At Columbus on the Spectrum, we share a common goal– to build an organization that makes neurodiverse people feel welcomed, understood, respected and valued, and to spread that out into the world.  Our mission includes working both for and with neurodiverse individuals.  Aligning with our mission; many of us are neurodiverse and/or have other developmental disabilities (and other barriers), all of us love someone who is, we are in community with those we aim to serve, and we prioritize creating programming alongside our community.  We center the wants and needs of program participants and disability community members with a multifaceted, holistic approach.  Our Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers are also our program participants, caregivers, and supporters.  As a result, our community is one that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusivity from the very core of our organization.  

We reject all forms of discrimination based on a person’s level of independence, physical or developmental disabilities, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ideology, economic status, ethnicity, background, or age. Columbus on the Spectrum places high value on equitable opportunities and supporting one another, both internally and within our programming.  We encourage strengthening community and family bonds, sharing resources, programming and traditions that help everyone know they matter.  While we make every effort to come together with individuals from all walks of life, providing support and education to eliminate fear based solely on human differences, we do not tolerate harm to our community in the form of discriminatory language or actions of any kind.  

We recognize that some people are afraid of things that they have no experience with, and that a lot of neurodiverse people are black and white thinkers. Because of this, we also offer small workshops, when requested, to sit with people and allow them to express their fears, as well as break down the stereotypes that they may believe about people who are different than they are. When we say we do not tolerate discrimination, hear us, but also know that we are not the type to just say, ‘go away.’ Most people run things this way, however, we know that education increases acceptance and are always willing to be with someone to help them learn what they need in order to be loving, welcoming, and accepting of those they probably just do not know yet. Welcome, everyone!