Zaniez plans Arizona autism farm trade school launch in 2026

By AI, Created 10:20 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Dana Leigh Shafman is launching Zaniez, a farm-based autism trade school in Wittmann, Arizona, with open enrollment set for December 1, 2025 and programming expected to start in 2026. The nonprofit aims to combine vocational training, family support and life skills for autistic children, teens and adults.

Why it matters: - Zaniez is designed to fill what Dana Leigh Shafman describes as a gap in education and habilitation for autistic people and their families. - The nonprofit aims to give students practical skills, more independence and a path to long-term economic stability. - The model pairs child and adult programming with family support, which could reduce isolation for autism spectrum families.

What happened: - Dana Leigh Shafman, an Arizona entrepreneur known for creating the TASER Party movement, founded Zaniez in Wittmann, Arizona. - Zaniez plans to open Arizona’s first autism spectrum farm trade school. - The school will serve autistic children and adults ages 3 to 18+, with work-study programs for adults of working age. - Open enrollment begins Dec. 1, 2025. - A soft launch is planned for summer 2026. - Full programming for students 18 and under is slated for August 2026. - Adult work-study programs are expected to follow in winter 2026.

The details: - Zaniez will run an all-day curriculum from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. - The program will include science, cooking, woodworking, gardening, art, music, automotive and animal husbandry. - The school also plans weekly family fun nights. - Parent and caregiver support groups are part of the offering. - Family advocacy initiatives are included. - The program will offer specialized support such as potty training boot camps. - Zaniez is raising $500,000 in an initial fundraising drive. - The money will support property acquisition, school equipment, curriculum development and launch costs. - Supporters can learn more at ZaniezKids.com or donate through GiveSendGo.com/Zaniez. - The organization says it is a nonprofit focused on hands-on education, vocational training and community support. - Media inquiries go to ZaniezKids@gmail.com or (480) 600-2294.

Between the lines: - Shafman is tying Zaniez to Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account and school choice programs, which suggests the school is built to work with public education funding streams. - The plan to open one location in a different state each year signals a broader expansion strategy beyond Arizona. - The combination of farm trades, life skills and family support positions Zaniez as both an education program and a community services model.

What’s next: - Zaniez will continue fundraising ahead of its planned 2026 launch. - The organization expects Arizona to be the first site, with a possible late 2026 or first-quarter 2027 expansion timeline noted in the release. - Further enrollment, donation and program details will be posted through the nonprofit’s website.