Residents who live in a modern apartment community for those with autism and other neurodiversities will be able to keep connected thanks to a donation Cox made.

Cox provided a $35,000 grant to First Place AZ to pay for Alexa smart devices for each resident who lives in the apartment property at 3001 N. Third St. This grant also will fund new iPads for First Place residents to further boost their transition to independence via technology. During this time when routines have been disrupted because of COVID-19 as the ability to offer in-home support is not always possible, Cox wants to ensure First Place residents have the technologies they need to grow in their confidence and independence.

Denise D. Resnik, founder, president and CEO of First Place AZ, said the property is home to more than 50 people with autism, including her son, Matt. She said Alexa has helped Matt learn to clearly enunciate responses he wants to make, which include assisting him with making a grocery list, playing his favorite Beatles music and checking the weather forecast. Staff members at First Place have been teaching residents how to most effectively engage with Alexa, customizing these devices based on their needs.

First Place AZ is a non-profit charitable organization that advances residential choices for adults with autism and other neurodiversities. To learn more, visit firstplaceaz.org. For more details about Cox, visit cox.com.