Since 1966, Vans has stood as a champion of individuality and self-expression. The brand’s commitment continues with the release of sensory inclusive footwear designs as part of the Autism Awareness Collection. With this project, Vans celebrates the unique aspects of all people. Designed specifically with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in mind, the ultra-comfortable footwear collection is offered with sensory-inclusive elements including a calming color palette and design features that focus on the senses of touch, sign, and sound.
A portion of the proceeds from Vans’ Autism Awareness Collection will benefit the A.skate Foundation, which introduces skateboarding to kids with Autism through acceptance, therapy, and education.
To be more inclusive to common sensory sensitivities, Vans worked with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to create designs utilizing Vans ComfyCush technology for all-day comfort and ease of wear for adults, kids, and toddlers. The ComfyCush Old Skool is the first in the collection with blue suede uppers, Checkerboard adorned with red velvet hearts and a special message on the backs of each heel. Vans ComfyCush Slip-On PT has been outfitted with a squishy check upper in a cool-toned grey with a heel-pull for easy-on capabilities. Made exclusively for kids and toddlers, the all-new ComfyCush New Skool V features a rubber toe cap with added vamp overlay for durability, a single strap hook-and-loop closure for equal tightness and fit, pull tab for ease of entry, and a foam-padded collar and ComfyCush bottom unit for ultimate comfort.
With this collection, Vans will donate a minimum of $100,000 of its proceeds to A.skate, an organization that allows children with autism to be a part of the social world through skateboarding. A.skate holds clinics for children on the spectrum at no cost to the families, provides grants to children with autism for skateboarding gear, as well as promote awareness and educates families about the therapeutic benefits of skateboarding. The proceeds from this collection enables A.skate to teach 4,000 children with autism how to skateboard and further builds on the inclusive and creative culture of skateboarding.
The Vans Autism Awareness Collection will be available this March.
Join Vans this March as we support and raise awareness for Autism. The footwear collection will be available in Vans Concept Stores soon! For more information, please visit Vans.com/news.
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