(On July 22, 2013, AFAA held its annual retreat at the new Center for Autism and Developing Brain (CADB). Members pictured above in the CADB gym.)
10 Years, 10 Triumphs
Triumph 6: Setting the National Public Policy Agenda – Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism
NYCA co-founded Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism (AFAA), a consortium of autism organizations, in 2008 with the goal of setting the national agenda. In only five short years, we have made significant progress.
One of the great strengths of AFAA is that it brings diverse people and organizations from across the country together to improve the lives of people with autism.
Building on its connections nationwide, AFAA launched a think tank of leaders in the public and private sectors to discuss the most effective existing models in housing, employment and community integration as well as promising innovative solutions. The think tank then opened up the conversation to over 1,000 stakeholders positioned to affect change in these key areas.
In 2010, AFAA made its way to Washington, D.C. to convene an Autism Congress, pushing an effective public policy agenda, which continues today.
Since the Autism Congress, AFAA has become a robust policy consortium of more than 16 organizations. We are proud to be apart of this collaboration and national dialogue.
AFAA will continue to push for policy change until people with autism fully participate in their communities.
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