• Local Chapters
• Advocacy
• Public Policy
• Autism Waiver
• Education
• Community Resources
• Events
• Autism Source

Local Chapters

Autism Society chapters are your best source of information and support. Most chapters are volunteer-led by parents, care providers and other professionals. The Autism Society has chapters in nearly every state reaching out to individuals with autism and their families with information, support, and encouragement.

Contact a Vermont Autism Society chapter.

Visit Autism Source to find local doctors, service providers and other useful resources in your area.

Advocacy

Vermont Protection and Advocacy

Part of the National Protection and Advocacy system, VP&A is a statewide agency dedicated to advancing the rights of people with mental health and disabilities issues. VP&A is dedicated to addressing problems, questions and complaints brought to it by Vermonters with disabilities. Its mission is to promote the equality, dignity and self-determination of people with disabilities.

*Please note that in the context of Special Education Law, an "advocate" differs from an attorney in several ways. By definition, an "advocate" is one that supports or promotes the interests of another while an "attorney" is a practitioner in a court of law who is legally qualified to prosecute and defend actions in such court on behalf of his or her clients. Although both may be able to help with your legal situation, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) only attorney's fees are recoverable to families prevailing in lawsuits. This delineation was the outcome of the Supreme Court's decision in Arlington Central School District Board of Education v. Murphy, 548 U.S. 291 (2006). There is currently legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would reverse this outcome (the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act, HR 434).

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2008 State Autism Profiles - Vermont

Developmental Disabilities Council

The Council is a statewide board that works to increase public awareness about critical issues affecting people with developmental disabilities and their families. In addition to state agency and nonprofit representatives, 14 of its 23 members (61%) are self-advocates and family members.

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Autism Waiver

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Education

Department of Education


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Community Resources

Vermont Parent Information Center

The Vermont Parent Information Center (VPIC) is a statewide network of support and information for families who have a child with special needs or disabilities, and the professionals who work with them. VPIC serves families of children with special needs from birth to 26 years of age. Our goal is to offer programs to families that are helpful, relevant and easy to access. Most of our programs are free of charge.

Department of Health - Agency of Human Services

Division of Disability and Aging Services - Autism Supports

To develop and enhance the system of support in the home and community for people with autism spectrum disorders by working with community agencies, support groups and government departments to address system issues, enhance service delivery and develop or provide training. Also, focus is on developing systems of support and professional development in and for schools statewide for students with autism spectrum disorders.

Developmental Disabilities Services Crisis Contact Information

Provides a comprehensive list of contact numbers organized by county.

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Autism Source

To find more information in your state, please visit www.autismsource.org.

The Autism Society welcomes your comments: If you would like to make a suggestion or share beneficial resources not included in this page, please click here to fill out our contact form.

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Last updated: 22 January 2009