Arkansas Autism Resource and Outreach Center
Project Description:
The AAROC is a state-wide outreach center for individuals who have been diagnosed with any Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, and members of their communities. 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 individuals and families as they seek assistance and navigate systems providing services/supports for children and adults with ASDs. 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
* provision of training for educational and health care professionals through "special topic" conferences/workshops
* 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 with 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
* collaboration with the Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute and other law enforcement training centers to provide training to law enforcement officers on autism spectrum disorders, focusing on improving response to a situation involving an individual diagnosed with ASD, school issues (for school resource officers), and understanding how having an ASD can increase risk of victimization.
* assistance to the 501(c)3 non-profit AAROC in deciding grant awards to programs designed for children without disabilities that wish to include children with ASDs.
In addition to the ongoing activities referenced above, the AAROC sponsors a Family Fun Day once every year at the Little Rock Zoo for families of children diagnosed with ASD. However, no in-person events were held during the 2020 FY due to COVID-19 safety concerns.
Keyword(s):
autism, family support, inclusion
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology, Other - Leadership, Other
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
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
