2008 Spring UPDATE

The Alliance for Families with Autism (AFA) – SPRING UPDATE 2008



Last night’s event was a great success! We appreciate all of the families that attended the Town Hall Meeting with Minister Wynne and Minister Matthews. We had over 150 people attend this unprecedented event! It was a unique evening that allowed families the opportunity to give their direct input to the Ministers. The event ran an hour overtime and did not end until nearly 9:30 pm. We were extremely pleased that the Ministers gave the extra time to allow the majority of parents the opportunity to address them and give their input. We have received numerous positive comments about the Town Hall Meeting and we are hopeful that this will be an annual event for the autism community.



The Alliance for Families with Autism (AFA) recorded last night’s event. For those of you who were unable to attend or if you are interested in purchasing a copy of the DVD, please contact our executive Lisa Prasuhn at lisa.prasuhn@sympatico.ca – the cost of the DVD covers the expenses for shipping and also gives the AFA an opportunity to fundraise. Although some other recordings were taking place last night, all future events will only be recorded by the AFA. This does assist us in paying for some of our out of pocket expenses including photocopying, etc. The Alliance for Families with Autism (AFA) appreciates your understanding with regards to this matter and wants to continue to bring the community worthwhile events.



Last night’s event gave us the opportunity to meet a number of families in the autism community. We appreciate families traveled from areas across the province including Hamilton , Haliburton, Peterborough , Kitchener , Barrie , Sudbury , Sarnia , Ottawa and many destinations in between. We want to welcome a number of new members to our mailing list. The Alliance for Families with Autism (AFA) has been doing a weekly mailing to our community for nearly a year. The mailing includes articles from Ontario and across the country that are pertinent to our community. Also included are events, workshops, AFA updates and other useful information.



The Alliance for Families with Autism (AFA) is a volunteer organization. Our executive members include parents and a grandparent of children with autism. Our mission is improving the lives of children and adults affected by autism. We continue to provide factual information in a non-partisan approach to all stakeholders.



The Alliance for Families with Autism (AFA) has had a number of meetings that have included the Leaders from both the New Democratic Party and the Progressive Conservative Party. We have met with the Premier’s office and the Minister of Education.



In 2008, we have met with the current Minister of Children and Youth Services. As well, we have met with the Ministry of Community and Social Services with regards to adult issues. The AFA believes that along with education and children services, we also need an adult autism services strategy. This strategy would include cross-ministerial collaborations to ensure a life long continuum of services accessible based on an individual and/or family needs.



If you are interested in becoming more involved with the AFA please read the following information regarding PAY IT FORWARD.



The Alliance for Families with Autism (AFA)…



“PAY IT FORWARD”



Over the years there have been parent advocates that have benefited the autism community greatly. Many of these parents have dedicated countless hours, weeks, months and years of advocating at the cost of their own families. These parents and grandparents have been involved in law suits, rallies, committees, boards and government initiatives.



PAY IT FORWARD is an opportunity for everyone to help and share information with others in the autism community. It is a great way to allow everyone to do their part!



The AFA will pick information that has been forwarded to our email address. The AFA will add a segment to our mailings periodically based on the amount of information we receive.



The information you choose to share with the community needs to be constructive and brief. The information must impact our community in a positive way.



Some ideas to get us started are...



- description of a valuable workshop you attended

- information about an outing or attraction that is child friendly for the autism community

- share information regarding an appeal process

- share information about programs such as Incontinence Supplies Grant or Access 2 Entertainment Card



You can also PAY IT FORWARD by helping the AFA. Some ideas to get us started are…



- encourage others to join AFA mailing list

- add media contacts in your area to the AFA media mailing list for releases

- join an AFA committee for “adult issues” or “October/2008 candle vigil”

- lead a vigil in your area or attend a vigil in your area during October’s Autism Awareness Month



Certainly the best way to PAY IT FORWARD is to help another family in your community!



We hope this new initiative is a great success. The success can only be based on your participation so help the community and PAY IT FORWARD.



Send all suggestions and information to autismafa@yahoo.ca

and remember to write PAY IT FORWARD on the subject line of your email. Please indicate, as the author of the information, if you wish to remain anonymous.







THE ALLIANCE FOR FAMILIES WITH AUTISM (AFA)



Please contact us at autismafa@yahoo.ca



Please forward articles & information to ktchmeifucan2002@yahoo.ca



Check out the news article BLOG sent out with each mailing.



http://autismnewsarticles.blogspot.com