www.deafchildren.org
History of Deaf Autism America
By Rosangela Jaech and Stefanie Ellis-Gonzales The artwork, as seen above, was designed by a deaf parent of a deaf child with autism who participated in the 2006 Autreat. The official sign for autism is shown here. The hand moving towards the inside symbolizes the person with autism’s inclination to retreat within his or her own self, and the cupped hand represents his/her world. The sign also represents inclusion and involvement, serving as a reminder that it is vital and essential to the human spirit to give and receive love and attention. We are deaf mothers of deaf children with autism who co-founded the first Autreat for families of deaf children with autism at South Dakota’s Camp Lakodia in April 2006. The Autreat was a valuable and rewarding experience for all in attendance. With 22 parents, 16 children, and 8 speakers participating, a wealth
of information, ideas, resources, and much more were shared during those few days. Over the years, our dream of establishing a formal organization for deaf individuals with autism never wavered. Last summer, an opportunity arose to become affiliated with ASDC. Through this partnership, Deaf Autism America (DAA) has an outstanding opportunity to truly grow and reach out to parents and professionals involved with deaf children with autism. Education, advocacy, networking and support are DAA’s goals, which coincide with ASDC’s mission. DAA’s mission is to support and educate professionals in the field of deaf education and families of deaf children with autism, and to advocate for high-quality programs and services for deaf children with autism. DAA is very interested in recruiting more families and professionals involved with deaf children with autism. The goal is to form a larger, inclusive group of individuals interested in learning and sharing experiences at future conferences, as well as becoming part of a referral and information network. Interested parties should contact Rosangela Jaech at deafautism@hotmail. com for more information. You will receive a form to fill out, along with updates on membership, conferences, and other information related to autism and deaf people. 35