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Welcome to our website!  The HAND Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization founded in Delaware in 2001.  We hope you will find this site helpful and informative.  If you have questions, comments or would like to help please feel free to contact us.         Our Mission                 HAND  Foundation pledges to support Delaware Families affected by Autism who have chosen to provide educational/treatment therapies other than that currently provided by the State.     This support can include, but is not limited to:  Financial Assistance. IMPORTANT NEWS! Our founder, Eileen O'Shaughnessy-Coleman has been nominated as a Delaware Hero  in the Volvo for Life Awards Program. Eileen is competing against five heroes from each of the other 49 States for National Honors. Nine finalists will be determined by  ONLINE VOTING Final awards will be decided by a distinguished panel of judges including Hank Aaron, Carolyn Kennedy Schlosser, Val Kilmer and Sally Ride among many others. Reaching the finals could mean as much as $50,000 to the HAND Foundation and a Volvo for Eileen. Voting for Eileen takes just a moment.  To vote, click on the link below then search for "Coleman".   You can then vote with a couple clicks and no personal information is required..  Its ok to vote more than once and it's really, really really ok to email all your friends and ask them to vote also. Volvoforlifeawards.com  (To read about Eileen's nomination, Click here.) Thanks - The HAND Officers, Directors and Committee members

Information on available alternative programs.

HAND has sponsored two Regional seminars for parents and professionals on available Autism therapies featuring internationally recognized speakers.

Assistance in securing volunteer program helpers.

Representatives of HAND have participated in various Volunteer Fairs and maintain regular contact with schools, and others who can provide volunteers.

Advice and counsel on Parent Directed, Home-Centered therapies and programs.

Representatives of HAND regularly provide information, research and experiences to other parents and professionals. .

Raising public awareness of current issues affecting education of persons affected by Autism.

HAND members have appeared on Radio, Television and in the Press speaking on this subject. They have met with the Governor and members of Delaware's Congressional Delegation and serve on several State of Delaware Autism Task Forces. They have arranged for and testified at Public Hearings before the State Legislature.