Funds from the newly created Simon Family Endowment is enabling UW Tacoma to expand its Master of Social Work program to help meet the demand for practitioners skilled in attending adults with autism or other intellectual disabilities.
A new MSW practicum will offer training and fieldwork to students who want to provide lifelong care to adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability. The endowment will fund fellowships for MSW students who enroll in this new practicum.
“We are excited to be at the forefront of efforts to strengthen MSW preparation in this important area,” said Diane S. Young, director and associate director, Social Work and Criminal Justice Program, UW Tacoma. “Besides providing critical financial support for MSW students, the Simon Family Endowment will enable fellowship opportunities that will pave the way for us to engage more MSW students in this area of specialization. There is such a need in South Puget Sound for these skills.”
In addition, the endowment will support the new Autism Coalition of Tacoma, a multi-agency coalition focused on serving individuals and families across their lifespan who reside in South Puget Sound. The Autism Coalition will create new programs, enhance existing ones, and identify opportunities for streamlining, integration and innovation to help adults diagnosed with ASD to lead full and satisfying lives. Core coalition members are: UW Tacoma; UW Autism Center; Center for Family and Lifespan Development; JBLM Center for Autism Resources, Education and Services; MultiCare Health System; and UW Medicine.