I attended the conference hosted by the PA Bureau of Autism Services (BAS).  I serve as an advisory board member.  My first meeting was in March and I was excited by the progress that has been made and the plans for the future.  This is a hardworking group of individuals led by Nina Wall-Cote, Director of BAS.  The group was formed after a task force led by Nina outlined the challenges for individuals and family living with autism and laid the ground work to try to resolve some of those challenges.  A small group of people with a lot of work to do (a few state employees, a group of volunteer board members made up of educators, service providers, advocates, self-advocates and family members (parents/grandparents) of individuals with autism) who care.  

I will try to post some of the session notes this weekend.  Some of the sessions will be on the BAS training website with hand-outs in August, free for all to use.

What an opportunity - to learn, to network, to find answers to difficult situations... 

I say all this but have to note that one thing was very disappointing - the lack of participation from the minority population.  I am not sure how many people attended.  Hundreds of people.  In the hundreds there were very few minority participants.  I'm not sure why.  

Maybe I am out of touch.  Maybe there are conferences and seminars and workshops and community affairs that I am just not aware of where masses of minorities show up and participate.  I would love to know what I am missing out on. I would also love people to know what they may be missing out on.  Can someone enlighten me.  Please?

Autism is supposed to be a condition that does not discriminate...

BAS is a state-run service.  It is here to serve the constituents of Pennsylvania.  Minorities in PA, where do you go for help?  Where is your voice being heard?  Please let me know because I would like to join forces with you.  Would you join forces with me?  What are your concerns? Let me hear from you.