Autism Action Groups ©

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: Heather Overstreet, hoverstreet@autismva.org, 800-649-8481, direct # 540-587-8990, ext. 105
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
Support Group Flyer

2. Charlottesville Region Autism Action Group (CRAAG) 
Covers: Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson, and the City of Charlottesville
Contact: craag1@gmail.com to reach a local CRAAG volunteer or email Autumn Kaufman, akaufman@autismva.org, CAS Facilitator
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at Region Ten CSB, 504 Old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville (main entrance to conference room)
*Lifespan Committee meets: 4^th Mon. of the month 10 a.m. at WorkSource Enterprises~1311 Carlton Ave., Charlottesville
*Outreach Committee meeting schedule, email craag1@gmail.com
Join our mailing list by emailing craag1@gmail.com
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: Kim Lett, klett@cildrc.org , 540-373-2559 / 800-648-6324
Meetings: 4th Thursday of each month, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., at the disAbility Resource Center: 409 Progress Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Lunch & Learn: Last Thurs of the month from 11-12:30pm 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: Heather Overstreet, hoverstreet@autismva.org, 800-649-8481, direct # 540-587-8990, ext. 105
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, direct # 540-587-8990, ext. 105
Meetings: 4th Tuesday of each month, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., at the New River Valley Community Services Board, University City Blvd.
Resources:   NRVAAG Resource Directory  ; Online Welcome Packet; 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: Heather Overstreet, hoverstreet@autismva.org, 800-649-8481, direct # 540-587-8990, ext. 105
Meetings: 3rd Thursday of each month, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at Family Preservation Services, Inc.,
1 Starling Ave, Martinsville, VA 24112
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
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: Heather Overstreet, hoverstreet@utismva.org, 800-649-8481, direct # 540-587-8990, ext. 105
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