 In the Spotlight
NEW YORK 'ACTS' WEB SITE IS LAUNCHED
Site is `one stop shop' for information on Autism and
Autism Spectrum Disorders
ALBANY, N.Y.; Individuals with Autism Spectrum
Disorders (ASDs) and their families now have a single comprehensive resource to
go to for important information on ASDs and the State services available to
address the needs of these individuals and their families. New York State's
Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) and the
State Education Department (SED) announced today the launch of the New York
ACTS (www.nyacts.org)
web site.
New York ACTS (An Initiative for Adults and Children
on the Spectrum) was developed by the New York State Interagency Task Force on
Autism, a partnership of 11 State agencies, as a way to bring reliable, current
information to the public about autism and to assist New York's families to
easily find State services for their loved ones with ASD. Because individuals
with ASD may need services from different State systems - education, health,
mental health and developmental disabilities services - NYACTS offers a
dedicated site from which people can get the information they need without any
prior knowledge of New York's service agencies.
"New York ACTS demonstrates New York State's
commitment to letting the people we serve drive what we do," said OMRDD
Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter. "It effectively connects people to the
services they seek regardless of which system provides it. It has resulted from
and will continue to demonstrate how our government is working together in an
effective and integrated way."
"We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to
partner with the other State agencies in the development of this website", said
SED's Commissioner Dr. David Steiner. "NYACTS represents a truly coordinated
effort among State agencies. This Web site provides a wealth of information on
ASD and organized access to services in New York State. It represents the
State's genuine commitment to individuals with ASD and their families and is
especially important given the increasing incidence of ASD."
In addition to information on autism and New York
State services and supports for individuals and families, New York ACTS
provides news stories related to ASD, the answers to frequently asked
questions, and information on important laws, events and trainings, the network
of Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities across New York State, New York
State's autism initiatives, and profiles of New York citizens of all ages
living with ASD. A cross-agency committee will regularly update and maintain
the Web site. As scientists and others improve their understanding of ASD and
identify effective practices in diagnosis, assessment, treatment and education
for individuals with ASD, the committee will continue to promote and expand New
York ACTS as a means to bring the latest information to a wide range of
parties.
New York ACTS is sponsored
by the following New York State agencies:
- OMRDD
- SED
- Office of Mental Health
- Department of Health
- Office of Children and Family Services
- Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
- Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for
Persons with Disabilities
- Council on Children and Families
- Office for Temporary and Disability Assistance
- Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services
- New York State Insurance Department
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