Virginia Action Groups
Autism Action Groups are initiated, developed and supported by Commonwealth Autism Service. Group participants include self-advocates, parents, educators, private and public service providers, and other concerned individuals. Developed to help maximize “value added” autism services by bringing together local providers, the Autism Action Groups in Virginia consist of members from local communities who have a desire to actively and collaboratively work toward providing quality services and resources for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Representatives from each group meet quarterly to network. Meeting locations vary to each of the action group localities.
The mission of the Autism Action Groups is to provide leadership in the implementation of a regional system of services and resources to maximize the potential and quality of life of each individual with autism spectrum disorders, and their families, across the lifespan.
There are currently nine Autism Action Groups in Virginia.
VIRGINIA AUTISM ACTION GROUPS
Central Virginia Autism Action Group (CVAAG)
Covers: Counties of Amherst, Bedford, Appomattox and Campbell, and including the Cities of Lynchburg and Bedford
Contact info: Didi Zaryczny, 540-587-8990 ext. 108 or dzaryczny@autismva.org
Meetings: Second Tuesday of the month from 1:00-2:30 pm at Lynchburg College, Elliot & Rosel Schewel Hall (formerly Centennial Hall), Room 229, Lynchburg
Greater Roanoke Valley Autism Action Group (GRVAAG)
Covers: All entities within Botetourt, Craig, Roanoke and Franklin Counties, including the Cities of Salem, Roanoke and Rocky Mount
Contact: Didi Zaryczny, 540-587-8990 ext. 108 or dzaryczny@autismva.org
Meetings: First Friday of each month, 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Blue Ridge Independent Living Center, 1502 B Williamson Rd., NE, Roanoke, VA 24012
website: http://www.blackwood.tierranet.com/GRVAAG/GRVAAG.htm
Piedmont Autism Action Group (PAAG)
Covers: All entities within the Counties of Patrick and Henry, including the City of Martinsville.
Contact info: Didi Zaryczny, 540-587-8990 ext. 108 or dzaryczny@autismva.org
Meetings: 3rd Thursday of each month, 10:00 am-Noon, at the Piedmont Community Services.
Southside Virginia Autism Action Group (SVAAG)
Covers: All entities within the Counties of Pittsylvania and Halifax, including the Cities of Danville and South Boston.
Contact info: Didi Zaryczny, 540-587-8990 ext. 108 or dzaryczny@autismva.org
Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 12:00-2:00 pm at Madeline Center, Danville
New River Valley Autism Action Group (NRVAAG)
Covers: All entities within Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski and Floyd, including the Cities of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Pulaski and Radford.
Contact: Didi Zaryczny, 540-587-8990 ext. 108 or dzaryczny@autismva.org
Meetings: Fourth Tuesday of each month, 12:30-2:30 pm, at the New River Valley Community Services.
Heartland of Virginia Autism Action Group (HVAAG)
Covers: All entities within Fluvanna, Buckingham, Goochland, Powhatan, Cumberland, and Prince Edward Counties, including the City of Farmville.
Contact: Didi Zaryczny, 540-587-8990 ext. 108 or dzaryczny@autismva.org
Meetings: Fourth Monday of each month, 1:00-2:30 pm at the Cumberland Courthouse, Lower Basement Meeting Room, Cumberland
Southwest Virginia Autism Action Group (SWVAAG)
Covers: All entities within Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson, Russell, Washington, Buchanan, Tazewell, Smyth, Grayson, Bland, Wythe and Carroll Counties.
Contact: Didi Zaryczny, 540-587-8990 ext. 108 or dzaryczny@autismva.org
Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month from 12:00-2:00 pm, in the Educational Building at the Lifetime Wellness Center, Marion
Greater Fredericksburg Area Autism Action Group (GFAAG)
Covers: All entities within the Counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline, including the City of Fredericksburg.
Contact: Becky Boswell, 800-649-8481 or bboswell@autismva.org
Meetings: Fourth Thursday of each month, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, at the disAbility Resource Center, Fredericksburg
Rappahannock/Rapidan Area Autism Action Group (RRAAG)
Covers: All entities within the Counties of Rappahannock, Fauquier, Culpeper, Madison and Orange.
Contact: Becky Boswell, 800-649-8481 or bboswell@autismva.org
Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board, 15361 Bradford Road, Culpeper, VA 22701
Document Links:
Action Group Information Flyer