​Beyond the Spectrum

Beyond the Spectrum aims to help connect families with therapies, providers and classes for the disabled child as well as for the parents and siblings.

​
​Best Non-Profit Organization in Edmond

​Beyond the Spectrum OK was born when founders Scott and Gwen Batchelor, through their work and advocacy in the community, noticed a profound unmet need in Oklahoma City. They discovered families of disabled children who did not have a community to lean on or resources to meet their children’s needs. These same families were struggling to pay for additional therapy, special equipment, and respite care. The Bachelor's also found that older children and teenagers with disabilities often lacked a social group to build friendship skills.

​

​Our Services

The Special Needs of Families of Children with Disabilities
Families of children with disabilities are everywhere. It is a challenge that intersects race, politics, and culture. According to the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, nearly 1 in 5 children ages 12-17 have some form of special healthcare needs. The same survey estimates that more than 9.4 million children under 18 have special health needs, including life-altering disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome. These special health needs, especially those that impact a child’s physical, emotional, social, or intellectual development, can have staggering costs to the family.

​Hope When Families Come Together
Beyond the Spectrum’s Family Center brings people together. Through engagement with community members and listening to their needs, Beyond the Spectrum’s programs have developed to include a comprehensive network of disability educators, health and wellness experts, childcare, mental health support groups, and child welfare services. These programs address the importance of having a community resource that inspires, educates, and serves those facing challenges. Through parent-to-parent support, outreach, information, and referral services, Beyond the Spectrum engages families of children with special needs and disabilities and the professionals who serve them. The vision of Beyond the Spectrum is to create a “one-stop-shop,” meaning families would be able to find everything they need in one location.

​

​​Giving To The Less Fortunate

​On February 21, 2018, Scott and Gwen Batchelor were blessed with a little girl, Olivia Grace Anne. So began their journey to founding Beyond the Spectrum. Olivia was born with Down Syndrome and came into the world weighing only 5 lb 4 oz. They knew that she would need many unique support systems to help her live a full life.

Scott and Gwen noticed a profound unmet need in Oklahoma City, and decided to expand their mission to include advocacy in the community. With the founding of the Beyond the Spectrum foundation, they dedicated themselves to helping families of disabled children find the resources they so badly needed.

Often the approach to therapy for children with disabilities doesn’t provide any support for the family as a whole. Beyond the Spectrum aims to help connect families with therapies, providers, and classes for the disabled child as well as for the parents and siblings. These classes are at no cost to the client.

​The Bachelor's also found that there is a void for older children and teenagers with disabilities who need social groups to build friendships and learn life skills. Beyond the Spectrum hopes to provide that place to meet other people who understand what their families experience.
Psalm 139:13-14 says the Lord formed our inward parts and knitted us together in our mother’s womb. Children facing sensory and other challenges are fearfully and wonderfully made. The knowledge that the Gospel holds the power to bring hope and light to children motivates the staff and volunteers of Beyond the Spectrum every day.

We believe providing assistance to these children and their families shows the tangible love of Christ. Caring, understanding and energetic staff and volunteers demonstrate God’s love every day as they help children grow beyond the expectations of doctors and therapists. Beyond the Spectrum was founded and operates on the teaching of Christ: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” (Mt 18:4-5)
During Jesus' ministry, He addressed the realities of His day head-on. He stood up for the rights of children (Luke 18:16), opened His arms to receive the children (Mark 10:13-16), and protected children from harm (Mt 18:10, 14).
​
The Bachelor's believe that each child is created in God’s image. Their faith inspires them each day to help children who face challenges like Olivia’s and they are grateful to be called to be the hands and feet of Christ through the programs of Beyond the Spectrum.