The Farm
Our Dream - Community of Homesteads for Living & Learning
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Today, FAP's most important project is to build a prototype, green Farm Academy, with a cutting-edge teaching facility and small village campus. On the Farm, adult children over 21 with autism will live and enjoy nature based education, learn a variety of skills like self-help, arts, crafts, food preparation, animal care and office, farm and academic skills.
The skills grown children with autism will learn at the Farm Academy may also allow them to take jobs someday and earn income. For example, Vanessa Darany, daughter of FAP founder Brita Darany von Regensburg, has learned with assistance to bake organic apple pies, which prepares her to work at a bakery. Once their potential is tapped, the possibilities are endless for adults with autism. |
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Naming OpportunitiesYou can help us build the dream by buying a piece of the future. Buy a room, buy a house, buy the ranch! If you would like to make a major gift, and get a naming opportunity, please see more information here.
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HistoryFarms for adults with autism are not a new idea. The first such farm model was established at Somerset Court in England in 1974. Since then, many farms for adults with autism have been set up worldwide. The first U.S. farm, BitterSweet Farms in Ohio, opened in the early 1980s and is still a flourishing community.
Environmental Impact
FAP aims to build the prototype of a green Farm Academy with sustainable farming and living methods. We will preserve open space, use rescue animals in the animal assisted therapy programs, and act to leave the smallest carbon-footprint possible.
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Blossoming In an Organic Farm
Our children do well in quiet, open and natural environments. Many love to walk, love animals and just enjoy being outdoors. They also thrive on repetition, and the peaceful routine of farm life.
The "student farmers" at the FAP Farm Academy will:
The "student farmers" at the FAP Farm Academy will:
- Live in a community that is understanding and safe;
- Experience growing crops, raising animals, working with their hands and creating craft products. Our dream includes:
- a weaving room
- a papermaking workshop
- a bakery
- a kitchen classroom
- wool working room
- candle making workshop
- wreath making workshop
- tea room/gift shop
- Interact with the local community through farm festivals with musicians, inviting local school children to visits to the farm, inviting teenagers and seniors to be buddies;
- Use local resources like shopping, libraries, movies, malls, etc. when appropriate, and partner with other civic groups;
- Engage in several autism specific programs, including speech/communication, sensory integration, and animal assisted therapy sessions with horses and dogs;
- Take advantage of an intergenerational community, with spaces allocated for both seniors and youths such as inner-city children.
THE DREAM OF INDEPENDENT LIVING
Adults with autism in the FAP Farm Academy will learn to be increasingly independent. Successful farmers will advance from a highly structured living and learning environment that requires one-on-one supervision, to jobs and housing that need less support.
Being on the farm will be rewarding for adults with autism. To the extent of their abilities, they will exercise a life of self-determination. The Farm Academy will help these children on their journey to become an integral part of society as they increase their independence.
To that end, there will be a constant focus on helping our farmers acquire skills by turning their behaviors into talents. Each person will have an individually designed residential, work and leisure plan tailored to their interests and level of ability. We assume competency for every person.
Some important skills that will be targeted for development:
Being on the farm will be rewarding for adults with autism. To the extent of their abilities, they will exercise a life of self-determination. The Farm Academy will help these children on their journey to become an integral part of society as they increase their independence.
To that end, there will be a constant focus on helping our farmers acquire skills by turning their behaviors into talents. Each person will have an individually designed residential, work and leisure plan tailored to their interests and level of ability. We assume competency for every person.
Some important skills that will be targeted for development:
- Daily living skills
- Social skills and participation
- Positive self-care and reduction of adverse behavior
- Intellectual pursuits through, for instance, educational puzzles and cartoons
- An active lifestyle through recreation
FARM PROPERTY FOUND
We have found an ideal property for the Green Farm Living and Learning Academy located in Fairfield County which is practically in move-in condition. While we continue to explore a variety of funding resources, we badly need the donations from all parents, friends, and our prior supporters! Help us turn our Farm into a reality!
| Farm Brochure |
