TOWN HALL – Autism Global Community Needs Assessment

An Open Forum ~ Panel Discussion with Audience Q&A... Topics our autistic panel members will discuss include:

• Ability vs. deficit models ~ Transitions planning; the earlier the better ~ What’s working and what’s not in goals, objectives and outcomes planning ~ Barriers & obstacles to greater independence and self-determination ~ Roles of parents and caretakers in supporting or hindering independence ~ How involved is your child or adult in creating and fulfilling on their life plans? ~ Safety: real vs. imagined fears ~ How to inspire self-determination with integrity and respect ~ Success & challenges; short stories shared by panel members

Purpose: A person-centered forum to determine what actual resources, services, and supports people with developmental disabilities in our community need or are lacking to be more productive, self-determined, self-sufficient, and independent individuals.

Target Audience: Self advocates, parents, professionals, community stakeholders, this forum will be geared toward teens and adults.

Panel: A panel moderated by Keri Bowers / The Art of Autism, will be comprised of adults and teenagers with autism and other developmental disabilities who will share personal experiences in what helps them to find greater self-determination and access to their communities and futures.

Your tax-deductible donation of $10.00 will be split up to provide speaking stipends to our guest panel members. No one who cannot pay will be turned away and will go on the wait list...