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Autism Action Groups are initiated, developed and supported by Commonwealth Autism Service. Group participants include self-advocates, family members, 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. Utilizing the best current holistic thinking about approaches to the development of a truly seamless service matrix, we will endeavor to organize both our strategic and implementation approaches around The Lifespan Connection Initiative (LCI). Within this framework we will focus on setting system change goals and measuring outcomes. The LCI will provide a framework to guide AAG planning, coordination, program initiatives, etc. towards the attainment of the AAG mission and regional goals. Representatives from action groups meet yearly to network. Meeting locations vary for 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 eight Autism Action Groups in Virginia.
1. Central Virginia Autism Action Group (CVAAG)
Covers: Counties of Amherst, Bedford, Appomattox and Campbell, and including the City of Lynchburg
Contact: Dottie Narodny, dnarodny@autismva.org, 800-649-8481
Meetings: 2nd Monday of the month from 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. at Lynchburg College, Elliot & Rosel Schewel Hall (formerly Centennial Hall), Room 229, Lynchburg
Resources: CVAAG Resource Directory, January 2010 Update
2. Charlottesville Region Autism Action Group (CRAAG)
Covers: Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson, and the City of Charlottesville
Contact: Dottie Narodny, dnarodny@autismva.org , 800-649-8481
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Fellows Center, 112 Clarke Court, Charlottesville, VA (on Maury Ave., across from Anna’s Pizza).
Resources: CRAAG Resource Directory
3. Fredericksburg Regional Autism Action Group (FRAAG)
Covers: All entities within the Counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline, including the City of Fredericksburg
Contact: Rachel Reynolds, rreynolds@autismva.org, 800-649-8481
Meetings: 4th Thursday of each month, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. OR 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., at the disAbility Resource Center: 409 Progress Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Resources: FRAAG Resource Directory
4. 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: Dottie Narodny, dnarodny@autismva.org, 800-649-8481
Meetings: 1st Friday of each month, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., at Blue Ridge Independent Living Center, 1502 B Williamson Road NE, Roanoke, VA 24012
Resources: GRVAAG Website includes Family Support Group Information and a Resource Directory
5. 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: Heather Overstreet, hoverstreet@autismva.org, 800-649-8481
Meetings: 4th Tuesday of each month, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., at the New River Valley Community Services Board, University City Blvd.
Resources: NRVAAG Resource Directory ; NRVAAG also has a Support Group
6. Piedmont Autism Action Group (PAAG)
Covers: All entities within the Counties of Patrick and Henry, including the City of Martinsville
Contact info: Dottie Narodny, dnarodny@autismva.org, 800-649-8481
Meetings: 3rd Thursday of each month, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at The Starting Place, Liberty Fair Mall, Martinsville.
Resources: Resource Directory; Monthly Support Groups; PAAG Flyer
7. Rappahannock/Rapidan Autism Action Group (RRAAG) Covers: All entities within the counties of Rappahannock, Fauquier, Culpeper, Madison, and Orange
Contact: Carol Minter, cminter@autismva.org, 800-649-8481
Meetings: 1st Tuesday of each month, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services, 15361 Bradford Road, Culpeper, VA 22701
Resources: RRAAG Resource Directory
8. 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: Kate Masincup kmasincup@autismva.org, 800-649-8481
Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of each month from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at the Highlands Community Services Board, Abingdon
Information: Meeting and Workshop Schedule
Resources: SWVAAG Resource Directory
AAG meetings are subject to change, for the most recent schedule for each autism action group, please check the calendar of events
Commonwealth Autism Service AUTISM ACTION GROUPS and partners recently participated in a 2 day Strategies for Supporting Adolescents and Adults Train the Trainer
conducted by Cindy Gwinn, Community Resource Manager, Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities using a curriculum developed by the Virginia Autism Council.
Please click the link below to see an overview of the 2 day training.
Strategies for Supporting Adolescents and Adults
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