Vision
Autistics (individuals with autism) of all ages are engaged in self-determined lives and are valued citizens in the community.
Mission
Promotes collaborative efforts and advocates to improve systems of supports for individuals with autism (autistics).
Elevator Speech
The
KYACA is a collaborative of autistics and allies who work to increase
respect, understanding, and autonomy for ALL autistic Kentuckians,
especially black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), through advocacy,
education, and growing circles of support.
Legislation and Council Membership
On
April 1, 2016, Senate Bill 185 created new sections of KRS Chapter 194A
to establish the Advisory Council on Autism. Council consists of
governor appointed members including state agencies, autistics (consumer
representatives), family members, and citizens-at-large. Full list is
within the legislation at 194A.624 Advisory Council.
Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism (KYACA)
While the original Advisory Council legislation (KRS 194A.624) uses the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the current Council has amended the title to
Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism as this reflects and honors autism through a more strength-based perspective and through the social model of disability.
Quarterly Meetings
For
accessibility, all meetings have a virtual option, and are open to the
public. Quarterly meetings are the first Thursday of the month of
February, May, August, November. There is a public comment period on
each agenda for non-governor appointed representatives. For more
information contact Tal Curry.
Council Subcommittees
Lifespan
subcommittees have recently addressed supporting families, children,
and adults newly diagnosed with autism, addressing restraint and
seclusion, addressing violence and abuse toward autistics, and
increasing employment opportunities for autistic workers. The three
subcommittees are:
- Early Childhood (ages 0-5/8)
- School-Age (age 5-18/21)
- Adolescent & Adult (age 14 - 18/21+)
In
addition, these subcommittees address autism awareness, education of
families and providers, increasing the availability of effective
assessment and therapy, resource sharing, and other collaborative
efforts. Subcommittees meet at least quarterly the month of January,
April, July, and October. For more information contact Tal Curry.
Office of Autism
Purpose
is to address autism-related matters and provide support and
consultation to autistics, families and community providers. Primary
work of Executive Director includes:
- Offering a
centralized location to coordinate statewide to enhance the quality of
life and independence of autistics and to support their families and
caregivers.
- Improving coordination of autism resources within the system of care supporting children and adults with autism.
- Providing administrative support to Council & 3 lifespan subcommittees.
- Oversee Website & Council Project(s).
- Assist with constituent communication.
- Offer consultation to autistics, families, and community partners.
- Collaborate & serve on state councils and workgroups.
- Assist in submitting KYACA Biennial Report to Governor.
Legislation
On April 1, 2016, Senate Bill 185 created new sections of KRS Chapter 194A to create the Office of Autism.
For more information about either KYACA or Office of Autism, contact:
Tal Curry
Executive Director Office of Autism
Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
(859) 447-7792
Additional Links