For Immediate Release
Contact: Laurie Cramer
(330) 940-1441 x3
The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) is offering parents and caregivers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities, self-advocates, and professionals who work with the disability population the opportunity to learn more about the Covid-19 vaccine directly from national and local experts.
Join ASGA’s 2021 Autism Summit on February 25, 2021, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. live on Zoom and Facebook where presenters will address the results of a survey conducted by ASGA on whether parents/caregivers, self-advocates, and professionals expect to take the Covid-19 vaccine and to address their questions and concerns. Participants must REGISTER to receive the Zoom link and survey results.
The following experts will present facts and information about receiving the vaccine as it relates to people with disabilities, along with local information about the roll-out and availability for this vulnerable population. Speakers include:
Lisa Wiggins, Ph.D., Developmental Psychologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead clinician of the Developmental Disabilities Branch and is its representative on the CDC Covid Task Force.
Panel of Local Experts
Scott Pangonis, MD, MS, FAAP
Associate Director, Infection Control; Pediatric Infectious Disease Physician
Akron Children’s Hospital
Donald Dumford, M.D., Infectious Disease Specialist
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Thomas Quade, Health Commissioner
Geauga County Public Health
John Trunk, Superintendent
Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities
ASGA’s survey asked people (parents/caregivers, self-advocates, and professionals who care for them) whether they expect to take the Covid-19 vaccine (once available for many) and follow up questions on why. Almost 600 people responded from across the State of Ohio, with approximately 250 from Northeast Ohio. Survey results will be released to participants prior to the meeting.
The Autism Summit is sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Cleveland Clinic Children’s, and is in collaboration with sister-affiliates across the State of Ohio including Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, Greater Cleveland, Central Ohio, Mahoning Valley, and Northwest Ohio.
The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) is part of a nationwide network of affiliates that are part of the Autism Society of America, the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots autism organization. ASGA was founded in 1987 and serves Summit, Stark, Wayne, Portage and Medina counties (OH) and works locally to achieve its mission --to improve the lives of all affected by autism.