ASA and Easter Seals

[Guest guest]

AnnouncementJanuary 19, 2007Easter Seals and the Autism Society of America Explore Partnership toImprove the Lives of People living with AutismEaster Seals and the Autism Society of America (ASA) have agreed to work together on strategic projects designed to address the profound needs of individuals with autism and their families. As the fastest growing developmental disability in the world today—increasing at an annual rate of 10-17 percent—more than 1.5 million Americans currently live with autism and as many as one in every 166 children is diagnosed with the condition each year. Autism has become a public health crisis, with millions of families desperate for solutions, resources and policy improvements.Easter Seals, as the nation's leading provider of services and support for children and adults living with autism today, and ASA, as the largest and oldest autism advocacy and family support organization in the world, bring a unique wealth of knowledge and services to the many people, families and professionals who face autism and its many challenges – across the lifespan."We share a common goal: to improve the lives of children and adults with autism," said E. , Jr., president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals. "We are very excited about working closely with Easter Seals to explore ways our organizations can create innovative programs to serve the autism community," said Lee Grossman, President and CEO of ASA. Easter Seals and ASA plan to spend the next six months exploring programs and initiatives that will help improve the lives of individuals living with autism. A few likely areas of focus for the partnership include:• Establishing a national and international network of organizations that help people with autism to share knowledge, best practices and effective treatments• Developing systems that help improve access to and delivery of local autism services and treatments • Co-sponsoring a series of research-based consensus conferences and promoting outcomes • Working with media to increase awareness and understanding of the needs of the autism communityAbout Easter Seals Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical and mental disabilities, and other special needs. For more than 85 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals create life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in their communities. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com.About Autism Society of AmericaASA is the largest, oldest autism organization in the U.S., with over 100,000 members and supporters and 200 local chapters leading advocacy, support, research and service initiatives. ASA is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact. For more information on autism or ASA, visit www.autism-society.org or call 1.800.3AUTISM.###

Lois Noland 240-420-3692Always in search for the "cure"

Lois Noland240-420-3692I don't give inI don't give upAnd I don't take no for an answerAlways looking for the "Cure"

I don't give inI don't give upAnd I don't take NO for an answer.

If God Brings you to it,He will Bring you though it.