What is the Interagency Work Group on Autism?
The Interagency Work Group on Autism (IWGA) is a statewide group created by Ohio law (ORC 5123.0419) to improve the coordination of the state’s efforts for people with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Under the leadership of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, the group has met monthly since 2008 and uses a collective impact framework to guide its work. The IWGA includes several state agencies and ensures that the voices of autistic individuals, their families, and their communities shape its efforts.
The mission of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) is to partner with people and communities to support Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families in realizing their version of a good life. Ohio is the heart of opportunity, and DODD envisions Ohio as the best place in the nation for people with developmental disabilities to thrive.
Learn More about department of developmental disabilitiesThe Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s mission is to promote positive, lifelong outcomes for Ohio youth through early intervention, quality education, and family support programs.
Learn More about department of children and youthThe Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.
Learn More about department of healthThe Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) exists to provide statewide leadership of a high-quality mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery system that is effective and valued by all Ohioans. DBH strives to demonstrate its core values in its relationships with constituents across the state, with state sister agencies, and within the agency.
Learn More about department of behavioral healthThe Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) is a diverse team of passionate, education-focused professionals responsible for overseeing and enhancing the quality of education for each of Ohio’s 1.7 million students. DEW is dedicated to promoting educational excellence and ensuring equal access to learning opportunities for all students.
Learn More about department of education and workforceThe Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) develops and supervises the state’s public assistance, workforce development, unemployment insurance program, adult protective services, and child support programs. ODJFS strategies ensure the most efficient, effective delivery of services and programs through seamless alignment with, and support of, the Governor’s priorities.
Learn More about department of job and family servicesOpportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the State of Ohio agency whose mission is to empower Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence.
Learn More about opportunities for ohioans with disabilitiesThe Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) delivers healthcare coverage to more than three million residents of Ohio daily. Working closely with stakeholders, advocates, medical professionals, and fellow state agencies, ODM is committed to modernizing Medicaid in Ohio while strategically focusing on the individuals served.
Learn More about department of medicaidOCALI works to inspire change and improve access for people with disabilities. It helps people with disabilities live their best lives at school, at home, at work, and in the community. OCALI connects people, families, and partners, and its trusted, high-quality resources are used far beyond Ohio.
Learn More about ocaliThe IWGA includes public members who bring lived experience as autistic Ohioans, family members, educators, and clinicians. Public members are selected through an application process and help ensure community voices guide the IWGA’s work.
How is the IWGA Working for Ohioans?
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Across Agencies
Across Agencies
The IWGA brings state agencies together to share information, coordinate policies, and work toward common goals that support people with autism and their families. Each agency contributes its own strengths and resources, helping the IWGA learn from data, enhance communication, and improve policy and implementation of state efforts to address the needs of autistic Ohioans and their families.
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Across The State
Across The State
The IWGA works to ensure that people with autism and their families across Ohio are included and supported by identifying local needs and service gaps. It partners with communities, gathers input from people statewide, and looks for ways to improve the quality and coordination of services. These efforts build relationships, spark important conversations, and lead to actions that strengthen support for autistic Ohioans and their families.
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Across The Lifespan
Across The Lifespan
The IWGA supports people with autism at every stage of life by promoting resources and strategies that help families plan for “what’s next” as needs change. It promotes statewide training and initiatives—such as ASD Strategies in Action, a hallmark of IWGA’s efforts—that offer practical tools from early childhood through young adulthood to help autistic Ohioans and their families prepare for the future.
Ohio Autism Recommendations and Annual Reports
Discover what the IWGA has accomplished through key activities, goals, and priorities that support autistic Ohioans and their families. The Annual Reports offer a look at the many years of IWGA progress, highlighting the ongoing efforts and partnerships that continue to make a meaningful impact.
Browse Reports
