INTERNATIONAL AUTISM OUTREACH PROJECT
IAOP is driven by a single goal; making the world a better place for children with special needs. With expertise in Autism and Developmental Disorders, our volunteers are able to provide support, education, and training to children, teachers, parents, and family members of children with special needs in Central America.
WHO WE ARE
IAOP is a group of volunteers with expertise in Autism and Developmental Disorders. We take yearly trips to Chichigalpa, Nicaragua, in partnership with the non-profit FNE International. We provide support to the Niño Feliz School, which serves 70-80 kids with Autism, developmental and genetic disorders, hearing impairments, behavioral problems, and physical and intellectual disabilities.
​
Our first trip to Chichigalpa was in April 2015. Ten of us brought down lots of educational supplies and therapeutic materials, stuffed tightly into our suitcases. We set up laptops and printers for the teachers and worked directly with the kids. Throughout the week we provided education to the teachers and parents on various speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies.
​
Our second trip to Chichigalpa was in February 2017. This time we focused on psychiatric and educational assessments of the students since these evaluations are so difficult to obtain in Nicaragua. We also brought supplies, educational materials, communication materials, sensory equipment and other items to the school. In addition to this, we raised money to fund a teacher aid for the classrooms. We also provided individualized assistance to a family in a rural fishing town that previously had no way to get help for their child.
​
Our third trip took place in Spring 2018. We provided supplies to the school and continued funding the teacher's aide.
​
Our fourth trip will take place in 2020. We are currently in the fundraising and planning phase.
​
Our group is an FNE International project. FNE International is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to build sustainable projects in Nicaragua and Peru, two of the poorest regions in Central America.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE AT NINO FELIZ
Educational and Behavioral Support
Psychiatric, Educational and Developmental Assessments
Parent and Teacher Trainings
Occupational and Speech Therapy
Funding for a Teacher's Aide
Our team is made up of extraordinary volunteers from across the US.
​
Interested in joining IAOP? Contact Christine for more information: christine.iaop@gmail.com
We are currently in need of Occupational and Physical Therapists, as well as Spanish Translators.
OUR TEAM
WAYS TO GIVE
Annual Auction
Our 4th annual auction fundraiser will be happening soon! The auction is our biggest, and most exciting, fundraiser of the year!
We're currently seeking donations for auction items from individuals and businesses. No donation is too big or too small. We're also looking for food donations. Please contact us for more information about auction donations.
Donate Supplies
​
Niño Feliz is in constant need of:
Printer paper, Spanish books,
notebooks, laminate pouches,
pencils, tape, crayons, scissors,
pens, linking cubes, expo markers,
toys, and any other school supplies.
​
We're also in need of chew tubes, therapy balls, sensory materials, and other therapeutic tools.
​
Unfortunately, supplies will not make it to Nicaragua through regular mail. So, we pack the supplies in our suitcases and bring them down with us! Contact us to schedule a pick up or we can provide you with a local mailing address.
Make a Donation Online
_edited.jpg)
Our online donations are processed through FNE International and can go towards general trip funds (supplies and materials for the school) or directly towards the salary for the teacher's aide.
​
Click the button bellow to be brought to FNE's donation page, then select the option to donate to a specific project.
For general IAOP donations write "IAOP" as the project name.
For the Teacher’s Aide fund, write "IAOP Teacher Aide" as the project name.
CONTACT IAOP
Get in touch with IAOP to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.