Bring on the Spectrum (BOTS) was proud to welcome the Capital Region chapter of Hands and Voices of New York on Saturday, March 26. BOTS is a 6,000 square foot Community Space & Sensory Gym, enhancing the lives of neurodiverse children, young adults and adults in the greater Capital Region. They are a 501 c 3.
Sensory Gym:
The sensory gym is unique. For children, there are sensory swings, a Climb & Slide, a jumparoo and tactile interactives. For teens, young adults and adults, the focus is sensory swings, light fitness equipment, air hockey, giant jenga and other activities.
Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation Sensory Room is dedicated to sensory experiences designed specifically to help individuals feel calm, supported, and focused.
Community Space:
The Community Space is the game changer. It was created to be reflective of what the community wants. In 2022, BOTS has hosted art, yoga, music therapy, board games, Zumba, STEAM workshops, movie nights and “teen/young adult hang-out” events.
In short, social, recreational and lifestyle activities where friendships are created, teamwork is fostered and connections are made. AND, a place to just have fun!
“My daughter is deaf/hard of hearing and she has autism,” said BOTS founder Lisa Audi. “For me and our board, we wanted to create an inclusive community space. While our name has the word spectrum in it, we really viewed the word spectrum beyond autism. We welcome the spectrum of diagnosis. We welcome the spectrum of ages; we are not just for children. And we welcome the spectrum of diversity and inclusion. All means All.”
Local Hands & Voices coordinators Emilee Foster and Michelle Swain have known Audi for 8 years, having worked with her daughter from the age of 2.5 years to the present.
“Emilee and Michelle have meant the world to my daughter and me,” Audi revealed. “Having them work with my daughter and having them to lean on, especially in the beginning, was incredibly important. When I began to work on BOTS, I knew I wanted the deaf/hard of hearing community to be included in what we were doing. Again, a true spectrum of individuals and families.”
“I have said this time and again since we began this project. We are open to ideas from the community; it is THE community’s space. Please connect with us, we want to be here for everyone,” Audi emphasized.
For more information about what Bring on the Spectrum offers, visit
They are on social media at:
www.facbebook.com/BringOnTheSpectrum
