What’s New at
Jake Max Foundation
Mission Statement: The Jake Max Foundation empowers individuals with disabilities through art, advocacy, and economic opportunity. We provide a platform for artists with disabilities, known as Maximizers, to share their creativity, tell their stories, and participate in meaningful income-generating opportunities through art and apparel. 100% of the apparel profits go directly to the Maximizer!
Hear directly from Maximizer Kelly below!
Support Jake Max Foundation without more clothes? Grab a sticker! Show off a Maximizer’s design on your water bottle, laptop, or wall—cute, meaningful, and the perfect treat for you or a loved one. Check them out!
Back To School Accessibility Tips  Back to school is around the corner! Whether you’re the parent of a child with disabilities, a teacher, or simply want to be in the know, here are some tips to ensure accessibility for students with disabled: - Adding captions to videos benefits not only Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, but students with auditory processing disorders. Make sure there is high contrast between the text and the background!
- All schools are required to have accommodations available for students, and many have an accessibility center that specifically works to ensure educational access for a variety of disabilities. Take advantage!
- Normalize disabilities! If you are a teacher, include students with disabilities in your word problems or graphics. If you are a parent, encourage your child to befriend everyone, including students with disabilities.
- Ask about safety plans, especially for those with disabilities that affect mobility, or can be triggered by alarms and flashing lights. Ensure these students know what to do in case of an emergency!
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Month August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness (SMA) month! - If you don’t know what SMA is, it’s a disease that is caused by deficiency of the Survival Motor Neuron - SMN - protein (most commonly from mutations in the SMN1 gene), with rarer forms stemming from mutations in other genes. By affecting nerve cells, it leads to voluntary muscle weakness and a loss of critical movements including breathing, eating, and walking.
- August is dedicated to raising awareness of SMA and highlighting the importance of early newborn screening and modern treatments for this rare disease.
- You can get involved by advocating online, supporting/donating to organizations like Cure SMA, and joining educational webinars about the topic.
The Jake Max Foundation is actively seeking partnerships, collaborative opportunities, and meaningful opportunities to connect with others. Let us know if you are interested in: - Volunteering
- Donating
- Becoming a partner (social media, collaborative events, apparel/merchandise, etc.)
- Sponsorship
- Being featured in our monthly newsletter
- Becoming a Maximizer!
Maximizer Spotlight: Kelly Maximizer Kelly was born with a cerebellum half its usual size, affecting her coordination. Despite this, she is a joyful and creative artist who loves to inspire others with her own courage and mission of making others happy!
Her merch, “Be You,” carries her message of wanting everyone to love themselves, and her genuine care for others got her voted as Homecoming Queen in the past!
To check out her merch and read more about Kelly's story, visit our website!
Better yet! Click below to hear Kelly's story in her own words! 3 Resources for Parents, Teachers, and Everyone to Support Students with Disabilities: - Create an inclusive environment: Ensure classrooms, learning spaces, and activities are welcoming and accessible to all students. This can include asking students what they need to learn best and how they prefer to communicate and receive support.
- Empower students to explore their strengths: Celebrate students’ creativity, interests, and talents! Allow students to express themselves freely, which may be through a number of activities like art, writing, dance, etc.
- Encourage self-advocacy: Support students in making their own choices and speaking up about what works and what does not work for them. Be willing to adjust expectations or activities when necessary.
Your support helps Maximizers share their creativity, stories, and impact with the world. Every contribution helps us expand our programs and reach more artists ready to shine.- Maximizer Kelly's story was featured on our Instagram page. Check out the link above!
- A behind the scenes look at Maximizer Adam creating his artwork was sent to newsletter subscribers. Let us know if you missed out and want to see it!
- Maximizer Application link is live - apply here and share with potential Maximizers!
Contact us Jake Max Foundation info@jakemax.com
Brett Segobiano Founder, President
Eric Requet VP, Director of Development
Matt Malir VP, Director of Operations The Jake Max Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN # 39-3339143
All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
No goods or services are provided in exchange for your contribution. |
