Thompson Family Foundation 2018 Award

Thompson Family Foundation 2018 Award

Chapman University’s recent Second Annual State of Research and Creative Activity celebrated the university’s accomplishments in research and creative activity as well as recognized the support of selected sponsors.

This year’s award recipients included the William and Nancy Thompson Family Foundation, which is a national leader in autism-related legislative efforts and an active partner with Chapman in the support of new research, interventions, and education.

When presenting the award, Chapman’s Vice President for Research Thomas Piechota, Ph.D., said, “Chapman would like to recognize the support from the Thompson Foundation in establishing the Thompson Policy Institute. It brings together research, education, and decision making on critical issues facing people with disabilities as well as their families, communities, and the agencies that work on their behalf.”

Founded in 2015, the Attallah College of Educational Studies’ Thompson Policy Institute (TPI) strives to impact policy by reducing barriers that limit access to learning, living, and working for those affected by autism spectrum disorders.

“We’re so thankful for the Thompsons’ continued support, which has had a profound impact on the lives to those with disabilities and their families,” said TPI’s Associate Director Audri Gomez, Ph.D. “The Thompson Family Foundation’s contribution has allowed us to conduct critical research and work with state agencies, schools, and families to promote inclusive schooling and transition services for children and adults with disabilities.”

In support of its mission, the Thompson Policy Institute hosts an annual DisAbility Summit to showcase recent disability studies research and celebrate community partners. This year’s event will be on Friday, April 19, 2019, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Chapman’s Musco Center for the Arts. Registration will open in spring 2019.

For the first time this year, TPI is also hosting a DisAbility Policy Summit in Sacramento in junction with the CCTE (California Council on Teacher Education) SPAN Conf. The event will be on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. RSVP to TPI to attend.

Visit TPI’s website for more information about its research and upcoming events.

Display Image at Top: From left to right, TPI Director Don Cardinal, Don Thompson, and Attallah College Dean Margaret Grogan.