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 Columbus, January 25, 2008
The Dayton Autism Society became the fourteenth autism advocacy organization to join the Ohio Autism Coalition on Friday.
This Coalition, which meets in Columbus to collaborate on issues ranging from doctor education to insurance coverage for autism, is made up of various groups around the state, including the FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) groups from Dayton, Central Ohio, and Cincinnati; the ASA chapters of Greater Cleveland, Cincinnati, Northwest Ohio, Central Ohio, Greater Portsmouth, North Central Ohio, and Tri-County, as well as the ASO (Autism Society of Ohio). Two other autism groups are also represented, Autistic Spectrum Kids (A.S.K.) and Marietta Area Autism Group.
The purpose of the OAC is to:
- allow the various autism groups throughout the state the opportunity to meet with each other
- combine resources to develop and implement core statewide public policy addressing autism awareness and advocacy ("Core Plan").
- set up a communication network throughout the state so that persons seeking information and referral can receive local support
- use the communication network to provide information to and between chapters and other interested groups regarding conferences, seminars, group meetings, and other events. *see our conferences page on this website.
- promote teamwork among the various autism organizations
- promote the sharing of effective programs, techniques, and ideas between the various autism groups.
The group currently has 5 short term goals:
- College partnering for teaching/peer training
- Mandatory screenings
- Develop a Directory of Services
- Develop a Legislative Liaison
- Residential/community/respite services
And 5 long term goals:
- Insurance coverage for autism
- Doctor education
- Development of service models
- Determine prevalence of autism in Ohio
- Promote research *see our puzzle pieces for ARI page on this website
The Dayton Autism Society is excited to be part of this Coalition and is looking forward to making these goals a reality. In addition to the goals put forth by the the various breakout committees, the OAC provides support for all of the participating autism advocacy groups, including:
- To educate and inform lay and professional people and interested agencies and groups about autism and related disorders
- To provide information, referral, and support to persons with autism, their families, caregivers, and interested professionals
- To encourage and support research into causes, improved diagnosis, therapy, and cures for autism and related disorders
- To provide public awareness of the medical, social, psychological and financial needs of persons with autism, their families, caregivers, and to advocate for education support, government support, and community based support to ameliorate their problems
It's a massive undertaking, to be sure. But by working together, the various groups will be combining their efforts toward a common goal; to best serve the families affected by autism.
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