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Who We Are & History |
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The mission of the Autism Society of Colorado (ASC) is to improve the lives of all affected by autism.
ASC was founded in 1970 by parents who fought for their children’s right to attend public schools. State and national victory for this goal resulted in the 1975 passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In the early years there were no paid staff members at ASC. Volunteers produced newsletters, worked on legislation, hosted conferences, and provided information and referrals to many families and providers.
Autism is an equal opportunity disability; it knows no racial, geographical or socio-economic boundaries. Because of the cost and treatment of caring for a person with autism, many Colorado families struggle not only with potential medical bankruptcies, but also with sufficient funds to pay their bills. ASC understands what their lives are like and the support they receive from us is among the most meaningful direct service they obtain.
Presently, ASC’s professional staff of seven not only serves individuals and families impacted by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) but also provides guidance, education, support and leadership to health and rehabilitation providers, state departments and policy makers. ASC provides the most current and accurate information about ASD interventions, services, supports and relevant policy initiatives. Approximately 150 inquiries are answered each month.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 February 2010 17:56 |
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What We Do |
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ASC’s Programs:
- Information and Referral – ASC responds to more than 150 inquiries for support monthly, hosts the www.autismcolorado.org website, publishes a newsletter for more than 2,500, produces timely email Action Alerts, and monitors the Autism-CO online support group.
- Education – ASC performs public awareness outreach through more than 50 speaking engagements annually, as well as designs and produces autism provider trainings and workgroups, and instructional seminars for families, advocates, caregivers and individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
- Community Enrichment – a hallmark of the Autism Society of Colorado are the social events we offer for families (with child care provided) to ensure a sense of belonging to a caring community and a safe harbor environment of acceptance. Adults with autism spectrum disorders attend ASC Community events as well and feel admired and respected. The ASC Give Me a Break program provides respite grants to complement our respite provider training programs. We have poignant letters of thanks from many families who are very moved that ASC cares about them.
- Policy – ASC has spearheaded 16 laws resulting in more than $50 million in funding for supports and services in Colorado. ASC is one of the most respected disability nonprofits in statewide policy efforts and is a requested partner in policy development by the Colorado Department of Human Services, the Division for Developmental Disabilities, Health Care Policy and Financing, the Division for Vocational Rehabilitation, the Colorado Department of Education, and the Division of Behavioral Health as an example. ASC is part of Colorado’s Medical Home Initiative, 2010 All Children Covered, Partnership for a Healthy Colorado and many other policy collaborations.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 February 2010 17:48 |
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How We're Funded |
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Most of our funding comes from people like YOU!
We pride ourselves on the fact that 85% of your donation goes back into direct service to the autism community.
Click here to make a DONATION |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 14 January 2010 17:40 |
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Board of Directors |
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For the term: July 2009 - June 2011
The Autism Society of Colorado is a local chapter of the Autism Society of America.
Executive Committee:
Directors:
- Dr. Ed Goldson
- Xenia Kathy Grant
- Carol Meredith
- Dr. Cordelia Robinson
- Jill Tappert
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 February 2010 17:51 |
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Finacial Information |
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 Autism Society of Colorado 2008 Form 990 (Tax) Return
Autism Society of Colorado 2008 Audit
For more information, please contact our office at 720.214.0794, x19 or at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Last Updated on Thursday, 14 January 2010 13:37 |
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About ASC