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 Dinner June 2022

More than 70 members, family and friends were finally able to get together, socialise and enjoy a great meal at the Angliss Restaurant.  Here are some photos of the happy diners.

AFSA Consultations 2021-22

Members from the AFSA Committee have been meeting with the following government representatives as part of our systemic advocacy program:

• Victorian Department of Education & Training – issue of suspension, expulsion and restrictive practices.
• Department of Families, Fairness & Housing – issue of individual advocacy, advancing the Victorian Autism Plan and a representative on the Victorian NDIS Community Advisory Council.
• Federal NDIS Autism Advisory Group.