Autism Society Los Angeles

ADVOCACY and SUPPORT: Support of the Autism and disability community in Los Angeles County at a local, state and national level. Autism Society of Los Angeles (ASLA) provides a FREE RESOURCE WARM LINE that provides valuable support for self-advocates, families and other members of the community. The Warm line is a non-emergency resource for anyone seeking support. ASLA provides assistance via phone and email on a nondiscriminatory basis to anyone in need. ASLA has a long and successful history helping all individuals and families across disabilities, the community and life-span.

PUBLIC AWARENESS: Efforts to raise public awareness related to autism - publications, website, email blasts etc. ASLA provides trainings in order to increase AWARENESS, ACCEPTANCE and INCLUSION in the community. Since 2006, we have trained over 9,000 officers and other 1st responders through the ASLA safety initiatives. We maintain an education partnership with LAPD Mental Evaluation Unit to educate officers on having positive interactions with the autism community. ASLA helps to improve the outcomes for our community members. The SELF-ADVOCATE SPEAKERS BUREAU provides the opportunity for adults with a disability to speak in front of audiences to create acceptance of differences. This diverse team includes all disabilities and modes of communication. This creates a bridge for employment and inclusion opportunities. Engagement has been in partnership with corporations, schools, conferences, LAPD etc.

EDUCATION: DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION, AND EDUCATING COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC. The Cross-Cultural INDEPENDENT FACILITATOR TRAININGS and Ongoing Support for the Self-Determination Program, facilitates training to members of communities who speak a language other than English. The primary training includes the areas required by the Self-Determination Law, with a focus on under-served communities, cultural competency and considerations. The secondary support is to the trainees as they develop as Independent Facilitators. Through the SPEAKER SERIES initiative, ASLA provides a platform for speakers to share experiences and knowledge in a range of topics including Fair hearings, SSI, IEP's, Regional Center services, IHSS, adult transition, employment and residential options. In addition, ASLA provides PROFESSIONAL TRAINING for teachers and support staff to assist with techniques for successful inclusion in the classroom and community. And to university students, organizations etc. to create an environment of acceptance and inclusion. Education continues to be one of ASLA's core competencies.