Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
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February 9-11, 2011 |
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ITEM: |
OREGON AUTISM COMMISSION
REPORT |
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ACTION: |
INFORMATION ITEM |
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INFORMATION: |
In 2008, the Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD) Workgroup was created as an ad hoc committee by the Chairs of the House
Education and Health Care Committees in response to the frustrations expressed
by families and agencies attempting to address the needs of the rapidly
growing population of children and adults identified with ASD in Oregon. The workgroup was chaired by then-Representative
Chris Edwards and included other legislators, state agency staff, higher
education members and family members. |
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The group reviewed the current status of
services, developed draft recommendations, held eight community forums and
received input from hundreds of individuals. Commission staff was not aware of these forums
and did not receive invitations to engage in the discussion. The recommendations of the workgroup are
contained in the document, “The Oregon Autism Project – Preliminary Findings
and Recommendations.” [This document is
found on page 102 of the Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder Report
to the Governor at: http://www.orcommissionasd.org/images/uploads/OCASD_2010_Report_FINAL.pdf]
In March of 2009,
Governor Kulongoski issued an Executive Order which created the Oregon
Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder [(OCASD) or the Commission]. The 13-member, Governor-appointed, Commission
was charged to build on the efforts of the previous legislative workgroup and
to create a 10-year plan for Oregon that helps target limited resources and
uses best practices to improve services to all individuals and families
experiencing autism spectrum disorders. A
report with recommendations and identified action items was presented to the
Governor in December 2010. Executive
Order No. 09-07 is scheduled to expire on July 1, 2011. (Referenced above at cited Web site.) Note in
particular: pp 58-59; 66-69.
It is the mission of the Oregon Commission
on Autism Spectrum Disorder to: Develop
appropriate, collaborative and timely supports and services across the
lifespan. This mission is accomplished
by the creation and implementation of a long term strategic plan that increases
coordination, promotes best available practice, makes efficient use of
resources and both directly engages with, and better responds to, the needs of
people with ASD and their families.