Making an impAACT

impAACT is composed of six University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students who have either returned or are active in the International Student Exchange Program – Ghana, West Africa. In the spring of 2009, one member studied at the University of Ghana – Legon, and in the fall of 2010, five members will arrive at UG-L. We were each motivated study abroad in Ghana for individualized reasons; however, we found ourselves united in a fundamental desire: to make a positive difference in our world.

August – December 2010: Many of our impAACT members will volunteer at the Autism Awareness Care & Training centre (AACT). Founded in 1998, AACT is the only education and support center for children with autism in Ghana. AACT provides academic, social development and language skills to over thirty children, training and support for AACT parents, and promotes autism awareness in the community.

Currently, the Ghanaian government does not recognize Autism Spectrum Disorder and only one doctor will diagnose the disorder in the country. Outside of AACT, little to no action is taken to assist Ghanaian families challenged by the disorder. Mothers of children with autism are frequently ostracized from their communities and extended families; one common belief is that the mothers of children with autism are witches and have possessed their child with evil spirits. AACT works hard to promote awareness and understanding of autism across Ghana and other West African countries.

While AACT has much to offer, the program does not have the fundamental resources needed keep up with the fastest growing developmental disorder in the world. Andrea Krunnfusz, a member of impAACT has been profoundly impacted after volunteering over 200 hours with AACT in the spring of 2009, and has first-hand accounts of AACTs need for support. AACT does not have the means to provide educational tools or toys for each child. According to AACTs founder, Serwah Quaynor, the issue is ignorance.

impAACT invites you to join us in supporting AACT in their mission to enhance understanding about autism. We will be hosting a fundraiser on Thursday, May 6th from 6-8 pm at Porters Restaurant in Ramada Inn. Our fundraiser will be open to the public, free of charge, and we will ask for suggested donations. There will be live music by various local performers and a raffle of both local and Ghanaian goods. We project 50-80 local attendants.

impAACT commits to spend every dollar donated to provide a better education for AACTs children and families. 100% of our fundraiser proceeds will be used to support AACT directly in their mission to eliminate ignorance about autism by providing workbooks, training tools, and access to treatment programs proven effective in benefitting those affected by autism. Because impAACT will be working directly with the centre, we will continually update this blog to inform supporters of how their money is spent and the changes that their support has made.

We ask you to support us in any way. We are looking for items to raffle (gift certificates, merchandise, coupons, etc.), monetary donations, or any other contribution you can make. All contributions will be honored by promotion of our fundraiser and by free publicity during our event. impAACT is inspired by the quote “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something… and together we can do anything.”

If you would like to be a part of our mission by donation or attendance at our fundraiser, please comment below or email Andi Krunnfusz at krunnfae@uwec.edu, and one of our impAACT members will get back to you right away.

If you'd like to make a monetary donation, please write a check to "impAACT" and send it to:

Make an impAACT

C/O: Andrea Krunnfusz

640 Hilltop Circle

Eau Claire, WI 54701

Thank you.