When Geno Williams, age seven, was diagnosed with autism, his mom, Gena made it her focus to ensure he had the resources he needed. “Living in a rural area, access to activities and services isn’t readily available,” she shared. Consistently advocating for her son, she was able to set him up with occupational therapy to help him with his handwriting and personal care skills. He also receives speech therapy services through his school.

She knew there could be more for him in the community. Wanting to make sure he has all the same opportunities to socialize, she took her research further. “He’s a kid and should be active. He deserves to find the right fit for his pace.”

Fortunately, she found Williston Wonders. They are a group of individuals with special needs of all ages who come together to enrich lives through recreational activities.  Adaptive activities include t-ball, swimming, track, soccer, basketball and bowling.

Through her research, she also discovered NDAD and the financial assistance offered for adaptive recreation activities. She quickly called Jeremy Huschka in NDAD’s Williston office to complete the application.

“The process was simple and easy. The application was straight forward. I was able to fill it out at home with the required documentation,” Gena noted. “Jeremy gets back to me quickly. And, if a program we tried didn’t work out, he was able to offer other opportunities for us.”

NDAD was able to provide financial support for Geno to utilize the adaptive swimming program with Williston Wonders. She said he really enjoys swimming and often asks when he can go back. Soon, he’ll also participate in their soccer program.  “We want to find the right fit so that he’s doing something active that he likes. We are so grateful for the funding so he can do these activities.”

Further, she mentioned that he was able to provide additional resources. “It was nice to get more information about services that might be available for us.”

“I would totally recommend NDAD to other people.  It was so nice that I found such a program,” Gena shared.