The Pima County Health Department, in partnership with the Autism Society of Southern Arizona, will host an online event titled Autism: Education & Equity -- A Public Health Discussion on June 22, 2021.
This conference will allow the Health Department to align priorities and leverage resources with identified partners to ensure that its work supports autistic populations and the community at large.
The list of scheduled speakers includes:
- Chris Banks, President & CEO of Autism Society for America
- Lauren Melissa Ellzey, MSLIS: Autistic Advocate and Instructional Support Specialist
- Will Humble, MPH, Executive Director for the Arizona Public Health Association and former Executive Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services
- Theresa Cullen, Director of the Pima County Health Department
- Renaldo Fowler, Senior Staff Advocate, Arizona Center for Disability Law
Kathy Hoffman, the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, will be the opening Keynote speaker.
“Given the immense difficulties of the past year, PCHD is excited to provide this forum to address this relevant topic,” Cullen said. “The pandemic exacerbated the many challenges autistic people face in accessing healthcare, jobs, and housing. But there are resources available and we want to bring them to the forefront to support healthier communities.”
Autistic individuals face health equity issues relating to job access, educational opportunities, housing, healthcare, and more. Fostering understanding and support for them, their families, friends, doctors, and employers is vital to protecting the overall health of everyone.
The speakers for Autism: Education & Equity -- A Public Health Discussion represent the necessary cross-sector approach to engage different areas of life to create a more inclusive world.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this extraordinary lineup,” said Cullen. “By raising awareness of the small steps you can take as a teacher, parent, or colleague of an autistic person, we start to build a more equitable community.”
You can see the day’s agenda and register at pima.gov/autism.