PECS Developers Bondy and Frost Contribute to Education for Diverse Learners

Investing in Education for Diverse Learners

In a transformative move for educational equity, Andy Bondy and Lori Frost, the co-developers of the Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS®), have pledged $100,000 to Temple University's College of Education and Human Development. Their generous donation aims to bolster initiatives that address the needs of learners with diverse and complex communication needs.

A Legacy of Support

Andy Bondy and Lori Frost are not only pioneers in the field of communication and applied behavior analysis, but they are also proud parents of Temple graduates. Their commitment to the institution is reflected in their establishment of two significant funds: the Andy Bondy and Lori Frost Endowed Scholarship and the Andy Bondy and Lori Frost Experiential Learning Fund. This pledge forms part of Temple University's ambitious Made for More campaign, which seeks to raise $125 million over three years to enhance student scholarships and support.

The endowment will help create lasting academic opportunities for ambitious students looking to make a difference in educational environments. Temple University has announced that it will match the scholarship contributions made through this fund, effectively doubling the impact of the original donation.

Launching the Pyramid Functional Communication Skills Program

A key focus of this donation will be the establishment of the Pyramid Functional Communication Skills Program, aimed specifically at providing innovative communication resources for autistic children and their families in underserved communities in Philadelphia. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the college’s vision to offer equitable education, facilitating improved learning outcomes and life opportunities for those who have historically lacked access.

Professor Matt Tincani, a longtime collaborator with Bondy and Frost, expressed optimism about the program's potential. He stated, "This program will serve as a cornerstone in our initiative to become the go-to choice for aspiring autism educators and therapists. Families in Philadelphia will gain access to top-tier services and support, which is critically needed in our communities."

The work of Bondy and Frost extends beyond this donation; since developing PECS in 1985, they have created evidence-based methodologies that now serve individuals with developmental disabilities globally. Through their organization, Pyramid Educational Consultants, they operate in 16 countries, enriching lives and providing crucial support for those with autism and communication challenges.

A Vision for Effective Communication

In their statement, Bondy expressed their excitement about aligning their mission with educational advancement: "We are thrilled to support Temple's commitment to excellence in student education. Enhancing collaboration among educators to ensure meaningful communication for all learners is a long-term goal we’re passionate about. By partnering with emerging educators to instill critical communication skills, we are paving the way for those with complex needs."

This partnership not only emphasizes the importance of accessibility in education but also underscores the impact that targeted funding can have on future generations. As the Pyramid Functional Communication Skills Program takes shape, it hopes to empower families, educators, and communities towards a path of inclusive education.

For more information on the initiatives arising from this generous donation and to learn more about Pyramid Educational Consultants’ commitment to autism communication support, visit www.pecs.com.