Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism
Congressional Briefing
July 15, 2010
Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building.
Washington, DC

On July 15th, 2010, AFAA hosted a Congressional briefing in Washington, DC that brought together federal legislators, national policymakers and advocates for adults with autism – including individuals who have autism – to discuss priorities for action in the public and private sectors that address the increasing and unmet demand for effective services for adolescents and adults with the disorder. See the video below for a recap of the briefing.

To view more videos from the Congressional Briefing, including videos of each of the panels and remarks from the honorary co-chairs, Senator Robert Menendez and Congressman Mike Doyle, please see the Congress Videos page. 

Click here to view the legislative agenda proposed at the Congressional Briefing.

“Working together, we have made incredible strides toward creating a focused agenda for improving access to services for adults with autism,” said Peter Bell, AFAA co-chair and executive vice president of Autism Speaks. “The Congressional briefing is an important next step as we seek to engage our elected leaders and key figures in the private sector and compel them to act in support of creating better futures for our loved ones with autism.”

The honorary co-chairs of the Congressional briefing were Senator Robert Menendez (NJ) and Congressman Mike Doyle (PA). The briefing included an overview of autism and the array of needs of adults on the spectrum. A stakeholder panel – featuring a diverse range of adults on the autism spectrum as well as family members – shed light on the strengths, challenges, complexities and humanity of those most intimately affected by the condition.

Click here for to view the bios of Senator Menendez and Congressman Doyle, our honorary co-chairs.

Click here to see the bios of our moderators and panelists.

Click here to view the agenda for the Congressional briefing that took place on July 15th.

AFAA leadership presented a policy agenda that was developed during an earlier Think Tank and National Town Hall. A series of panel discussions focused on housing, employment, community life and cross-cutting themes explored the challenges, market demands and potential solutions addressed through public/private/nonprofit collaborations.

The executive summary of the National Town Hall served as a guide for the Congressional Briefing. Click here to view the summary.