CLEVELAND — Jacob Hanna, a six-year-old from Ohio, has been enjoying the classic summer camp experience. His mother, Sarah Kovit Hanna, explained this almost wasn’t a possibility for him.

What You Need To Know

  • "The Positivity Spectrum" is a nonprofit looking to help kids with autism experience summer camp

  • The organization began a few months ago, but will expand into all greater Akron area YMCA locations next summer

  • The organization will help pay for aides to assist at the camps and help pay the camp tuition 

“There are no summer options that are all day, that are inclusive for kids with autism. Not in our area, not in our extended area. I looked about 45 minutes from here. I couldn’t find anyone that could take him and meet my needs as a working parent,” she said.

So Kovit Hanna took matters into her own hands. She’s a single mom, with full custody over Jacob and also a lawyer. She created the nonprofit organization, “The Positivity Spectrum.”

“I became an upset mom of a child with autism, with a law degree, and decided to put that to use by starting a nonprofit. I began raising funds to be able to replicate what I call 'the pilot,' which is Jacob’s summer program, with other kids," she explained.

The Positivity Spectrum’s goal is to raise funds for camp tuition for kids and also assist in paying aides to be at the summer camps to help the kids with autism. Jacob’s aide, Justyce Caldwell, explained how important this is.

“With neurodivergent children, I think it’s important that they get the same opportunity,” she said.

Kovit Hanna said that the organization began in June and right now the program has only been helping Jacob, but come next summer she said the program will expand to all greater Akron area YMCA locations.

“We’re going to be able to see smiles and fun and have kids have the support that they need,” she said.

This program will give kids with autism a chance to experience a summer tradition.