Vans has dropped a collection of sneakers geared toward kids and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The shoes’ designers consulted with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, who create standardized programs in a variety of industries for people with sensory disorders and other special needs.
The resulting line of sneakers are extra-comfortable, sensory-inclusive shoes that focus on touch, sight, and sound.
The shoes come in a palette of cool, calming shades of blue and gray, include additional padding for great comfort, and loops on the back that make them easy to pull on. One version features a textured, checkered pattern and another is topped with a polychromatic holograph of water.
CNN has reported that many parents with kids on the spectrum are enthusiastic about the product, which will hopefully help their children be more independent and experience fewer clothing-related frustrations.
One parent, whose child still struggles to put on and tie his own shoes, said that “the single strap hook and loop will allow him to put his shoes on and adjust them to the tightness he personally needs. The reinforced toe means that he will be able to wear a pair he is used to longer without the anxiety of changing shoes.”
Plus, they look really cool!
Photo Credit: Vans
Vans is also planning to donate at least $100k of its earnings from the collection to the A.skate Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes the therapeutic benefits of skateboarding for children on the spectrum.
If you’re loving this idea as much as I do, you can shop the collection here.
The company said in a press release that “since 1966, Vans has stood as a champion of individuality and self-expression. With this project, Vans celebrates the unique aspects of all people.”
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Today, a beautiful thing occurred within my classroom. My two most important mottos and lessons I stress every single day with my students is to “Be Kind” and to believe in one’s self through the growth mindset of “Yes I Can”. • • It is #AutismAwareness Month and every classroom on campus has been asked to have each student decorate a paper puzzle piece and hang it on our classroom doors. When I handed out the puzzle pieces, most students were familiar with the idea of Autism and aware of the cause of decorating the puzzle pieces. What my students did not know is that Autism is present within our classroom with one of our fellow classmates, Rumari. With excitement, Rumari rose his hand and said “May I please say something?” I nodded and said “of course”, but never could I have imagined what was to follow. • • Rumari has faced challenges and barriers beyond what any of us will ever be able to fully understand. But today, Rumari stood in front of the classroom with full confidence, enthusiasm, and courage and showed us that there is no challenge or barrier that can stop him. He brought to life the meaning of “Yes I Can” as he explained to his fellow classmates that he was autistic. With full knowledge, he explained the differences that may come when being autistic and how the spectrum is vast. He courageously spoke about his own differences and quirks, while defining what it means to make everyone feel like a someone. • • My other students and I sat quietly and listened, completely engulfed in every word he spoke to us. Because of this, it took me a bit before realizing I needed to capture this moment. Without any of the students knowing, I hit record and captured the final moments of Rumari speaking to us and the raw, authentic reactions of the rest of my students. It is then, that I lost my ability to hold back the tears. It is then, that the daily lessons to “Be Kind” and to remember “Yes I Can” were brought together. • • If I were unable to ever teach again or if there was ever a question to my path into this role as an educator, this moment solidified my purpose. With permission from Rumari’s parents, I wanted to share with you this moment: