AUTISM ACTION GROUPS. A How To Manual

Transcription

1 AUTISM ACTION GROUPS A How To Manual

2 Autism Action Groups A How To Manual What are Autism Action Groups (AAGs)? Autism Action Groups are developed to help maximize value-added autism services by bringing together various organizations, schools, local providers, and others. The Autism Action Groups in Virginia consist of members from local communities who want to actively and collaboratively work toward developing quality services and resources for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders in their communities. The Lifespan Connections Initiative (LCI) is implemented in the Autism Action Groups to provide the framework to guide AAG planning, action, and community needs based on the understanding that gaps occur from birth throughout adulthood. It is common for communities to focus on a certain age range (e.g., early intervention) based on the growing ASD population in their regions. Keep in mind that Autism is a lifelong diagnosis. Young children with an ASD will one day be adults with ASD. The LCI will provide a framework to guide AAG planning, coordination, and program initiatives toward the attainment of the AAG mission and regional goals. Autism Action Groups usually meet monthly to identify and address these needs. Once the work has been initiated, the groups take the necessary steps forward to complete the task, and take action for autism. If a group becomes aware of a gap in a service area, they are urged to take action to collaborate effectively in successfully closing that gap. Throughout the manual you will read about a few examples of what s been done. The New River Valley Autism Action Group decided to create a way for parents to enjoy some down time while their children were being safely watched. The group started teaming up with Friday Night Friends, a volunteer respite care program for children with special needs sponsored by the Virginia Tech Student Medical Association, to provide respite care during NRVAAG Movie Nights! A staff member of the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic and NRVAAG participant made contact with FNF to provide child care, while the parents are able to view a movie selected by NRVAAG. Contact was made to Panera Bread to provide dinner, while other participating organizations have provided drinks. 1

3 What is the mission of the Autism Action Groups? The mission of the Autism Action Groups is to provide leadership in the implementation of a regional system of services and resources to maximize the potential and quality of life of each individual with autism spectrum disorders, and their families, across the lifespan. How is Commonwealth Autism Service (CAS) involved with the Autism Action Groups? CAS initiated and supported the first Autism Action Group (Central VA Autism Action Group) back in Eleven years later, CAS is still committed to providing the necessary support to those communities interested in collaboratively running a successful Autism Action Group. If a group of representatives from a certain area shows an interest in starting an Autism Action Group, Commonwealth Autism Service will provide the framework and will assist the leadership throughout the process. In July 2012, Commonwealth Autism Service helped each current AAG finalize their updated strategic/action plan. Each plan uniquely sets the road map for a minimum of one year. However, some may include action steps for the next three years as well. These strategic plans include the anticipated goals of each AAG and the necessary steps to take in order to reach them. 2

4 Which communities have Autism Actions Groups? To date, we have eight Autism Action Groups that have been developed throughout the state. Please visit for specific meeting location information on our active Autism Action Groups. Central Virginia Autism Action Group Covers: Amherst, Bedford, Appomattox, Campbell, and Lynchburg 1. CVAAG Charlottesville Region Autism Action Group Covers: Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and Charlottesville 2. CRAAG Fredericksburg Regional Autism Action Group Covers: Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline, and Fredericksburg 3. FRAAG Greater Roanoke Valley Autism Action Group Covers: Botetourt, Craig, Roanoke, Franklin, Salem, Roanoke, and Rocky Mount 4. GRVAAG New River Valley Regional Autism Action Group 5. NRVAAG Covers: Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Floyd, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Pulaski, and Radford Piedmont Autism Action Group Covers: Patrick, Henry, and Martinsville 6. PAAG Rappahannock/Rapidan Local Autism Action Group Covers: Rappahannock, Fauquier, Culpeper, Madison, and Orange 7. RRLAAG Southwest Virginia Autism Action Group 8. SWVAAG Covers: Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson, Russell, Washington, Buchanan, Tazewell, Smyth, Grayson, Bland, Wythe, and Carroll 3

5 Who should attend Autism Action Group meetings? Anyone interested in Autism Spectrum Disorders is welcome to attend Autism Action Group meetings. Successful Autism Action Groups have a variety of representatives including: State Agencies Members of the Community Service Providers School Personnel Virginia Department of Education Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services Self Advocates Family members Therapists, Job Coaches, Day Treatment Providers Residential Providers Administrators, Special Education Directors, Autism Specialists Department of Social Services Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Friends Businesses Case Managers, Waiver Services Facilitators Private School Providers Note: This graphic only shows a portion of those service providers/organizations who may be involved with the AAGs. 4

6 How does the group Take Action for Autism? We support AAGs to continually assess needs, plan and take action for autism using the LCI framework to guide AAG planning, action, and community needs based on the understanding that gaps occur from birth throughout adulthood. Assess Needs Take Action for Autism Strategic Planning 5

7 Because each community has different needs, the work of each AAG may vary. AAG Brochures: Most AAGs prefer to create a flyer specific to their area to pass around at events to parents and professionals. All AAGs also have a brochure created by the Autism Action Groups Coordinator that they can distribute as well. Identify/Create Resources resource directories social media sites Coordinate Events conferences workshops support groups Resource Directories: A Resource Directory is a compiled list of resources in that local AAG community consisting of medical professionals, support groups, public and private school personnel, recreational activities, employment opportunities, and several more categories. Each AAG has developed, and continues to maintain a Resource Directory of organizations and service providers in their areas. Each Resource Directory can be viewed on Commonwealth Autism Service s website: autismactiongroup. A family support group was initiated by the Piedmont Autism Action Group and is now coordinated by two parents who plan the location, schedule each month s presentation, and get the information out to community members. This has been and continues to be a great resource for parents in the area! In January 2013, a webpage was developed for each AAG under the CAS website. The webpages include meeting information, contact information, links to resource directories and support groups, as well as Facebook pages. CAS is currently in the process of uploading an Events Calendar to each webpage as a central point to find out what s going on in that area in regards to other meetings, workshops, and trainings. Six of our AAGs also maintain Facebook pages. 6

8 The coordination of conferences and workshops varies from each AAG depending on the dynamics of the participants in the group and the community. We do have AAGs who coordinate their own conferences yearly or bi-yearly, while others focus on smaller workshops and trainings based on the interests in the community at that time. Interested in starting an AAG in your region? What s next? Assess Interest Bring people to the table who are interested and passionate about autism! Did you know? It can be relatively easy to find a convenient meeting location that s free of charge. Just be creative and consider who will be attending! For example, a local CSB representative could assist in reserving a conference room at their office location. Other examples of possible locations include: libraries, colleges, private and public school meeting rooms, as well as offices of service providers. This meeting location may initially be temporary until another opportunity evolves. Just don t change the location frequently, as this can affect participation. Remember that these individuals should be diverse in their professions and connections. Make sure your group includes leaders who can take charge as well as other volunteers who can help take ACTION. Review the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) This gives you an idea of the responsibilities that come with being an Autism Action Group and the role of Commonwealth Autism Service. You'll learn what's needed from the leadership team and what volunteers can help with too. A sample of the MOU is located at the end of this manual. The time of the meeting can be morning, day, or evening whatever works best for the participants involved. 7

9 Still interested? Hold a "Trial" Meeting A CAS Autism Action Group Coordinator can attend your 1 st meeting to assist and answer questions. The agenda for your trial meeting will most likely be an introduction to the AAG how it works, what AAGs do, etc. -- essentially a review of this manual! Depending on your participation and the interest of those who attend, you could discuss who would like to be a part of the Leadership Team. Note: Choose your Leadership Team wisely. The success of your group relies heavily on leadership. These individuals will create agendas, facilitate the meetings, and ultimately help to ensure the group meets their goals. When deciding on how many members to include on the leadership team, consider speaking with the AAG Coordinator to determine what will meet your needs. To recruit participants you can send out flyers, s, or even post an ad in your local paper. Schedule monthly meetings! After three months of meetings, the AAG Coordinator will contact you to review your meeting participation, agendas, minutes and action steps. Participation is a key element to a successful AAG. CAS recommends a minimum of eight participants at each meeting to keep the group running smoothly. As mentioned earlier, you also want a variety of individuals at the table, as well as those who are willing to take ACTION for autism! If your group is ready, your AAG Coordinator will help you begin the application process to become an official Autism Action Group! 8

10 Application Process Copies of your meeting agendas & minutes Names of participants for each meeting along with contact information for your leadership team Signed MOU Proposed action steps for your group You ll find a sample application at the end of this manual. 9

11 Possible Next Steps Needs Assessment Survey Develop a Strategic Plan Determine Three Main Goals New River Valley AAG and the Autism Speaks U Chapter at Virginia Tech have recently collaborated with Tech SportsPlex in Christiansburg to provide a Team Sports Activity Day for children with disabilities. Staff at Tech SportsPlex and members of Autism Speaks U will work with these students to give them the opportunity to play sports in a team setting. 10

12 T hese beginning steps simply give you a general guide of where to start, and may not necessarily be needed for your particular AAG. However, this will assist your group in determining the best starting point for your community. Your group may come together with a main goal or purpose already in mind, and that s okay just as long as your group starts taking the steps necessary to remedy a gap or service area. U sually, by the time one agenda item is completed, another idea or goal has been developed. For example, a gap in your locality may revolve around social activities for the individuals on the spectrum. Therefore, your group would create some sort of activity or event to offer to families, such as a movie night or arts and crafts activity. At this event, families may discuss the need for networking and discussion among parents, which would then lead your AAG to start planning a Family Support Group. By planning speakers for the Family Support Group meetings, a popular topic may be discussed as an opportunity to offer training, draw in a larger crowd, and hopefully gain more participation in your AAG. Several participants in your AAG may have work events going on in their organizations that your AAG could participate in as well. T here is a vast range of possibilities when it comes to your AAG s work. If you start running into problems with finding ideas, call the Autism Action Groups Coordinator to discuss what other AAGs have done, are currently planning, or what areas still need some work. 11

13 Ready to take Action for Autism? APPLICATION Completed by (Name): Date: Organization/Affiliation: Phone Number: Address: Which localities (include counties, cities, and towns) would your proposed AAG include? In 50 words or less, describe the largest gaps in service for these localities? In 100 words or less, describe the vision for an AAG in your area? List the names, affiliation, and contact information of those who have agreed to be on your Leadership Team

14 In 50 words or less, describe the skill sets reflected in your leadership team. In 100 words or less, describe potential challenges/barriers to establishing a successful AAG in your area. Please provide your AAG meeting location, frequency and times below: Please share, if any, thoughts of your AAGs proposed name : AAG Application Checklist Please include copies of these documents from your first three meetings: Sign- in Sheets (names, affiliation, contact information) of those who attended Meeting Agendas Meeting Minutes Signed Memorandum of Understanding Any Literature/Document that has been created Any other work that you d like to share with us After you have completed filling out this form, please fax it to Commonwealth Autism Service, , and we will contact you.

15 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Because the work for individuals with autism and their families is ongoing, and the possibilities endless, Commonwealth Autism Service (CAS) continues to develop and facilitate Autism Action Groups (AAGs) in local communities across the Commonwealth of VA. With commitment and dedication to the mission to provide leadership in the implementation of a regional system of services and resources to maximize the potential and quality of life of each individual with autism spectrum disorders, and their families, across the lifespan, AAGs seek to bring local community leaders and interested parties together to create practical outcomes for individuals with autism in the way of services and supports. 1. CAS supports the leadership team for the purpose of meeting its mission. The CAS AAG Coordinator: Participates in quarterly phone planning with leadership team. Attends annual strategic planning. Reviews monthly meeting agendas and minutes. Receives notification on upcoming events (to be posted on CAS website). Provides oversight of web/fb pages, speakers, AAG Literature. Attends local AAG Workshops and Conferences as schedule permits. 2. The local AAG leadership team supports their members to facilitate local community collaboration to maximize resources on behalf of individuals with autism, their families, and care givers. Oversight of the AAG is the responsibility of the leadership team. The leadership team: Maintains their own mailing list and resource directory. We recommend using Constant Contact for your mailing list. Creates new AAG Literature/Updates AAG Literature already in place.

16 Disseminates information on their schedule of events, including sending out notices of upcoming meetings. Creates meeting agendas. Facilitates meetings. Maintains meeting minutes. Provides their own copies of materials for the meetings. Maintains their own files of past minutes, event documents, etc. Coordinates local community events, including speakers for their Family Support Group meetings. Maintains communication via AAG s Facebook Page, if they chose to have one. 3. A bank account may be opened in the name of the local AAG where funds will be held and administered with one or two members of the AAG local leadership team as authorized signees on the account. Please make sure to reference your expenditures and bank account status in each month s minutes. 4. When agreed upon, a partner agency may be designated to hold local AAG funds and to disperse them as needed. 5. On occasion and when agreed upon, CAS may offer support to an AAG for registration and the collection of fees for specific events, workshops, conferences, etc. A 10% fee of all receipts will be charged for this service to cover CAS support activities. AAGs may always elect to handle registration and collection of fees through a partner agency or on their own with no fee due to CAS. For CAS For the AAG Name Heather Overstreet Date Name Date

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18 Please remember that the AAG How To Manual is intended as a guidance document for those localities interested in starting up an Autism Action Group. The steps in this document are not concrete and may occur at different times than what is represented in this document. Commonwealth Autism Service 2201 W. Broad Street, Suite 107 Richmond, VA Phone: Toll Free: Fax: