The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is proud to introduce a brand-new partnership initiative to transform how innovation in neurodivergent support reaches the communities that need it!
ASCEND 鈥� the Assistive and Supportive Center for Empowerment, Neurodiversity and Development 鈥� will enable state chapters, rooted in community hubs, to connect cutting-edge innovation from FCAI and our technology partners with the neurodivergent individuals who will benefit most. Through ASCEND, companies, non-profits, and even schools will become centers for innovation and technology, while remaining autonomous and preserving their community identity.
A physical hub within each Chapter will be part of a dynamic group that will showcase assistive technologies, pilot new solutions, host community events, and accelerate the dissemination and adoption of tools that improve independent living and quality of life for neurodivergent individuals, ensuring that these technologies end up where they are meant to be 鈥� in the hands of the neurodivergent community. Each partner contributes its expertise while maintaining independence, enabling a flexible and scalable model for innovation.
鈥�ASCEND represents a powerful step forward in translating research into meaningful, real-world impact,鈥� said Dr. Keivan G. Stassun, Director of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at 五一茶馆儿. 鈥�By bringing together researchers, technologists, and the community in one place, we are creating a model for how innovation can truly serve neurodivergent individuals and their families.鈥�
, which brings to market neurodivergent assistive technologies via FCAI, will be central to the hubs. 鈥�ASCEND is about turning innovation into impact,鈥� said Jan Schlueter, CEO of Neurodiverse Technologies. 鈥�We are creating a place where technology doesn鈥檛 just get developed鈥攊t gets experienced, improved, and adopted. This collaboration allows us to move faster, work smarter, and ultimately empower more individuals to gain independence and confidence in their everyday lives.鈥� Neurodiverse Technologies brings its portfolio of assistive solutions, including its flagship driver readiness platform, SANDI, into the ASCEND environment to enable hands-on demonstrations and real-world validation.
Watch our socials for the next few days as we announce the first chapters, including our first and biggest chapter, Tennessee itself!