Tessera creates...
Skyrocketing need makes Tessera imperative
Tessera is a non-profit organization promoting and developing residential, recreational and educational programs for individuals with autism. Since incorporating in 2004 as Northwest Academy for Exceptional Children (NWAEC), our name changed to Tessera to reflect our expanding mission.
A tessera is a tile used in a mosaic. Alone it’s nothing but a plain and simple cube. Yet beautiful images are created when combined with other tesserae. That’s us. That’s Tessera: Our tiles are the people we serve; our unique programs; experienced, involved families; generous donors; supportive communities and enthusiastic volunteers. Together we create beautiful opportunities and rich experiences for every stage of life.
While the federal government spends over $50,000 per year for each case of AIDS/HIV, funding and research for autism is under $50 for each case. In Washington State, only one insurer (one employer) helps pay the costs of therapy for children with autism. Less than 10% of children with autism are getting the services and biomedical treatments they need to reach their full potential. The lack of funding affects employers of parents who must take time offer from work; states and school districts that fund special programs; parents who lack health insurance to help defer the costs; and the children who are unable to grow and develop due to a lack of programs. In addition, options fall off as children enter adolescence.
That’s why an organization likeTessera is absolutely imperative. Tessera began with the Burnetts, two parents seeking a suitable education for their daughter, Alyssa, who was diagnosed with autism. When they realized no school existed in the Northwest that could meet Alyssa’s needs, the Burnetts sent her to a school halfway across the country. As much as they wanted Alyssa to be in a situation where she could develop and grow, they couldn’t stand their daughter being so far away. They realized the only solution was to start their own school here in the Northwest, and founded Tesserato realize this vision.
As we implement our three-phase plan over the coming years, Tessera will provide services across the lifespan in three crucial areas:
- Phase I –Staffed residential living for adults 18 and over
- Phase II –Community-based recreational, social and learning programs for all ages and their families
- Phase III –Year-round school for children ages 11 through 21
While programs and services are based on the Eastside of the greater Seattle area, Tessera will serve all families in need in the Northwest region.
