Make The VIP Connection
Welcome to the Verge of Independence Project: Multimedia Autism Advocacy (VIP), a Neurodiversity Culture using multimedia to promote the independence, self-advocacy, and social confidence of autistic adults 18+ years old!
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"Did you know that nearly 800,000 young adults in the U.S. identify as an autistic person or a person with autism?" Click on the
About Autism, page to learn more about autism and resources.
Established in 2009, the VIP community supports adult individuals on the spectrum in discovering that Connections Matter. You, too, can make the connection by exploring this resourceful site.
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VIP Blogs
written by the
award-winning
collegiate journalist
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Melissa Lushington
Click on the photo to enter the VIP zone, where you can focus on empowering platforms that support and lead to gaining independence.
VIP featured in the
Award-winning
Funtimes magazine
Click on IMage
to read full article
(CLICK ON IMAGE ABOVE TO READ AND LISTEN TO THE MICRO-INTERVIEW)
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The Verge of Independence Project was honored as a 2025 'KYW Newsradio Game Changer' for its efforts in educating young adults in the autism community by providing essential resources.
Discover
VIP VoxPop
Exercise Your Independence by Answering for Yourself the Following Question:
"What does independence mean to me?"
I am autistic and a self-advocate. I am also the co-founder of the Verge of Independence Project and its autism ambassador. For me, independence means, having the freedom to discover and embrace my different abilities.
My interests are listening to all kinds of good music, playing musical instruments, swimming, skating, bowling, golfing, traveling, being around trees, attending; concerts, performances, and sporting events, exploring jobs, spending time with my family and friends, and learning and participating in the voting process."
Verge of Independence Project/VIP was created for autistic young adults to have the freedom to express themselves. So, check out The VIP VoxPop, where you can hear and share your thoughts on living and leading as an autistic individual.
Hi, my name is Branford...
The Vip Blog
"Don't Cut Corners...Unless It's Cake" Blog Series
Presented by VIP Blogger Melissa Lushington
Hi, VIPers!
Welcome to the "Don't Cut Corners...Unless It's Cake" Blog! On the first Wednesday of each month, you can look forward to receiving news and information along with a sweet slice of wisdom that speaks to autistic adults and to those who support them."
Vip zone & Podcast
Produced by the Verge of Independence Project Team
The Inaugural
VIP Zone Podcast
9/9/2011
Once entering the zone, you’ll be able to focus on empowering platforms that supports and leads to gaining independence.
We want to keep you charged up by presenting encouraging web and podcast interviews!
Take a listen to our kick-off interview with Kevin "Katalyst" Carroll, bestselling author of "Rules of the Red Rubber Ball!"
VIP NEWS, VIEWS, & HAPPENINGS
Verge of Independence Project
is a proud recipient of the
Philadelphia Autism Project Seed Award
The Verge of Independence Project has used the funding to create virtual and in-person workshops on various topics for young adults on the spectrum. Some topics include social integration, public speaking/advocacy, financial literacy, and civic engagement.
To learn more about the seed awards, please visit www.phillyautismproject.org
(click on) The Book Cover to read the VIP blog article on the author
