“As the number of autistic children grows, so does the number of autistic adults. Their needs remain much the same as they age, yet the support they once received fades.”
— USA Today, The Coming Avalanche of Autistic Adults. Cindy Goodwin, 2016
History
In 2006 nine families faced a crisis: What would happen to their children, once they exited the school system as adults? Research revealed that there were no specialized services available for adults on the autism spectrum in the Baltimore City/County region. How would their journey toward adulthood be addressed?
Out of this crisis Itineris was born. Today, the dream of these families, professionals, and self-advocates has come true. Itineris serves almost 100 adults on the autism spectrum, a number that is expected to double over the next few years. The founders wanted to ensure that their adults retained the skills they had acquired in school and that they would continue to gain new skills. Itineris has evolved into a comprehensive program that provides life-building and goal-reaching services to people impacted by autism. Itineris continues to be the only agency in the greater Baltimore region that exclusively supports this growing and under-served population.
Mission
Empowering adults on the autism spectrum to live meaningful lives, throughout their lifespan.
Vision
A world where adults on the autism spectrum can fully share in the life of their communities, with the dignity to choose their own path as they strive to achieve their dreams and goals.
Our Core Operating Values:
· We collaborate with clients, families, team members, and community partners.
· We contribute to the world in the pursuit of neurodiversity acceptance.
· We design each day as a new opportunity for learning, growth, and creativity.
· We embrace diversity with passion and promote safe spaces for inclusion.
· We honor people’s desire to express themselves and make personal choices.
· We focus on clients; their success is our success.
· We invest in our staff. They are the foundation of our mission.
· We innovate with evidence-based practices.
Our Guiding Principles:
We believe:
Individuals are empowered to express themselves, make choices, and accomplish their goals.
Self-determination is a right.
All types of connections in the broader community are the source of opportunity.
Community integration and employing autistic adults should be the norm.
People grow and thrive when support is intentional and purposeful.
We can influence how society accepts, acknowledges, and understands people on the autism spectrum.
Corporate DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) Mission and Vision
Mission
To honor the vision of our Founding Families by providing a safe, enriching culture for individuals on the spectrum while creating a welcoming environment for all regardless of biases to include race, religion, gender, orientation.
Vision
To be the neurodiverse agency brand for individuals on the spectrum with a rich culture of champions for Diversity who support Equity, embrace Inclusion, and enable Accessibility while expanding our reach and strengthening community.
