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3298 The Importance of Parent Advocacy in Systems Change

Saturday, July 12, 2008: 1:00 PM-2:15 PM

Sanibel 1 (Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center)

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Individuals with autism and family members are the driving force for positive changes in services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. We will discuss advocacy at the local, state and federal levels. Parent involvement in advocating for system change requires building relationships with school administrators, policy makers, and service providers. This presentation will discuss why and how individuals with autism and family members must collaborate to advocate for improved services for individuals with autism across the lifespan. n Local Advocacy

n Local Advocacy versus Legislative Advocacy

n Defining what you want

n Targeting an Audience

n Building Relationships

n State Advocacy

n Parent-Inspired Legislation

n Working with Professional Advocacy Organizations

n Public Hearings and Letter-Writing

n Building Relationships

n Federal Advocacy

n Getting on the National Agenda

n Coalition Building

n Educating Your Legislators

n Building Relationships

Following a presentation on the topics listed above, the attendees will participate in a hands-on exercise to develop an advocacy plan using the seven components of effective advocacy that are described in the presentation.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will understand the role of advocacy in creating programs and services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Participants will understand strategic differences in advocating at the local, state, and federal levels.
Participants will understand the seven components of successful advocacy (Focus; Framing the issue; Target Audience; Coalition Partners; Relationships/Collaborations; Grassroots Strategies; Media)and know how to apply them.

Content Area: Family and Sibling Support

Presenters:

Catriona Johnson, M.S.
Chair, ASA Government Relations Committee

Past President-Howard County ASA. Asst. Director, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration. 2005 Kennedy Foundation Fellow and worked on the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance. Former Director of Public Policy Initiatives for the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council. Masters degree in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University and has a son with autism.

Ben Dorman, M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Chair, Howard County Special Education Community Advisory Ctte.

Ben has been an ASA Chapter President, founded the ASA website, and served a term on its Board of Directors. Lead successful local efforts to fund autism early intervention services. Ben is a software architect- systems change advocate- in the financial services industry. His son with autism, Asher, is 15.

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