Administration for Children and Families awards $1.87 million for National Autism Resource and Information Center

From The U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services:

The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced today the award of $1.87 million for fiscal year 2010 to The Arc of the United States to establish a national resource and information center on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

“Autism is a heart-wrenching condition that presents special challenges for many families,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “We want families to know that we are listening to them, and the release of this grant award, brings us one step closer to providing the resources needed to improve the quality of life for people with ASD and other developmental disabilities.”

The new National Autism Resource and Information Center will provide access to high-quality resources and information on community-based services and interventions for people with ASD and their families, through a national dissemination network, regional events, training and technical assistance and an innovative web presence.

“People with ASD and other developmental disabilities face significant challenges in accessing the supports they need,” said Commissioner Sharon Lewis of ADD. “This new center will serve to connect people with ASD and their families to services and activities that promote self-determination, independence, and inclusion in the community.”

The Arc, in collaboration with the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network and Self Advocates Becoming Empowered, will implement an innovative and dynamic initiative, called Autism NOW: The National Autism Resource and Information Center, that engages and leverages a national network of disability organizations and university centers to deliver information and resources relevant to individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities.

The Arc is the nation’s largest volunteer-based non-profit organization supporting the advocacy and service needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.