.
For more information, contact 701-356-5150.
Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre
FMCT offers sensory friendly performances during various designated productions each season. These performances are specifically adapted for audience members with sensory needs who may find the typical theatre-going experience to be overwhelming.
For information about upcoming sensory friendly performances, please contact the box office at 701-235-6778.
Flame of Faith United Methodist Church
Flame of Faith is dedicated to welcoming all people into their family. They provide worship aids such as noise-cancelling headphones, wiggle seats, and a calming area in the back classroom. Order of worship is also updated weekly on their website.
For more information, contact 701-282-5765.
Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County
The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County (HCSCC) strives to provide equal access and a positive experience for all patrons, and they continue to search for solutions to the unique challenges presented by their property and historic sites.
For more information, contact 218-299-5511 ext. 6738.
Inspire Innovation Lab
Inspire Lab’s mission is to provide programming and experiences to achieve educational impact while focusing on the empowerment of underrepresented groups. One main goal is to increase the presence of underrepresented populations in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields. All teachers and staff have received basic training in many techniques, including trauma informed care.
For more information, contact 218-477-1370.
Red River Zoo
The Red River Zoo has a goal to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for every guest, regardless of age and ability. Sensory Bags containing fidget tools, noise-cancelling headphones, and other resources are available for checkout at the Zoo admission desk. Their website outlines areas of the Zoo that typically have less activity and those that more guests tend to gather, as well as changes that are made during different times of the year.
For more information, contact 701-277-9240.
Sky Zone
Sky Zone Fargo will be providing a staff/jumper discount for NDAC clients this summer. Jumpers will receive a $3.00 discount, bringing their total to $13.96, and staff will receive an $11.00 discount, bringing their total to $5.36. These rates will apply Monday-Friday until Labor Day, September 5th, 2022. To get this discount, tell Sky Zone staff that you are jumping with the NDAC when you arrive.
For more information, contact 701-478-8484.
Tailor Made Barber Studio
Tailor Made offers barbering services built to suit individuality and creativity and to offer those services in a place where people can expect that each detail has been tailored with customer service in mind.
For more information, contact 218-284-1600.
The YMCA Swim School
The YMCA hosts a sensory friendly pool party at the Fercho location each quarter that is free and open to the community. During this event, the sound system is turned off in the Aquatic Center to minimize noise. Swim instructors are also available to interact and have fun with kids in the water, to explain the adaptive swim program, and give a taste of YMCA Swim Lessons for interested individuals.
For more information, contact 701-293-9622.
Level 1 Partners
To receive the ranking of a Level 1 Autism Friendly Community Partner, all of the following criteria must be met:
- The business/organization/group, its managers, employees, and volunteers have made a public commitment to train its staff in autism awareness.
- The business has agreed to include AFC training in their orientation of new employees and set up initial training for current staff.
- The business will agree that 100% of management complete the training.
- The business understands that employees who personally deal with customers/clients must be trained.
- The business will agree to track and keep date of Autism Friendly training in employee personnel files.
Code Ninjas
At Code Ninjas, kids learn to code while building their own video games. They gain problem solving, critical thinking, and STEM skills in a fun, safe, and inspiring environment.
For more information, contact 701-404-7620.
West Fargo Public Library
As a civic resource, the West Fargo Public Library’s mission is to provide equitable access to resources and opportunities so that residents can achieve their goals, explore their passions, and develop social connections.
For more information, contact 701-515-5200.
Xperience Barbers
Xperience Barbers focuses on great customer service, high quality haircuts, punctuality, and a friendly environment.
For more information, contact 701-353-5635.
Did you visit one of our Autism Friendly Community Partners? We want your feedback!
Complete a feedback form about your experience by clicking the button below!
Interested in signing up for the Autism Friendly Community program?
Submit completed application and assessment
Questions? Email Heidi Schultz, M.S., BCBA, LBA: [email protected]
We hope to partner with business leaders with the goal to equip local businesses with sufficient knowledge of autism and other developmental disabilities to ensure confidence and comfort in providing a quality experience for the business, families and individuals affected by autism.
Did you know that the word “philanthropy” means “love of humanity”? It originated in ancient Greece from the playwright, Aeschylus. Today, philanthropy means helping to develop and care for human beings. Philanthropy benefits those who receive, but also those who give. A true philanthropist works towards and cares about improving humanity. Your business has an opportunity to become a philanthropist business leader in our community by becoming an Autism Friendly Community Partner. The mission is to create an environment of awareness, acceptance and understanding of autism by providing free training, tools, and assistance to local businesses and organizations.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. People with autism may also have sensory issues. These sensitivities can include light, sound, smell, touch, and other sensations.
Even though there are many individuals diagnosed with autism (3.5 million Americans), families tend to isolate themselves from the community. This is to avoid hurtful reactions or stigma from others. This isolation can lead to many issues, including but not limited to depression. Autism not only affects individuals and families, but also impacts our community.
With more people becoming aware, growth in the community will happen. The North Dakota Autism Center has developed a training for area businesses on becoming an Autism Friendly Community Partner.
Join the growing movement of businesses in the West Fargo/Fargo/Moorhead area who want to set themselves apart from others by investing in caring and exceptional customer service.