eContact Issue #4 Out Now

Our Summer Issue of eContact is ready now. Thank you for the positive feedback about our eContact.  Please share it with others you know with an interest in autism – and encourage them to register as a member of AFSA. We currently have 268 registered members – all have a family member or members with autism.

eContact Issue #3 Out Now

Our Spring Issue of eContact is ready now. Thank you for the positive feedback about our eContact.  Please share it with others you know with an interest in autism – and encourage them to register as a member of AFSA. We currently have 268 registered members – all have a family member or members with autism. 

AFSA AGM

The AFSA 2022 AGM was held on 16^th August 2022 at the Mulgrave Country Club.  Guest speaker was Samantha Dooley, Victorian State Director, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.  A copy of her presentation slides can be downloaded here.  The 2022 committee and office bearers were returned and new committee members Liz Websdale, Carmen Jan and Catherine Madden were welcomed.

Survey

The 2022 AFSA Members Survey was launched in the last issue of eContact to help us prepare a demographic profile of our member families.  The data from the survey will present a picture of past, present and future requirements and help AFSA with its advocacy representations to government.

The survey is still open – you can access the survey here.

National Disability Advocacy
Framework 2022-2025

The Australian government, together with state and territory governments, has drafted a new National Disability Advocacy Framework to provide a nationally consistent framework for advocacy.  AFSA prepared a submission with commentary on this draft federal document.  Our vision for disability advocacy services for our loved ones with autism embraces a human rights driven person-centred approach that acknowledges the roles and responsibilities of parents, carers and families.  You can download our submission here.

AFSA Agendas of Issues 2021-23

The AFSA committee has updated its three Agenda Statements covering Autism Issues 2021-23, Education Issues 2021-23 and NDIS Issues 2021-23. You can download a copy of each agenda – the AFSA committee uses these documents to inform government, services and the community of our concerns and lived experiences as parents/carers of family members with autism, ASD and complex needs.  You can reference items from these documents – but please acknowledge AFSA as the source.

eContact Issue #2 Out Now

Our Winter Issue of eContact is ready now.  We are all still facing many challenges in this post COVID period.  Lockdowns maybe behind us and we can start to meet in person, but for many families the return to normal is very slow with loads of new challenges. One of our members has shared their journey in Your Voice. In NDIS Matters we have a look at what the incoming Minister responsible for the NDIS has been saying post-election – there is certainly a positive vibe within the disability community. Read More in our latest newsletter.