Continuing a multi-year trend, every one of our program areas saw increased numbers of engagement and access. Every year, we strive to better serve Autistic individuals and their families in our service area, and we are constantly re-evaluating and adapting our programs and services based on the needs we identify.
Due to increased requests and concerns from caregivers and community members about lack of access to learning opportunities, and lack of knowledge about Autistic individuals, during , we expanded our educational opportunities for caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals. Our Autism Festival was our biggest yet with 60 participating organizations and businesses and over attendees. In , we were able to train school-based health providers across the state on Autism and our accessible vaccination model.
Lack of accessibility of care is a serious barrier to health for Autistic individuals, and our organization will continue to seek out initiatives, funding, and programs to participate in that help us to break down barriers, and increase access to inclusive care environments.
This funding also allowed us translate our Communication Boards into over 15 different languages, and to provide accurate, and helpful information to Autistic individuals and their caregivers on vaccinations, and how to get them comfortably, and in an inclusive environment. We also shared hundreds of flyers on Autism, Supporting Sensory needs, Autism and Vaccines, and Autistic Communication styles with community members, healthcare providers, and families.
All of the documents associated with this program can be viewed and downloaded here. Thanks to funding from the Beignet Fest Foundation, we were able to continue our Online Social and Support Groups which provide caregivers, and Autistic adults vital opportunities to connect with their peers multiple times a month. Our organization continues to host the only caregiver support group in the area that meets in Spanish.
