The Naples-based organization, Creating a Future for Adults with Autism holds its second annual conference Sept. 14. The organization is working toward creating the area’s first co-housing community for adults with autism or other disabilities. CFAA President Terry Kays said the lack of safe and sustainable long-term housing options for this demographic is a growing problem.
“Twenty years ago it was one in ten thousand births were affected with autism and now it’s one in 88. This is a huge change,” said Kays. “So we’re looking at a tidal wave of people that are going to need these services.”
CFAA Coordinator and founder Debby Lasek said in an e-mail that she’s meeting with planning boards and looking at possible sites for a future co-housing community. She’s looking to find 25 families at this year’s conference to commit to the effort.
The day-long meeting includes presentations from more than 15 different agencies and non-profit organizations including Goodwill Industries, Special Olympics of Collier County and the state Agency for Persons with Disabilities about services they provide.
The conference also includes panel discussions on vocational options and legal issues that can come up in affected families, which includes wills, special needs trusts and guardianship. The conference runs Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in North Naples.
For more information contact Debby Lasek: 239-450-6060 or debby.creatingafuture@gmail.com.
