Autism Association of WA 2020 Annual Report

Conclusion

The last 12 months has seen expansion across all our service areas, the launch of the first Youth Diagnostic Clinic, the continuing transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the realities of operating during a global pandemic. During this time, we played a leading role at every level in advocating for the needs of people with Autism and their families. We remained unwavering in our advocacy while undertaking measures to adapt services to keep all of them open and to keep everyone safe.

We again look forward to the coming year. No doubt, we will need to remain vigilant regarding COVID-19. Regardless of these challenges, we will focus on providing the support to individuals to achieve a good life, while also supporting their families. We also look forward to working with communities, with schools, with the Arts and with employers to create more opportunities for people with Autism so that the community can achieve its potential through inclusion. I would like to acknowledge and thank the contribution of many stakeholders, including the State Government through Disability Services Department of Communities. I would also like to thank several Commonwealth agencies, in particular the Department of Social Services and the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training. I would also like to thank the Stan Perron Foundation and the Telethon Trust for their invaluable support of a number of our programs throughout the year. In closing, I would also like to acknowledge the dedicated work of the Board chaired, by Dr Rob Storer, and the staff of the Autism Association for their dedicated work throughout the year. Finally, I would like to thank people with Autism who continue to teach and inspire us to greater heights of understanding.

Joan McKenna Kerr Chief Executive Officer Autism Association of Western Australia

Autism Association of Western Australia - Annual Report 2020 48