Why ASGA?
“I love hanging out with my friends!" Teen Social Club member
“I feel comfortable bringing my adult son to see Santa and not feel like we are being judged thanks to the S’more’s with Santa event.” Mom to Jon, 23.
“I feel empowered after each webinar I attend." Emilia, Cuyahoga Falls
"I feel like I can advocate for my child and better interact with her as well. Thank you ASGA.” Darlene, Canton
These are statements that parents and caregivers often share with the Autism Society of Greater Akron, fueling the commitment made so long ago by the parent volunteers who started the affiliate in 1987.
With nowhere to turn and a lack of information and support, they started the Autism Society of Greater Akron to share information, educate themselves about Autism, learn how to advocate for better outcomes for their children, and to bring awareness and understanding of Autism.
Today, the Autism Society of Greater Akron is a growing organization serving more than 33,000 people across five counties: Summit, Medina, Portage, Wayne, and Stark.
ASGA services and supports include:
- Advocating at every level of government for improved services and support;
- Educational webinars connecting families to knowledge on topics like potty training, addressing school challenges, and others;
- Community-based training like our Autism Friendly Communities program;
- Support groups for parents, caregivers, and grandparents;
- Social Clubs for all ages for individuals with Autism;
- Free HelpLine, with one on one direct assistance, for information or to be connected to resources;
- Inclusive Family Events that are based in the community and offer an adapted experience like the North Pole Adventure with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, fishing at Summit Metro Parks, and Halloween in the Park with the Portage Park System.
- Skill enhancement programs
- iCanBike camp, which teaches individuals with disabilities how to ride a two-wheel bike in one week
- Swimming with Autism, a water safety program, launched in 2017, tackles the leading cause of death for children with Autism, drowning.
People living with Autism and other developmental disabilities and their families meet many obstacles on their journey. ASGA's Vision is creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it. We share with our Autism Society network core values: Dignity, Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Integrity.
Each of these values drives what ASGA does every day as we live our mission: We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.
Thank you for Stepping Into Autism with us. The connection is you.
The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) is an affiliate of the Autism Society of America, the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots Autism organization. ASGA serves Summit, Stark, Wayne, Portage, and Medina counties. ASGA works locally to achieve its mission: We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. With its own 501c3 and governing board separate of the national Autism Society of America organization, all money raised stays local, supporting the community programs and supports provided by ASGA.
ASGA is a proud member of the Ohio Family Network (OFN), connecting people with disabilities and their families to local information and resources within their communities. OFN provides opportunities to share ideas, find solutions to common challenges and inspire and strengthen each other.
