We want to highlight ECHO Autism Communities: Advocates program. This program aims to develop a network of equipped and informed advocates in our communities.
What is ECHO Autism: Advocates?
ECHO Autism: Advocates is a virtual learning program intended to educate, equip, and enrich the lives of those within the Autism community. The general mission of the clinic is to develop a Network of well-equipped advocates, who are familiar with complex systems and passionate to connect people with autism and their families to high-quality, evidence-based resources, supports, and services. Furthermore, the clinic aims to increase local access to well-equipped community-based advocates who understand systems and can connect people with autism and their families to high-quality, evidence-based resources.
Each virtual session occurs for 90 minutes every first and third Friday of the month and is open to anyone across the globe.
There are two categories of program participation: Family Advocate Network Members and Family Advocate Observers. Family Advocate Network Members include autistic people or family members of people with autism who live in the state of Missouri and have a passion for helping people with autism and their families gain access to what they need to ensure they are living their best lives! Family Advocate Observers include anyone who wants to learn more about autism and how to support autistic people and their families!
Each session starts with a brief presentation by an autism expert, followed by a rich group discussion where advocates are invited to present about the challenges that people with autism and their families face navigating systems, finding good resources, or advocating for themselves or loved ones. Sessions end with the full group proposing solutions and sharing helpful resources. Topics discussed provide information about the medical system, educational system, state eligibility, and funding, transition to adulthood and adult living, bolstering advocacy skills, and engaging your community.
Learn more about this program and others HERE.
