Autism Association Annual Report 2023

President’s Report

2022/2023 was another year of significant work in supporting people with Autism and their families. This year, we continued our work of delivering person-centred services and promoting best practice and inclusion across the West Australian community. The demand for our services continued to grow in all areas of service delivery. However, workforce shortages experienced in the disability sector challenged our ability to respond fully to the high level of demand. Strategically, we continued on course with our digital transformation. This is essential in the operating environment of NDIS and will make the work of service expansion to individuals and families significantly easier.

We completed a 5-year infrastructure development initiative which is already showing important outcomes for families. This initiative involves a range of measures, including work with community partners to augment these significant service development plans. We also increased initiatives in collaboration with community organisations and businesses to enhance inclusion and equal opportunity for Autistic people in the community, especially in employment. This year, we also extended our work with the disability sector in Western Australia, nationwide and internationally. This included work with a delegation from Singapore and our continuing partnership with East Java, Indonesia. I would like to give special thanks to our stakeholders, including the West Australian

Community, the State Government through the Department of Communities, the Commonwealth Government Department of Social Services and other government and non-government organisations. I would also like to extend my thanks to the Board for their dedication and significant time on the mission of the organisation and its advancement. I would like to thank our Chief Executive Officer, Joan McKenna Kerr, for the significant body of work undertaken this year and her dedication to the support of people with Autism and their families. Lastly, I would like to thank all our staff for their dedication and contribution to creating the best life possible for the people we serve.

Autism Association of Western Australia - Annual Report 2023

Dr Rob Storer President and Chair of the Board

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