Pac Rim 2009 Info
Keynote Speakers: Lee Grossman
Johnny Crescendo | Andrew J. Imparato | Lee Grossman | Billy Kenoi | Amber Smock
Tuesday May 5th, 2009: 9:00 AM -10:00 AM in Room 301A, on topic of Autism
“Autism and Public Policy in America: The Case for Systems Change”
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is perhaps the most complex and least addressed disability condition. And, with the epidemic-like increase in its prevalence globally, there is a critical societal need to address the challenges posed by this condition. There is a wealth of knowledge that currently exists in how to appropriately and comprehensively serve and support people with ASD and, as a result, many are improving their quality of life significantly. Unfortunately, the percentages of people with ASD that receive these quality services is very low. The major issue is to change the systems now that deliver services and supports so that all people with ASD will receive the same quality so they too can succeed. Public policy priorities (that will improve the entire disability community) that focus on ways to provide the system changes necessary to accomplish this will be discussed.
Biography: Lee Grossman
Lee Grossman leads the Autism Society of America (ASA) the nation's largest membership organization dedicated to autism. Mr. Grossman is on the federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) and the National Health Council. Prior to becoming CEO of the ASA, Mr. Grossman was in the medical industry for 25 years. Mr. Grossman has three children, including a son with autism.
