Young or old, all any of us want out of life is a chance. Each of us deserves the opportunity to show what we can do, to prove ourselves, to contribute to society. It is particularly difficult for those with autism. Too often, they are marginalized and underestimated because of their condition. Beacon College gives them that chance. Beacon is the first accredited baccalaureate institution in America dedicated to students with learning issues. Thanks to its Beacon College Salon Speaker Series which offers educational opportunities to area residents, Beacon students and retirees from The Villages come together in a way that benefits the entire community.
Shining a Light to a College Education Regardless of Differences
InRelated Stories 12 of 31
Related Stories 12 of 31

Who Wants To Live To Be 100?
Health
We’re celebrating Active Aging Week with with daily videos, articles, podcasts, and our complementary downloadable resource guide, Playbook for Active Aging: 7 Keys for Whole Person Health.

Father & Son Duo Taking Alzheimer’s One Mile at a Time
Fitness
Travis and Mark Macy are a father and son who spent a lifetime together pushing their physical limits by participating…

Changing The Mental Health Stigma: “Seeking Emotional Support Is Not Weakness, It Is Intelligence”
Mental Health
Taking care of our mental health is one of the most important, yet often-overlooked aspects of our overall wellbeing. It can be especially challenging for those entering retirement and facing a new stage of life.

Living With Dementia: Now Serving Joy And Connection At Our Moment Cafe
Brain Health
Sometimes the simplest thing – a song, a smile, a dance – can mean everything. When you have dementia, there aren’t many places to go. At Our Moment Cafe, caregivers and patients can find acceptance. Bill Shafer shares the story of Dick Boyden and Joan Bender, who started an Our Moment Cafe in The Villages, Florida

Growing Bolder with Jennifer Field
Brain Health
Jennifer Field took on a courageous, relentless and ongoing quest to regain the life she nearly lost in a car accident. Hers is an incredible story of resilience, bravery and regrowth.

GrandPad Technology Benefits for Those with Alzheimer’s
Tech
GrandPad is a tablet specifically designed for older adults, which could also greatly benefit those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

There is No Health Without Mental Health
Mental Health
Mental illness is not a natural part of aging. There are resources available to help you navigate mental health challenges, just like navigating a physical health event.

A Technological Solution for Seniors That Hits Close to Home
Tech
Hear Scott Lien’s personal path to founding GrandPad, a tech company designed to make it easier and safer for older adults to get online

Gaming on GrandPad Brings Health Benefits for All
Tech
Gaming on GrandPad has made it easy for seniors to take advantage of the health benefits that video games can have for older adults.

Cutting Edge Memory Care: Creating a New Narrative
Mental Health
Amazing things are happening in the world of memory care. Check out four areas of focus you may not have heard much about.

The Benefits of Tai Chi
Fitness
Tai Chi provides physical, mental, spiritual, and social benefits to people of any age. It’s a meditative art form that…

How Listening to Music Can Improve Overall Health and Wellbeing
Health
Studies have shown that listening to music can improve overall health and wellbeing as we age. GrandPad has developed a tablet specifically to help seniors get on the internet and easily find their favorite music.