1-danny-crew
Where nonspeaking people are heard and valued
1-danny-crew
Where nonspeaking people are heard and valued
1-danny-crew
Where nonspeaking people are heard and valued
1-danny-crew
Where nonspeaking people are heard and valued
1-danny-crew
Where nonspeaking people are heard and valued

We envision a world where all nonspeaking people are listened to, valued and fully included in all aspects of society.

Teva Community is a nonprofit creating safe, supported living for nonspeaking autistic people on 35 acres of beautiful national forest, just five miles from downtown Prescott, Arizona.

In addition to housing, Teva Community will run entrepreneurial and day programs for residents and local autistic adults, and training programs for direct support providers. We will hold events in the retreat section of our property which contains a large lodge with a commercial kitchen, 12 bunkhouses, and 2 bathhouses.

Types of planned retreats include family adventure camps, retreats to educate educators, and rentals for non-profit organizations and groups to enjoy our camp setting and amenities. Some of our planned amenities include an amphitheater, ropes course, miniature golf course, human foosball, gagaball pit, frisbee golf, adaptive swings, hiking, canoing at nearby lakes and enjoying all that nature has to offer.

Our future residents and participants are nonspeaking but that doesn’t mean that they are unable to communicate their thoughts and direct their own lives.

There are many types of augmentative alternative communication (AAC), including letterboards, keyboards, voice-output devices, sign language, choice boards and other options.

A core part of all of our programs is that we support the communication choice of our participants and are dedicated to assisting them in achieving their goals — whether that is improving their ability to perform activities of daily life, starting their own small business, performing at an open-mic poetry reading, or running a marathon.

With the help of donors, we believe our community can be self-sustaining, with revenue from training programs, resident rent payments through SSI, social enterprises led by our residents, family coaching and adventure retreats, and facility rentals for like-minded non-profits. We’ll also earn revenue through education, helping teachers and families to better support autistic people by using and spreading the most effective tools and methods for communication and purposeful movement.

Most importantly, based on input from nonspeaking autistics themselves, we believe we can create an environment that they need, want and deserve — one that’s positive, empowering, centered on human rights and dignity, with pathways to meaningful careers, increased confidence, autonomy, growth, self-expression and joy.

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Input From Nonspeaking adults
What do you envision your dream day to be like?

“I want Teva to be a place where friends can talk and learn about themselves and others. I want to have fun and help others get their voices.”

– J.R.

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Input From Nonspeaking adults
What do you envision your dream day to be like?

“About 9 or shortly after I wake up I have breakfast then I usually watch a little jeopardy. Then, do a few hours of work. Maybe spend time doing a little art to wind down.”

– K. B.

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Input From Nonspeaking adults
What is exciting about thinking about living with roommates?

“Talking to them every day. Relaxing together, eating together, going places together.”

– J. G.

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Input From Nonspeaking adults
Would you like to have shared meals?

“Always. It would be fun to eat with friends.”

– S. K.

focus-05
Input From Nonspeaking adults
What activities are important to you?

“Using intelligence, going places like movies and parks, hoping to try jobs like teaching kindness at schools, friend groups just like on zoom but in person.”

– J. G.

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Input From Nonspeaking adults
What would you like to do as a hobby with others

“I would like to make art that can be hung in the walls, take a cooking class, and play chess.”

– J. L.

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Input From Nonspeaking adults
How would you envision using a clubhouse?

“A clubhouse would be a good central place to meet and spend time. Social hour, play games and laundry facilities too.”

– S. K.

focus-08
Input From Nonspeaking adults
What type of careers interest you?

“Poetry writing, teaching about kindness, always learning.”

– J. G.

focus-09
Input From Nonspeaking adults
What type of careers interest you?

“I would be interested in writing and taking photos for camp, like for a camp newsletter or articles in local papers and social media influencer for camp would be cool.”

– K. B.

focus-10
Input From Nonspeaking adults
Is there anything you worry about in thinking about living with roommates and support staff?

“Loud people. But I am also excited to learn how to adapt like my sisters do. What if i wake friends up at night?”

– J. R.

focus-11
Input From Nonspeaking adults
What could make a space easier to talk to each other?

“It would need to be soundproofed that those who are sensitive would be accommodated It could also have a separate area for music and dancing.”

– A. G.

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Our Mission

Develop and embody purposeful ways for nonspeaking autistic people to communicate, live autonomously, educate others, connect, participate in the community, have meaningful vocation, and live their best lives.

Our Team

Meet the people behind Teva Community, including our Board of Directors, Staff, Consultants and Advisory Council.

Stay Informed

Join our mailing list to keep up to date on our latest developments, retreats, and opportunities.

Donate Now

Help make a difference in the lives of nonspeaking individuals. We can’t do it without you!