Project Description:
Project Description
The AAROC is a state-wide outreach center for families whose sons and daughters have been diagnosed with any Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The activities of the Center are a collaborative effort with Partners and a parent-run non-profit corporation of the same name. The mission of the Center is to provide "hope, direction and support" for families facing the daily struggles associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In addition to fundraising efforts by the parental organization to support the activities of the Center, the close collaboration provides constant input and feedback from the families across Arkansas regarding the activities and priorities of the Center. The AAROC's mission is accomplished through the following activities:
* provision of service coordination for families (on an as needed basis) to assist them in identifying needed services/resources or in navigating the very complicated and sometimes baffling service system
* provision of technical assistance and training for schools, preschools and adult service settings to educate staff about ASD and improve the quality of services offered
* provision of training for parents and other family members to understand the disorder and provide/select appropriate intervention for their sons and daughters
* participation in awareness and advocacy activities to improve the health, education and human services systems' ability to support individuals with ASD and their families (including the Arkansas Legislative Task Force on Autism)
* coordination of Arkansas Act Early Team, a multi-agency collaboration to improve early identification and diagnosis of children with ASD using the CDC's Learn the Signs: Act Early materials
Project Accomplishments 2009
In the past year Mrs. Burnette, the Center Director, has conducted 35 training events that included 1,685 parents, family members, educators, therapists and administrators. Topics have included the following:
* Understanding ASD
* Learning the Signs of Autism: Act Early
* Identification & Intervention with ASD
* Sensory Processing Disorders
* Classroom strategies
* Positive behavioral supports
* IDEA, Services and Resources
* Social Stories
Training events have been provided in 17 different geographic locations across the state including Batesville, Beebe, Blytheville, Conway, Crossett, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Malvern, Monticello, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Russellville, Searcy and West Memphis.
In addition to the training events, the AAROC sponsores a 5K Race/Walk during the month of April each year to build awareness of the disorder and the issues faced by families. In 2009, the AAROC sponsored two such races, one in Little Rock in April and another in Siloam Springs in June.
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology, Other - Leadership
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
