Keynote Speaker - Dani Bowman

Dani Bowman is a young and talented animator, artist, and entrepreneur on the Autism Spectrum who is passionate about using her skills to help others and her dedication to inclusion and diversity. Despite being diagnosed with autism at age 3 and nonverbal until 6, Dani has overcome these challenges to become an accomplished artist, animator, and inspiring speaker. She founded her own company, DaniMation, when she was just 14 years old, and DaniMation UK in 2019. Dani has taught animation to over 3000 students with autism and premiered 14 short films at San Diego Comic-Con. As a national speaker and cast member of Love on the Spectrum, Dani uses her platform to inspire and mentor others.

linktr.ee/DaniMationENT

A special thank you to TIS for being this year's Keynote Sponsor and helping bring this wonderful speaker to our event.

Honorees

Autism Acceptance Award -

Founded in 1958, Pilot Company is committed to showing people they matter at every turn as the leading energy and experience provider people rely on to fuel their journeys. Pilot operates the largest network of travel centers in North America with nearly 900 locations in 44 states and five Canadian provinces providing essential services to professional drivers, travelers and local communities. Throughout its history, Pilot has remained deeply rooted to its hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, maintaining a strong commitment to giving back through philanthropic initiatives.

Pilot Company has been a dedicated supporter of Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville, advancing its mission to provide services that enable adults with autism to lead purposeful lives. Through sponsorship of the Autism Breakthrough Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Pilot has played a key role in raising vital funds for programs that promote independent living, employment and social engagement. The company has also previously engaged its guests through a round up campaign, enabling community members to contribute directly to Breakthrough’s impactful work.

Beyond financial support, Pilot cultivates a culture of volunteerism among its team members and participation in Pilot’s Volunteer Day projects have enhanced Breakthrough’s facilities and services. As a Knoxville-based company with a legacy of community investment, Pilot continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those served by Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville.

Trailblazer Award - Dr. Gene Hayes

Gene was born in California to a family of farmers. He was the first person in his family to go to college. Gene received degrees from Universities in California, North Carolina, New York City, and Texas. He worked in State Mental Hospitals in California and New York. Gene found his passion for working with people with disabilities while in high school. When he started teaching at Texas Women’s University, he shared this passion with his students. His teaching philosophy was experiential education, he believed his students learn best by direct interaction with people with disabilities.

A professor in the Department of Kinesology, Recreation, and Sports Studies at the University of Tennessee since 1984, Dr. Hayes founded Camp Koinonia, a successful camp for kids and young adults with disabilities. While his students say they appreciate the example he sets, Hayes said it is his students that energize him the most.

“I consider Dr. Hayes my mentor and I am forever grateful of him for showing me a path that includes passion for helping others, working hard for something I believe in and feeling great about what I am doing with my life,” says Dr. Hayes former graduate student Dale Ernst, who is now a professional therapeutic recreation specialist. “Over the years Doc has changed tens of thousands of people’s lives, including mine. Doc has an incredible passion for helping others. He is easily approachable, friendly and, most of all, genuine.”

Nafiseh Arman was a graduate assistant and the Camp Koinonia director for 2010. “It means a lot to see how much trust he has in us as he allows us the privilege of heading up and staffing his programs and camps,” Arman said. “He is an amazing teacher and mentor, and I am so thankful that I found my way into the program and am able to work and learn from Dr. Hayes.”

Dr. Hayes started the camp when he was at Virginia Tech in 1977. He brought Camp Koinonia to UT in 1986, and it’s been popular with students and campers ever since.

“It’s for kids with multiple kinds of disabilities, ages 7 to 21. It’s for kids that don’t have a chance to go other camps.” Camp Koinonia is also used for research. Students look at attitudes toward persons with disabilities, lifestyle planning techniques and outdoor activities for those with disabilities.

“I really appreciate and enjoy the students and quality of them,” Hayes said. “The compassion they have for working with diverse groups and kids with disabilities is incredible. The students keep my interest piqued.”

Hayes also serves the community beyond his work at UT. When Breakthrough came to Knoxville, Dr. Hayes was one of the first individuals actively involved with Breakthrough in establishing programs for autistic children.

Everywhere Dr. Hayes has gone, he has started camps and programs for people with autism. He is a firm believer in ‘play is therapy’. He has seen hundreds of autistic children tackle challenges and goals they would have never believed they could accomplish. For 40 years, he has heralded the environment needed for disabled children to thrive.

Sponsors:

Jack & Becky Singleton

Smith Brothers

Ben & Mary Ellen Cox

2025 Autism Acceptance Breakfast