Family Support Initiatives

National Autism Resource and Information Center

A national resource and information center on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities was established in 2009. Guided by the principles of inclusion, integration, independence, and self-determination, the center will continue to gather, organize, and make publicly available readily accessible, high-quality resources and information related to community-based services that support independent living and self-determination, treatment protocols that promote community-based experiences (e.g. education, employment, recreation, transportation, early intervention and child care), and evidence-based interventions. The targeted audience for the resources and information is the community of diverse stakeholders concerned with ASD, including people with ASD and other developmental disabilities, families, guardians, advocates, researchers, practitioners, trainers, policy makers and members of the community.

Regional 2011 Summit Report

During the spring and summer of 2011, AutismNOW project held regional summits around the county to:

• Listen to questions, challenges, solutions and dreams from people with ASD and family members;
• Connect people with ASD and family members with their peers near their home; and
• To discover the additional resources needed on the AutismNOW website to empower people with ASD and family members.

The final report on regional summits, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” highlights key findings from regional summits. Download Report [527k PDF].

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Title: Autism NOW

Abstract:
The Arc of the United States, in collaboration with the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, Self Advocates Becoming Empowered and several other partners, implements an innovative and dynamic initiative, called Autism NOW.The central point of the project is a highly visible website that provides access resources and information on community-based services and interventions for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families, through a national dissemination network, regional events, training and technical assistance and an innovative web presence. The project also offers free weekly webinars on a variety of topics relating to Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities.

Institute:
The Arc of the U.S.
1825 K Street NW, Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20006
Webpage: http://www.autismnow.org

Contact:
Tonia Ferguson, Director
1825 K Street NW, Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-534-3706 Toll free: 800-433-5255
Fax: 202-534-3731
Email: tferguson@autismnow.org
Website: www.autismnow.org

Period: 9/30/2010 – 9/29/2014

Funding: $350,000.00

Project Officer:
Kathy Cargill-Willis
E-mail Address: katherine.cargill-willis@acf.hhs.gov
202-690-5791

Project #: 90DN0283