Contact
12424 Research Parkway
Ste. 365
Orlando, FL 32826
Telephone: +1 407 823 6020
E-mail: info@flpals.org
E-mail: accounts@flpals.org
Advocacy: Another Step Forward
PALS is committed to advocating for individuals with autism and their families in Central Florida and beyond. Approximately 1 in 31 eight-year-old children in the United States are now identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it’s clear that our society must act, not just observe. Whether through policy, community support, or early interventions, advocacy ensures that everyone has a chance to thrive.
Why Advocacy Matters
- Growing prevalence The rising identification of autism reflects better awareness, better diagnosis, and also means more people need strong systems of support.
- Equity in access All individuals, of every age, background and ability, deserve fair opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, and community life.
- Shared cause Though autism has its particular challenges, many of these overlap with broader intellectual and developmental disabilities. By uniting efforts, we amplify our impact.
Florida in Focus
Florida is home to many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Roughly 1 in 5 residents lives with some form of disability. That proximity makes the issues personal—our neighbors, our children, our communities need infrastructure, compassion, and legal frameworks that ensure no one is left behind.
Drowning Prevention Initiative
Water safety is an urgent concern for families in the autism community. Our goal:
To address the urgent challenges of water safety in the autism community through a combination of parent education, strategic interventions, and working with legislators to ensure policies and protections are established to keep our families and communities safe.
- Parent/caregiver resources and education on water safety
- Partnerships with swim instructors, community centers, and policy makers
- Visual stories/photos/videos of ongoing safety programs (to be added once developed)
Future Advocacy Focus Areas
| Topic | Why It Matters | What We’re Working Toward / Hope to Do |
|---|---|---|
|
Funding for CARD offices (Florida Statutes)
State Support
|
Ensures state-level support for autism-related resources and trained professionals. | Advocacy for legislation & budget allocations to strengthen CARD’s reach and impact. |
|
Access to Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) services in public schools
Classroom Support
|
RBTs play a big role in delivering behavioral support; lack of access limits help for many students. | Work with school districts and policy advocates to expand RBT support in classrooms. |
How You Can Help
Learn More / Get Involved
Volunteer, sign up for committees, or share your experience.
Support Policy Change
Join our campaigns for better funding, for school support, and for protective legislation.
Stay Informed
Watch this space for updates, stories, and resources.