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The Able Trust President Named to Statewide Autism Task Force

(March 6, 2008)

The Able Trust President & CEO, Dr. Susanne Homant, was recently appointed to Governor Crist’s newly created statewide taskforce on autism. The task force will study the problem and help find paths to assistance for the growing numbers of autism diagnoses that affect Florida’s children and families. “It’s an important issue and it matters a lot,” Crist said, adding that he heard about it “constantly” during his election campaign. The 21-member task force, including issue advocates, people with autism and community leaders, will review and coordinate efforts by various groups and agencies to provide help; work with medical experts to explore ways the state may help; and set up a Web site that compiles information and resources for affected families. Jane Johnson, director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and retired Miami Dolphins football star Dan Marino, who has an autistic child, will serve as co-chairs. The group is expected to have a final report ready by March 2009.

The Able Trust has awarded nearly $4.3 million in grants supporting individuals with developmental disabilities which includes autism. In addition the Foundation serves a number of young adults with autism-related disabilities through its four youth programs.

For more information about the task force, contact Tamara Yang Demko at the Florida Department of Health, (850) 245-4016.