1. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council www.autismtrainingva.org Est. December, 2001

2. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council The Virginia Autism Council’s Vision The Virginia Autism Council (VAC) envisions individuals with autism fully participating in every aspect of society.

3. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council The VAC Mission  To provide leadership and coordination for state agencies and service providers AND  To increase knowledge and understanding of autism in the wider community in order to maximize outcomes for people with autism.

4. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council The Council Exists to:  Gather, synthesize, and distribute knowledge;  Develop best practice tools;  Promote the interests of citizens affected by autism;  Identify and address gaps in the system.

5. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council Council membership includes representatives from: Autism Society of America Commonwealth Autism Service DMAS, DRS, DBHDS, VCU Individuals with autism and their families Loudoun County Public Schools Southside Virginia Training Center Youth Services – Transition disAbility Resource Center Private Day School SECEP Training and Technical Assistance Centers (T/TACs) Virginia Autism Resource Center (VARC) VCU Partnership for People with Disabilities VA Board for People with Disabilities VA Dept. of Education

6. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council Autism Council Endeavors  Skill Competencies  Training Calendar and Website  Online Training  Strategies Curricula  Tuition Reimbursement Program  Projects with Adult Services

7. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council Skill Competencies  Developed and Published by VAC in 2005  Developed to guide best practice in supporting individuals with autism  Used in all fields of service delivery  Based upon research  Reviewed by state and national experts in the field of autism.

8. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council Competency Areas  General Information on Autism Spectrum Disorders  Individualization & Support Strategies  Communication  Social Skills  Behavior  Sensory Motor Development

9. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council Competencies Designed for  Paraprofessionals  Professionals  Master Professionals  Advanced Degree, Program Developer, or Specialist

10. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council Use of the Competencies  Help identify the areas of need for education and support  Guide development of programs  Guide development of university- based classes  Guide training and staff development

11. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council

12. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council Access the Competencies  Available on the VAC website at www.autismtrainingva.org  Word format  20 page printout  Bound copies available  Contact the VA Autism Council (info@autismtrainingva.org) for print copies

13. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council VAC Website www.autismtrainingva.org  Training calendar  Skill Competencies  Tuition Reimbursement  Online Training  Support Groups Submit upcoming events to: info@autismtrainingva.org

14. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council

15. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council Online Training  List of free Online Training  Organized into six categories: General Autism, Individualization and Support Strategies, Communication, Social Skills, Behavior, and Sensory Motor Development.

16. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council Strategies Curricula “Strategies to Support Individuals with ASD” (2006) –Introduces participants to evidence-based general guidelines –Curricula for: School-age, Early Intervention, and Adult providers

17. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council Tuition Reimbursement Program  Supported by the VDOE  For school personnel (at any level) and for family members of school age students  For VAC recognized courses listed on website  Maximum of 3 courses per year  Based on availability of funds

18. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council Tuition Reimbursement Available for Courses at:  Longwood University  Lynchburg College  Old Dominion University  Rappahannock Community College  Regent University  University of Mary Washington Virginia Commonwealth University

19. June 2009Overview of Virginia Autism Council For More Information: Website: www.autismtrainingva.org Email: Info@autismtrainingva.org