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September 2022 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton
Nonprofit Spotlight: The Autism Society of Greater Akron
PROVIDING CONNECTIONS FOR THOSE WITH AUTISM AND THEIR FAMILIES THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF GREATER AKRON
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By Sarah Smith
Sarah Smith
The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) was founded in 1987 by parents of children with autism to support each other and advocate for better lives for their children. ASGA is an affiliate of the Autism Society of America and strives to create connections, empowering everyone in the autism community to live fully in Summit, Medina, Stark, Portage and Wayne counties.
When Laurie Cramer became the first Executive Director of ASGA in 2011, her main goal was for ASGA to serve more individuals and families with consistent services and programs. This involved taking the organization from an all-parent volunteer network to a professional organization. A diversified board of directors outside of only parents was established, staff was hired, and the community provided support. Today, ASGA has five full-time staff, two part-time staff, several seasonal employees to support specific programs and over 300 volunteers. ASGA is one of six organizations chosen by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to be a member of the Ohio Family Network (OFN). OFN was created in 2019 to connect people with disabilities and their families to information and resources within their communities. It provides opportunities to share ideas, finds solutions to common challenges, and inspires and strengthens others.
“One of the most important things to know about ASGA is that we are primarily a family support organization and still a parent network,” Cramer said. “We have adapted events and programs that are more accessible for individuals with autism where parents/guardians are less anxious because we create a judgment-free zone.”
ASGA provides support in a myriad of ways. Our signature programs include a bike camp and a water safety program. The Help Line is a free service connecting individuals with autism and their families to local services and resources, including a Newly Diagnosed Kit: a roadmap to assist parents whose child has received an autism diagnosis. Online and in-person support groups provide social connections for caregivers and grandparents, while social clubs give individuals with autism a chance to connect and have fun in a safe environment.
Some of ASGA’s most popular events are the family-inclusive events held throughout the year. ASGA works with partners to adapt communitybased programs to accommodate the needs of the autism population and their families. These include visits with Santa and the Easter Bunny and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad North Pole Adventure.
Providing education to the community is important. With its Autism Friendly Communities program, ASGA has trained a variety of community partners, including emergency, medical, legal, park, and direct service personnel. The training focuses on bias and attitudinal barriers to inclusion, along with adapting programs and services, enabling professionals to better respond to misunderstood behaviors and social and communication challenges. ASGA was chosen as the 2020 Autism Society of America’s Affiliate of the Year because of the impact of this program.
The organization actively works with the Autism Society of America (ASA) to impact federal legislation and policy, with an emphasis on education, healthcare, and employment. ASGA is also a member of the Autism Society of Ohio (ASO), an affiliate of the ASA. ASO is a coalition of Ohio affiliates and focuses on statewide advocacy and awareness, serving areas not covered by local affiliates.
“ASGA is not a direct service provider yet provides many important programs and services to our community. As an advocacy organization, we are an important voice of individuals and families living the autism journey,” explained Cramer. “While autism is our specialty, ASGA serves all disabilities, especially as part of the OFN.”
ASGA depends on donations to achieve its mission. The programs are either free or greatly subsidized by donors to keep them accessible to the many individuals and families who are served.
ASGA will hold an anniversary ball on Nov. 5 to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Anyone interested in attending or sponsoring should visit the website.
To donate, volunteer, or obtain more information, visit autismakron. org or call 330-940-1441.
