The Tee-Rexes
Building Inclusive, High‑Impact Youth Baseball Experiences |
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WHO ARE WE ?
• Started with a simple goal: find 12 athletes who
needed an inclusive baseball program�
• The response was overwhelming — instead of 12,
we welcomed over 50 athletes�
• Families were eager for a safe, structured,
autism‑friendly environment�
• Volunteers stepped up in an incredible way�
• We grew to over 150 volunteers, including:�
– High school students�
– Teachers�
– School staff�
– Community members who wanted to help
WHY THIS MATTERS
Only about 30–40% of autistic children and teens regularly participate in organized sports.�
“According to the CDC’s most recent data, approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States is identified with autism spectrum disorder.”�— Autism Speaks (referencing CDC surveillance data)
| Special Olympics | Tee-Rexes (Autism-Specific Model) |
Primary Focus | Intellectual disabilities (broad spectrum) | Autism & sensory-based needs |
Athlete Experience | Traditional team sports & competition | Non-competitive, confidence-first |
Environment | Game-style structure | Sensory-aware, low-pressure |
Instruction Style | Coach-led, rule-based | Station-based, flexible pacing |
Success Measure | Participation & performance | Comfort, joy, engagement |
Sensory Supports | Limited / situational | Built-in (music control, bubbles, breaks) |
Volunteer Role | Coach or assistant | Guide, encourager, connector |
Outcome Goal | Inclusion through sport | Belonging through experience |
Program Comparison
The real fear isn’t baseball, it’s the unknown.��Parents wonder:��• “Will coaches understand autism?”��• “Will my child be safe?”��• “What if my child melts down or gets overwhelmed?”��• “What if people judge us?”��
��“Sports are just not in the cards for my baby”����-Tee Rex Parent
• Families have often had bad experiences in other
programs�
• Many don’t feel welcome in youth sports�
• Fear of the unknown stops families before they
even try�
• One negative moment can set the tone for years
What builds family confidence
Families join when they see:�
• Prepared coaches�
• Predictable structure�
• Visual schedules�
• Calm, supportive volunteers�
• Resources & community connections
USING COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Powerful, simple partnerships include:�
• Local schools�
• Special education teams�
• ABA Therapists�
• Autism organizations�
• Regional centers�
• Parent support groups�
• Local social media networks
COMMISSIONER IMPACT
Ambassadors provide:
YOUR INFLUENCE IS POWERFUL
You’re not “just volunteers” — you’re role models.
YOUR INFLUENCE IS POWERFUL
| • Welcome families� • Help with warm‑up transitions� • Assist with visual schedules� • Model patience and kindness� • Run stations calmly� • Help celebrate every win |
THE 4‑ROUND MODEL
“Together, we can build a baseball community where EVERY child belongs.”��
• Your leadership matters.�
• Your involvement changes lives.�
• Thank you for stepping up.
Why This Partnership Makes Sense
• A tested program with real community impact�• Experience running inclusive clinics and events�• A repeatable model that supports athletes of all abilities�• Strong volunteer engagement and family buy in�• Leadership with hands on coaching and program management experience.
We know how to make this work because we already have. We are now ready to grow, but growth requires the right partner.
A Mission-Aligned Expansion Opportunity
TEE REXES�IN ACTION!
QUESTIONS???