Ascendigo Autism Services

09/09/2025

💙 It’s Direct Support Professional Recognition Week! 💙

September 7–13, we’re celebrating the incredible DSPs at Ascendigo and across the nation who bring passion, dedication, and heart to their work every day.

Our DSPs are the reason individuals with autism and other IDDs can experience adventure, independence, and connection in our community. 🌟

Join us in saying THANK YOU to these everyday heroes who make a lasting difference. 🙌

09/08/2025

✨We’re SO close! Both of our fundraisers for the Adventure for All Campaign are just steps away from reaching their goals in support of the Bil Rieger Scholarship Fund

Each year, Ascendigo provides $70,000–$90,000 in scholarships to break down financial barriers—ensuring every participant has the chance to experience the joy, growth, and connection that come from our life-changing programs.

You can make a difference:
👉 Fund a future
👉 Share our campaign
👉 Help open doors for every deserving participant

💙Will you help them reach their goals?
🔗 https://give.classy.org/Adventure-For-All

09/03/2025

🚨 TODAY is the day — Youth Sports Giving Day is HERE!

The 2025 Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day officially kicks off TONIGHT at 6:00 PM MT 🎉 Every gift made after 6 PM qualifies for matching funds — meaning your impact goes even further!

At Ascendigo, we see every day how sports and outdoor recreation transform the lives of individuals with autism and other cognitive differences. From skiing and climbing to water sports, our programs empower participants to build confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love for movement. 💙

🌟 Here’s why this campaign matters:

- Part of a statewide movement raising millions for youth sports
- $1.5 million in match & incentive funds available
- Benefits more than 225 Ascendigo participants each year

Please join us and make your gift between Sept. 3–17 to help expand access to outdoor therapeutic recreation and community connection for individuals with ASD.

👉 Donate here: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Ascendigo

Together, we can open doors to sport, play, and belonging. 🏔️

09/03/2025

🌟🐴 Now Offering Mini Ranch Adventures!
Looking for a fun and engaging experience for your little ones? Our Mini Ranch Adventures are perfect for children ages 2–5! ALL children welcome—no autism diagnosis needed.

Over four exciting days, kids will:
- Meet and care for miniature ponies
- Learn animal safety and basic ranch skills
- Enjoy a pony ride (if comfortable!)
- Explore nature and make new friends

📅 Seven 4-Day Sessions in Sept. & Oct.
💵 $260 per session
📍 Crystal Springs Ranch

📞 Contact Sydney: 970-948-6157 or shorwitz@ascendigo.org

09/03/2025

Ascendigo’s Saturday Adventures Club (SAC) presented by FirstBank kicks off Saturday, Sept. 6th! This popular fall program, offered to local Roaring Fork Valley families/participants, has extended to 12-weeks this year! This one-of-a-kind program is dedicated to providing rewarding experiences to local youth on the autism spectrum or with other cognitive differences.

SAC offers supported instruction to integrate participants into community life recreationally and socially. Ascendigo participants have seen firsthand the impact that sports can have on individuals with ASD and continues to create meaningful opportunities for a population too often left behind.

Saturday Adventures Club participants enjoy lake activities, kayaking, horseback riding, climbing, local festivals and attractions, hiking + more! Many participants shatter their own expectations by doing something they never thought was possible because they have the support they need to succeed and have fun.

Register today at www.ascendigo.org/saturday-adventures-club

08/29/2025

Picnic blankets, fresh mountain air, and jaw-dropping views—our After Hours participants soaked up the best of Old Snowmass. Thanks to everyone who joined us! Can’t wait for the next one. 🧺🏔️✨

08/28/2025

YAY - Dr. Temple Grandin will be back in the Roaring Fork Valley on September 7th! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to attend, volunteer, and meet one of the most influential voices in autism and animal behavior advocacy.

Mark your calendars – this is an event you won’t want to miss!

We're only 15 days away from the 5th annual Hay Bale Ball, celebrating SGR's 10th anniversary with special guest Dr. Temple Grandin! Guests will dine with the animals while sipping signature cocktails during happy hour. The event will also feature meet-and-greets with some of SGR’s therapy animals, sensory work demos, performances by the Westernaires, silent auction, and more! Get your tickets today, sign up to volunteer, or find out more by visiting www.smilinggoatranch.com/hay-bale-ball

08/28/2025

Heartfelt thanks to the Snowmass Village Rotary Club for your support at tonight’s Grant Awards Celebration at Aspen Glen. We are so grateful for your generosity and commitment to our community—your support helps us expand our impact. 🙏

08/27/2025

🌟 A huge thank you to everyone who's stopped by the Aspen Public Radio Volunteer Fair so far—your enthusiasm is inspiring! The event is still going strong until 6 PM tonight, so there's plenty of time to join in. Swing by our booth and all the amazing nonprofit booths to discover how you can give back to your community and make a real difference. 🙌

08/26/2025

🎉 Spin, Win & Volunteer!
Join Ascendigo Autism Services at Aspen Public Radio’s Volunteer Fair for an afternoon of connection, community, and fun!

📍 Glenwood Springs Branch Library
📅 Wednesday, August 27th
🕑 2–6 PM | FREE EVENT

✨ Stop by our booth to spin the prize wheel, grab some fun swag, and learn how YOU can make a difference in the lives of individuals with autism right here in the Roaring Fork Valley!

💛 With live radio, food trucks, and performances, this is your chance to connect with local nonprofits and get inspired to give back.

📢 Tag a friend and come see us there!

08/26/2025

Thank you to The Aspen Times for shining a spotlight on Ascendigo Autism Services and our mission to empower individuals on the autism spectrum through adventure, connection, and growth.

The article highlights our commitment to making outdoor experiences accessible to ALL through scholarships and inclusive programming. We’re proud to see our work celebrated in the community—and even prouder of the amazing participants, families, and supporters who make this impact possible.

📰 Read the full story here: www.aspentimes.com/news/roaring-fork-valley-nonprofit-wants-to-expand-scholarships-for-those-on-autism-spectrum

💙 Thank you for helping us create opportunities, build confidence, and inspire adventure for all!

Ascendigo Autism Services is launching an

08/23/2025

🍂Autumn Just Got More Exciting - Now Enrolling for NEW Fall Adult Programs🍂

As fall approaches, we're thrilled to introduce a fresh new lineup for two brand-new programs designed especially for neurodivergent adults in the Roaring Fork Valley.

These programs reflect Ascendigo’s heart and mission—centered around person-driven, joyful experiences designed to build practical skills, connection, and community belonging. We accept Medicaid! We also rely heavily on the generosity of our donors to fill funding gaps.

Interested? Learn more & REGISTER online at www.ascendigo.org/adult-afternoon-adventures and/or www.ascendigo.org/after-hours