COHPA Home
  • Blog
  • 2008
  • UCF Autism Expert Applauds Governor’s Call for Autism Task Force
ShareThis
Text Size:
Print This Page

UCF Autism Expert Applauds Governor’s Call for Autism Task Force

By Zenaida Gonzalez Kotala

Recognizing the growing health crisis that autism represents, Governor Charlie Crist announced the creation of the Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The task force has many responsibilities and will provide a report on the status of resources for families to the governor by March 20, 2009. The University of Central Florida is home to the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). The center is a resource for the community.

"We were part of the discussion and fully support the creation of the task force and the work it will be doing," said CARD Director Tery Daly.

The Orlando center, one of seven in the state, acts as a local resource for family members of children and adults diagnosed with the disease.

CARD at UCF serves more than 2,700 people in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties. The seven other centers in Florida serve about 12,000 people altogether.

While CARD services are free, the child or adult must already be diagnosed with autism or a related condition before the agency can help. CARD staff members work with families, initially by phone and then with a home visit, to evaluate their needs and help ensure that they are met.

The state agency serves as a clearing-house of sorts. It provides information to parents and those who care for people with autism and offers workshops on a variety of topics, including how to deal with the behavior and estate planning. Clients are also referred to federal, state and local agencies that can help with education and transportation needs.

CARD also offers a library of materials, including resource books, training manuals and videos of workshops, that people can borrow.

For information about the center call 407-737-2566 or send an email to ucfcard@mail.ucf.edu.

Share and Enjoy:

Mentioned : Teresa Daly

Archive

My internship with the District 9 Medical Examiner’s Office was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I gained an excellent understanding of the medical examiner’s office and the criminal justice field in general."
— Adam Stubley,  criminal justice major
I’m so excited to be in this program. I’m really looking forward to planning great areas to live and work."
— Gabriella Serrado,  urban and regional planning graduate student
I think it is great to be part of something that [exposes] others to sign language and the deaf community."
— Ashley Loomis,  communication sciences and disorders major and national-anthem signer at Orlando Magic games
UCF provides its physical therapy students with an excellent education and prepares them to work in the most challenging of settings."
— Jamie Dyson,  rehabilitation supervisor, Orlando Regional Medical Center
The program is really helping me grow as a professional. I have a much better understanding of how to navigate the systems and advocate for services on a much larger scale."
— Joy Chuba,  social work graduate student, UCF Valencia Osceola
In fall 2010, I began to create real programs, establish the board, develop volunteer-recruitment strategies and overal strategically plan the next five years -- all through my course work."
— Paulette Campbell, CEO of Redemption Song, Inc.,  Master of Nonprofit Management ('11)
The internship is going great! I am interning for Senate President Mike Haridopolos in the Capitol. I wish more UCF students could have this truly amazing opportunity."
— Julianna Debler,  legal studies major and 2012 Florida Legislative Scholars Intern
Give a Gift - The College of Healh & Public Affairs