A Success Story 

My autistic son is 12 years old and in middle school and was just moved from the academic track into the life skills tract.  I requested CBI (Community Based Instruction)  to help prepare him for the special education high school program where CBI is typically used.  I had done my homework first and found out that our district does not submit grants for the WorkAbility I program until high school. 

In reading the WorkAbility criteria, it states middle school/high school students are eligible so I shared this with the assistant superintendent, who said that the program is not offered until high school in our district because of liability issues.  I then approached her with an alternative. 

A family friend owns a small printing business in the area and said he would be willing to release liability from the school district and allow my son to "apprentice" with him 2 hours every week with an aide accompanying him.  The assistant superintendent agreed that this would be a good alternative.

As a result, my son has learned to operate a shrink wrap machine, a counting machine, and assists in boxing business cards and other orders at the printing business.  It has been so successful that the school district has agreed to provide the aide for this new school year.  This small businessman has provided a supportive work environment where my son is learning basic work duties such as clocking in with his own timecard.  What a blessing this has been!! 

What did it take?

• A creative mom who decided to “think out of the box"
• An open-minded school administrator who was willing to consider an alternative option
• A smart businessman who was willing to step out and provide CBI where it is not being offered in middle school

How Can I Help?

People often tell us they want to volunteer but have limited time availability or can’t get to meetings that aren’t near them.  Autism Speaks attends many conferences, health fairs and community events on weekends, weekdays or evenings.  This is a really easy way to help our chapter! 

The general duties are:

- Help with set up of the booth/table, and the literature being displayed

- Explain Autism Speaks mission to fund research, raise awareness and advocate for families

- Answer basic questions about our programs

While this might sound overwhelming—it’s not!  Our new volunteers usually pick up the routine in 30 minutes and find they really enjoy talking with other families and giving back to the community.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please call (323) 549-0500 x765 or email losangeles@autismspeaks.org

Volunteer oportunities

-January 17-18                Long Beach 

-February 14-15                 Anaheim

We are always looking for volunteers to help plan an event or join an existing committee. Please contact your local office if you would like to get involved.

• Northern California Office 
• Los Angeles Chapter Office
• Southern California Office   

Community Leadership Committee Descriptions

• Family Services Liaison Chair
  • Sub-Committee provides feedback from community stakeholders in an effort to ensure that local community needs are addressed.
• Community Advocacy Chair 
  • Sub-Committee activates the local grassroots advocacy efforts in accordance with national autism initiatives.
• Science Ambassador Chair
  • Sub-Committee educates local community about Autism Speaks science initiatives and portfolios.
• Walk Now for Autism Chair
  • Planning Committee - help plan and execute the walk.
  • Team Mentoring Committee - mentor new team captains. If you can volunteer to make some calls and answer some questions about how to recruit and motivate teams this committee is for you.
  • Corporate Sponsorship Committee - create list of prospects and help to reach out to potential local sponsors.
  • Walk Kick-Off Dinner Committee - organize events to help us Kick-Off the Walk in style.
  • Youth Committee - plan mini events and volunteer on Walk Day.  Opportunities for involvement are available for all age levels. 
  • Community Outreach Committee - recruit new team captains, get your local stores and schools involved and spread the word about Autism Speaks right in your own backyard.
  • Resource Fair Committee – recruit and build the Community Resource Fair.
  • Publicity Committee - responsible for many of the public relations and marketing aspects of the Walk event, including media relations, media sponsorships and public service announcements. 
  • Walk Day Logistics Committee - help with the nuts and bolts of the walk day and all of the equipment needed for a safe and fun day. Many hands make light work.
  • Food & Refreshments Committee - secure food and beverage donations. Lots of walkers means lots of hungry people on Walk Day.
  • Entertainment Committee - recruit entertainers and develop creative activities for Walk Day. Walk Day is family fun day.