Special Education Listserv

Subject: Autism/Project ACCESS

Source: Angie Nickell, Supervisor, Effective Practices

Intended Audience: Directors of Special Education and Special Education contacts

Date: January 16, 2008

Project ACCESS, a project funded by the Division of Special Education through Missouri State University, provides autism resource information to public schools in the form of on-site and telephone consultations, as well as support via internet.

In addition, Project ACCESS designs autism specific professional development opportunities and trains professional credentialed individuals to present these courses through Missouri's Regional Professional Development Centers (RPDCs).  These trainings are offered to Missouri school district staff and educators who work with youngsters ages birth to 21 years, who experience Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disabilities.  On-site child specific consultations can be arranged through the use of Missouri Autism Consultants (MACs) and district staff can be trained to be in-district autism consultants.

As of January 2, 2008, Julie Donnelly has joined the Project ACCESS staff as a Resource Specialist.  Her expertise and background working with students with ASD makes her an excellent and welcomed addition to Project ACCESS. 

For on-site consultation requests, resource training materials, Project ACCESS professional training opportunities, and Applied Behavior Analysts inquires, email Joanie Armstrong at joanarmstrong@missouristate.edu or call toll free 1-866-481-3841.

For general information regarding questions about Project ACCESS, training opportunities, etc., please direct your questions to Tina Neal-Wait at Tina333@missouristate.edu or you can call toll free 1-866-481-3841.

For information on regional autism trainings, contact your Regional Professional Development Center.