12.15-12.55pm: INFORMAL LUNCH DISCUSSION GROUP
Room: LK203/204
SFASA Focus Group: We Want to Hear from You!
Led by Anne Blenman Hare, treasurer, Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area
SFASA wants to hear from you. Let us know your feedback and ideas! Read below for background about SFASA..
Room: LK203/204
SFASA Focus Group: We Want to Hear from You!
Led by Anne Blenman Hare, treasurer, Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area
SFASA wants to hear from you. Let us know your feedback and ideas! Read below for background about SFASA..
From http://www.sfautismsociety.org/about.html
About Us
Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area (SFASA) is a grassroots, volunteer-run nonprofit organization of parents, family members, friends and professionals striving to build a stronger, more connected and influential Bay Area autism community. We began in 1967 and cover the six major San Francisco Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara. We are an affiliate of the Autism Society of America.
In 2014, SFASA reinvented itself to focus on improved community outreach and on issues related to addressing the dire need to expand the limited lifespan care options for the dramatically increasing numbers of adults with autism. Rather than serving as a direct service provider to people with autism, we act as a hub for the broader autism community. Our activities include:
- Information: A popular website, robust resources lists, information & referral, newsletters, blogs, publications, and social media.
- Networking and Education: Annual adult autism conference and various events, with an eye toward strengthening connections and knowledge within communities.
- Advocacy: Fearless advocacy and outreach to the public and policymakers; acting as an authoritative voice on autism in the media and public fora.
Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tax ID # 94-2978690. Website: sfautismsociety.org
Mission
Our mission is to grow a stronger Bay Area autism community. By creating a robust hub of information, resources, networks, and advocacy, we help advance common goals for the Bay Area's 20,000+ autism families. Rather than serving as a direct service provider to individuals with autism and related disabilities, we seek to provide a community focal point.
Vision
We envision a Bay Area where families and individuals with autism are provided appropriate lifespan services and supports, and are thriving, engaged and valued parts of all our communities.
Values and Beliefs
We Are Passionate about the Autism Community
We Desire a Brighter Future for Individuals and Families Affected by Autism
We have deep affection for and abiding commitment to individuals and families affected by autism, and engage in our work because we desire a brighter future for all of them.
Strength in Numbers
There is strength in numbers and we hope to reach and resonate with as many Bay Area autism families as possible. We can accomplish more together than as disconnected individuals. We actively partner with other autism-serving organizations to work toward common goals. We do not view other autism-serving organizations as competitors. Rather, we see ourselves as cooperative team members playing just one part of a much broader and complex mission to achieve a better future for all with autism.
We Value Views of People with Autism, their Families and Caregivers
We recognize that many, if not most, people with autism cannot effectively advocate for themselves (autism is defined by having significant impairments in communication, relatedness, and behavior). Therefore, in addition to the views of those with autism who are capable of articulating their views, we value the voices of those who care for and understand their disabled loved ones, and those who are legally entrusted to speak on their behalf.
Individuals With Autism Must Be Given Opportunities to Reach Their Potential
Through provision of appropriate health care, therapies, schooling, programs and supportive housing, all Bay Area residents with autism must be given opportunities to reach their potential.
Individuals With Autism Must Be Treated with Dignity and Respect
No matter how far their behaviors may deviate from the norm, all people with autism must be treated with the utmost dignity and respect, and accorded their full civil rights.
We Take a Serious View of Autism
A Serious Developmental Disability
We celebrate the many joys and gifts our loved ones with autism bring. But we are realistic and forthright about their limitations and need for lifespan support. We recognize that autism is clinically defined by having a serious mental impairment and as a serious developmental and learning disability that interferes with normal functioning.
Not a Unitary Condition
We follow the scientific consensus that what we call "autism" actually encompasses a vast number of different conditions, with different etiologies, neurological pathways, co-morbidities, and functional outcomes. As a consequence, we believe no one person with "autism" has any right to speak for another who has been handed the same label. We recognize the inherent confusion and conflict within the word “autism,” and we recognize that what is appropriate and true for some subset of autisms may not apply to others.
Stands Apart from Other Disabilities
Autism often presents additional challenges, vulnerabilities and needs beyond those presented by other disabilities, and these particular challenges, including difficult behaviors and functional limitations, must be honored and addressed explicitly.
Autism Has Reached Epidemic Proportions in California and the Bay Area
Given the unquestionably staggering growth of serious autism cases in California and our region over the past 25 years, we believe autism should be declared an epidemic and met with the utmost sense of urgency in terms of policy, research and services. We see no negative connotation to “epidemic," which is a term of art to describe an unexpectedly high occurrence of a condition.
We Are Passionate About Advocacy
In California and the Bay Area, Autism Is an Unprecedented Public Health and Social Services Crisis
We recognize the autism surge as a severe, unprecedented public health and social services crisis that demands no-nonsense dialogue, fearless leadership and sweeping policy change to facilitate expansion of economically and operationally viable care, support, program and housing options. Demand for services and supports far outstrips available supply, and the situation grows more acute each year. Given the immense challenges we face as a community, we value outspoken advocacy.
We Support the ASA Options Policy
We support and adhere to the Options Policy of the Autism Society of America, which sees each person with autism as a unique individual who, in collaboration with loved ones, may select the options most appropriate for his or her circumstances. Person-centered planning is fundamental for people with autism. Solutions must be based on individual functional needs and personal preferences and not on categorical or diagnostic labels.
The Autism Crisis Is a Shared Social Responsibility
No family or individual can face autism alone. We view lifespan care for the burgeoning autism population as a shared social responsibility.
Values and Beliefs Driving Our Governance
We Value Sound Governance
We commit to sound financial management, governance, and operations. Our board members, contractors, interns, and volunteers must commit to supporting our mission and values. We embrace the diversity of our community and do not discriminate based on race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, ethnic background, or religion.
Low-Cost, High-Value Projects
We value an “active volunteer” board model that provides as much benefit as possible to autism families at the lowest cost, and free when feasible. We do not charge for membership or inclusion on our mailing lists.
Continually Learning
The autism surge presents our community with unprecedented challenges. We are open-minded about new ideas and new solutions, and seek to gain knowledge continuously rather than adhering to any narrow ideology.