Autism Society of America

ASA IS GOING TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

ASA will host its 2008 Day on Capitol Hill March 12-13 to increase awareness and understanding of autism issues among federal policymakers and to build support for ASA’s legislative priorities, which include services legislation and funding for autism-related programs. People on the autism spectrum and their families are constantly fighting for rights, and advocacy is critical in ensuring that these individuals and families get the services, supports and resources they need. It is up to us - the autism community - to be a voice for autism on Capitol Hill. We must educate policymakers about this important issue and why we need their help.

The first day includes training sessions on becoming a more effective advocate, effective methods to leverage media and grassroots support, and autism-related opportunities at the state and local level. There will also be a session on the 2008 Presidential election and ways to communicate to our leaders the importance of autism. The second day, armed with this information, attendees will meet with their legislators to educate them on important autism issues. We are working with the Autism Coalition to help parents, caregivers, family members, friends etc.. to be more effective advocates. We are holding 4 Legislative Training Sessions around the state, the schedule is as follows:  February 25, 2008 at the Groden Center, 86 Mt Hope Ave. in Providence, RI - 6:30 pm

March 3, 2008 at The Homestead Group 200 Industrial Dr. North Smithfield, RI - 6:30 pm         

March 10, 2008 at J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center 3445 Post Rd. Warwick, RI - 6:30pm

March 24,2008 at Community Provider Network of RI 1130 Ten Rod Rd. Suite C-104, North Kingstown, RI - 6:30 pm  

Rep. Tom Slater who is Chairman of the House Finance Sub Committee for Human Services will be attending the February 25 meeting. We are hoping to get a state legislator to attend each meeting. If you are planning on attending one of these meetings or have any questions please RSVP to Lisa Rego 274-6310 X1111.

The Legislators Listen to Parents and Family Members!!! Please make every effort to join us for one of these trainings!!!!

NATTAP Conference in Columbus, Ohio, a Big Success!

Monday, October 1, 2007
By: Robin Gurley

Largest Conference on Educating Students with Autism Draws Over 1,500 Attendees

The First Annual International NATTAP Conference, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH, wrapped up on Friday, September 28th. The 3-day event, co-sponsored by the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), gathered over 1,500 special educators, school administrators and other professionals from all 50 states and 17 countries to review current models of systems, best practices in research and intervention use, and methods of capacity building—all of which contribute to the ultimate goal of improving educational outcomes for individuals ages 3-21. Two hundred presenters participated in a forum to exchange ideas that will set a new foundation in autism spectrum disorders. Ninety exhibitors were also on hand to showcase products and services to support students with ASD and professionals in the field.

The success of this conference was due to the efforts of many, most notably ASA Board Chair, Dr. Cathy Pratt, co-director of NATTAP, and keynote speaker and presenter at the event; her co-director Barbara Becker-Cottrill; conference co-chairs Shawn Henry and Brenda Smith Myles; and conference coordinators Jill Hudson and Simon Buehrer. ASA presenters included Panel of Professional Advisors co-chairs, Drs. Jim Ball and Diane Twatchman-Cullen; Director of Chapters & Membership, Jeff Sell, and board member Stephen Shore. ASA President & CEO, Lee Grossman, also spoke at the event, and staff members Jennifer Repella, Julia Cashmere and Robin Gurley staffed the busy ASA exhibit booth.

This event was the first of its kind, bringing together professionals and service providers in a dynamic autism-specific educational forum to discuss collaborative efforts, expansion of services, obstacles and the forward thinking required to
address the needs of students with ASD.

Thank you to NATTAP and OCALI for their heroic efforts in pulling off a truly energetic and inspiring event.