We had the good fortune of connecting with Ed Solis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ed, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It was self reflection. Going deep inside myself to find out how i can contribute to society. How can i be of service. I believe one has to go deep inside themselves before they can go outside themselves. It was Filling a void. I have been a skateboarder since 1987. Im gonna share what i know. It’s as simple as that be yourself be genuine bring it to those who want it and need it. And after organizing numerous successful community events i decided it was time to officially form a non profit 501c3 organization. It was clear What I set out to do was working. I won service project of the year through the lions club international for all of orange county when i organized and event for them in Seal Beach. And then the state for the dame event. It was clear that this void i was Filling was needed. I can share that. I figured out what demographic. And it dawned me, Skateboarding for autism California is not only about the one to one skateboard lessons for kids with autism and other cognitive delays. What can I do to make the experience convenient for the overworked and tired parent? I decided we bring the pop us skateboard Park to them.
This didn’t exist at all. In this case it was my social cause that I believe in. It’s not being done on the level we do it at. The nuances at each one of our events is unprecedented. We bring a pop up skatepark with 4 instructors. Dividing the skateboard park into quarters in their own safe space with a behavioral therapist. All our events are completely free and insured. We provide these events in schools, military bases and in public parks throughout county and city recreation departments.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Skateboarding For Autism California is one of a kind. We are the only organization providing an emmersive therapeutic Skateboarding lesson for children with autism and other cognitive delays. We bring a pop up safe space Skatepark So that the participants do not need to go to a public skatepark where it is crowded aggressive. In addition along with one to one skateboard lessons we bring behavioral therapists to shadow each instructor, child and parent/guardian so that they can bridge any communication issues. All our events are free to everyone and fully insured. We also provide skateboards and protective gear incase our participants do not have the means to own their own. We happily loan out equipment as well. We are all about oneness and inclusion not exclusion.

The sensory center that we bring is designed for our participants to center themselves if they are having difficulty with the new experience. Sometimes the parents sing up a month in advance and make us the center of their weekend. Its would be ashamed of they show up and can’t take advantage of the great experience in front of them. So the sensory center is a place to anchor to the vibe of the event and stay and gradually participate as there are sensory tactile activities by professional therapists and teachers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a Los Angeles native. It would be about a dodger game and Mexican food. I would take them car free at first. It would be about We would take the gold line rail system from the Atlantic Station in East Los Angeles. We would get off on mariachi plaza and let the tasting begin. Get back on head Into union station. Cross the street to Olvera Street and do the food all over again. Then with our bellies full we head back across the street to union station and take the dodger shuttle to the dodgers 💙 game. I LOVE L.A

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes I want to acknowledge my partner Cheryl Bard for her unwavering moral support and belief in me.

Website: https://skateboardingforautismcalifornia.com

Instagram: skateboardingforautismca

Image Credits
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