I founded Floreo in 2016 based on a deeply personal connection with autism spectrum disorder. I saw first-hand the challenges that children with ASD faced with learning social and executive functioning skills, and how a child could respond positively through the use of virtual reality technology as a tool to aid the development of social and executive functioning skills. Now, looking ahead to 2022 and beyond, I see an accelerating demand for technologies that can help address the practical needs of the growing population of neurodiverse individuals.
Although VR was still relatively nascent at the time I developed the beta concept for Floreo, I believed in the potential of VR to be a bridge between the virtual and physical realms. And this led to a broader vision of how technology such as VR could help create a world that is open and accessible for every neurodiverse person. This is our vision at Floreo. While it is personal to me, our aspiration is to reach millions of people.
As we embark on our sixth year as a company, we’ve made tremendous progress toward our goal of building the first behavioral therapy metaverse—a virtual world that is safe and navigable for learners, equipping them with skills and tools they can apply in their day-to-day lives. We have developed a VR platform that teaches social, behavioral, communication and life skills for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related diagnoses. While we have started with ASD, we intend to scale Floreo’s technology across other areas of mental health including ADHD and Anxiety to reach as many people in need as possible.
From our modest beginnings we have grown and scaled and, in 2021, Floreo provided services in the form of more than 17,000 lessons taught to neurodiverse individuals in 19 countries around the world. Our platform is positively impacting lives, but we are still in the early stages of Floreo’s true potential to make a difference for so many people. We are also proud that we are in Phase II of our NIH funded study with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with more results expected this year. And, during the past year, we secured investments from the Autism Impact Fund, Divergent Investments, and the Disability Opportunity Fund.
One of our favorite things is getting to see Floreo being used by our customers. Recently The Learning Spectrum (OH) shared a video of Liz Fonzi MA CCC-SLP using Floreo with a client. Watch the Learner practice joining a conversation with peers in the school cafeteria.
The Learning Spectrum is using Floreo at all 3 of their locations and they just renewed their Floreo subscription for another year! Check them out if you are in Ohio!
And don't forget to tag us if you are sharing your Floreo experience on social media! We love to see all of the engaging and creative ways you are using Floreo!
For Wisconsin families and service coordinators:
Floreo provides innovative and evidence-based Virtual Reality assistive technology and supporting services as a benefit the families on your caseload can take advantage of using benefits under the Children's Long-Term Supports Waiver Program and technical reimbursement.
Join us on Wednesday February 16, 2022 at 12:00pm Central time for an introduction to Floreo! After a short live demo of Floreo, Rita Solórzano, MA, CCC-SLP, Floreo's Director of Therapy Content, will be available to answer questions.
Please share this invite with Wisconsin CLTS program participant families or anyone else that might be interested in improving outcomes for children with autism. We look forward to seeing you there!
Attention Schools and Districts in Texas: All Texas local education agencies are eligible to apply for grant funding to increase their capacity to implement innovative programs that effectively serve students with autism ages three through 21. It is a great time to implement Floreo in your district, school, or regional center with the help of this grant! Let us know how we can help support your efforts to secure funding through this grant. Read more about the grant opportunity.
Medicaid update
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MEDICAID-BASED SOLUTIONS?
Attention New York families and organizations: Floreo is an approved CFS Vendor for the OPWDD Self Directed Services Waiver. Our service provides training to increase independence, health and safety and promote opportunities to build community living and independence skills. If you are interested in using your OPWDD benefits to fund your Floreo subscription, please email us at info@floreotech.com.
If you are located in Maryland, Wisconsin, or Washington DC, please reach out to us about other Medicaid-based Floreo solutions in your area.
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Author, Floreo advisor and our Lead Self Advocate, Sam Farmer, announced a series of six virtual presentations which "are geared towards providing ideas and insights as to how autistic and neurodiverse individuals may be able to carve out better lives for themselves." Hosted by the Northeast Arc in MA, we hope you are able to join for one or more event! |
Research study opportunity
FROM OUR PARTNERS AT CHOP
Our partners at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia are recruiting participants for a compensated survey about autism and police. Please consider participating or sharing with others who might be interested!
What have we been reading this week?
NEWS ROUND-UP