COMMUNITY IMPACT Q & A > L AURIE CRAMER
QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION WITH LAURIE CRAMER Executive Director of the Autism Society of Greater Akron Q. Where do you work currently? A. Autism Society of Greater Akron Q. What is your job title here? A. Executive Director
hiring and managing staff, grants, fundraising and development, ensuring the organization is in compliance with state and local laws and regulations, and just about everything else.
Q. How long have you been employed with your current job? . A. 12 years
Q. What is the inspiration behind why you work in this field? A. My oldest son, who is now 22, has
Q. What is your Educational background? A. Bachelor’s of Science Degree,
Communications, Florida State University Master’s Degree, Organizational Development, George Washington University Q. What other professional associations are you a member of? (Board of Directors, Volunteer organizations, etc) A. Board Member, Akron Civic
Theater, Parent Representative, Family Children’s First Council,& Board Member, Autism Society of Ohio Q. What do your day-to-day job responsibilities include? A. Managing and running a small
nonprofit organization, which includes
Autism. After his diagnosis at the age of 3, I began volunteering for ASGA. As Board President in 2009 – 2011, we decided to hold a fundraising walk to raise awareness and funds to hire staff. With the incidence of Autism rising, so was the demand for consistent programs and services. We couldn’t do that as volunteers, so we set our direction toward certain goals, including hiring staff and professionalizing our board members to more than just parents of children with Autism.In 2011, I was hired as the first full-time staff person. Q. What part of your job are you most passionate about? A. It’s hard to name one, but I
recharge my battery by teaching others about Autism. It’s really important to me that our community
be kind, accepting, and supportive of my son and others with developmental disabilities. That takes the community meeting us halfway and withholding quick judgment and assumptions about why a person may be “acting that way.” We can all slow down a little just to be understanding and supportive. It’s not easy to navigate this world when you live with Autism, we can all help make it a little easier. Q. What is your favorite success story you have seen? A. Again, really hard to name
one. We are so proud of the many individuals and families we have supported over the years and who have told us their personal stories and victories along the way. It’s a true honor to be a part of people’s journey and to know that ASGA has played a role – however small it may be – in making their lives a little easier. I am also very proud of the work we have done with our Autism Friendly Communities program, specifically working with Cleveland Clinic Akron General medical personnel to better understand Autistic individuals’ support needs in a medical situation.
BRING DESIGN & STYLE TO YOUR HOME ACCESS PROJECT Experts in Accessible Remodeling and Mobility Equipment since 2011
Come visit our Award Winning Showroom at 950 S. Main St. - North Canton | 330.526.6009 Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Evenings & Weekends by appointment
OUR SERVICES
Stairlifts – Straight and Curved Barrier Free Showers Ceiling Track Lift Systems Wheelchair Platform Lifts
Walk-in Tubs & Transition Tubs Ramps (for sale or rent) Grab Bars & Handrails
Pool Lifts Accessible Remodeling & Additions Interior Design for Mobility Consulting Services
Medicaid Waiver Providers • www.jtekgroup.com • See our latest projects @jtekgroup 52
November 2023
