After meeting with state legislators and other state groups, the Autism Society of Ohio heard one message very clearly: that the various autism advocacy groups throughout the state need to work together and speak with “one voice”. To that end, the Autism Society of Ohio formed the Ohio Autism Coalition (OAC).

The OAC is comprised of representatives of the various autism advocacy organizations throughout the state that share the following common purposes:

1. To provide a forum for the various autism groups throughout the state the opportunity to meet with each other
2. To combine resources to develop and implement core statewide public policy addressing autism awareness and advocacy (“Core Plan”). OAC recognizes that its members may have specific priorities and issues that they wish to pursue individually; however each OAC member will support the Core Plan in its activities
3. To set up a communication network throughout the state to assist persons seeking information and referral find local support
4. To provide information to and between chapters and other interested groups regarding conferences, seminars, group meetings and other events
5. To promote the sharing of effective programs, techniques, and ideas between the various autism groups


In addition, the OAC provides support for the basic, common purposes of all the participating autism advocacy groups including:

1. To educate and inform lay and professional people and interested agencies and groups about autism and related disorders
2. To provide information, referral, and support to persons with autism, their families, caregivers, and interested professionals
3. To encourage and support research into causes, improved diagnosis, therapy, and interventions for autism and related disorders
4. 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.


The OAC has already met twice and developed five (5) short term goals and five (5) long term goals, which are as follows:
Short Term Goals

* College partnering for teaching/peer/ training
* Develop a Directory of Services
* Develop a Directory of Services
* Develop a Legislative Liaison
* Residential/community/respite services

Long Term Goals

* Insurance Coverage for Autism
* Doctor Education
* Development of Service Models
* Determine Prevalence of Autism in Ohio
* Promote Research


We are currently working on action plans for implementing these short and long term goals. It is an ambitious list, but by pooling the resources of the various autism groups around the state, we feel confident that, though our combined efforts, we can make them happen.

If you are interested in working with the Ohio Autism Coalition, please contact us c/o The Autism Society of Ohio at askaso@autismohio.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .


MEMBER GROUPS

Asperger/PDD Syndrome Parent Information Education Support (ASPIES )

Aspirations, Columbus
Autism Society of Central Ohio

Autism Society of Greater Akron

Autism Society of Greater Cleveland
Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati

Autism Society of Dayton
Autism Society of Northwest Ohio
Autism Society of Ohio

Autism Society of SE Ohio

Autism Society of Tri-County Ohio

Autism Speaks
Cincinnati Families for Effective Autism Treatment

FACT, Springfield

Milestones, Cleveland





Please send us feedback regarding your thoughts, suggestions, or problems with links to: