ICDL Foundation

Advancing ICDL's vision of a world where individual differences are embraced and everyone achieves their fullest potential.

Who We Are

To help carry out ICDL's mission, the ICDL Foundation utilizes funds from donations and from ICDL earned income to support many projects that help advance our vision of a world where individual differences are embraced and everyone achieves their fullest potential. This has included direct funding of programs and projects led by other organizations and the funding of research grants that align with ICDL's stated values and will help advance ICDL's mission and vision.

What We Do

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

In recent years, ICDL has partnered with and provided financial support to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) by sponsoring their annual gala and by partnering on projects like the Resources for Coverage of Autism Related Services Toolkit and For Whose Benefit?: Evidence, Ethics, and Effectiveness of Autism Interventions project. Currently, ICDL is partnering with ASAN and providing funding for a new project focused on Medicaid Behavioral Supports. ICDL has chosen ASAN as the lead organization that we are committed to support and partner with on an ongoing and recurring annual basis. This partnership helps make a difference in our world and creates more opportunities for everyone to achieve their fullest potential.

Neurodiversity Initiatives and Programs

ICDL has funded several other programs focused on promoting an understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity. Most recently, ICDL was the primary funding supporter for Diversity is Phenomenal and a primary sponsor for the INAS 2022 inaugural conference. ICDL not only provides funding, but we work in partnership to advance the neurodiversity movement and we lend technical and administrative support as needed.

Sponsorships and Scholarships

ICDL has provided funding for many other efforts including:

  • ICDL has sponsored conferences such as the Autism Society, STAR Institute, and many other conferences for professionals and parents. The more parents and professionals are aware of ICDL and DIR®, the greater impact we can have to advance our mission and vision.

  • ICDL often provides free or very low-cost DIR® trainings to organizations and communities that have limited financial resources and where there are often inequities in regards to access to quality services.

  • ICDL provides discounts and scholarships to parents in need to receive DIR® Home Program and DIRFloortime® Intensive services.

  • During 2022, ICDL provided grants to DIR® Experts in Ukraine for the provision of DIRFloortime® supports to children and families.

Research Grants

ICDL has provided grant funding for research. Most recently, we provided research grants examining the utilization of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual 2 and we are now seeking proposals for research grants focused on supporting applied autism research projects that align with our mission to make a positive impact in people’s lives by promoting and championing a developmental and relationship-based approach to human development and learning.

2022 Gala Recap

Mission

To make a positive impact in people’s lives by promoting and championing a developmental and relationship-based approach to human development and learning.

Vision

A world where individual differences are embraced and everyone achieves their fullest potential.

We Value

Relationships: We value relationships because relationships fuel development.

Connections: We value the power of emotional connections because connections allow us to enter, share, and expand our world.

Respect: We value each person's unique individual differences.

Leadership: We value our leadership role in teaching the world about the power of a relationship-based developmental approach.

Results: We value results that have a lasting and empowering impact.