Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Votes to Approve Strategic Plan

Last week, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) voted to approve its 2021-2023 Strategic Plan for Autism Research, Services, and Policy. Under the Autism CARES Act, the IACC is tasked with updating its strategic plan each year; however, the last update had been in 2019.

The strategic plan, which was approved by the panel of government officials and community stakeholders by a vote of 39-1, sets out recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services on many topics, including autism research, services and supports. The section relating to services and supports made note of the shortage of direct support workers as a barrier to services. It also included recommendations to support the development and coordination of integrated services to help people transition to adulthood, support research and implement approaches to improve physical and mental health outcomes across the lifespan, and support efforts that facilitate and incorporate accessibility, inclusion, independence, and integration of people on the autism spectrum.

ANCOR submitted comments to the IACC in November 2021 for incorporation into the strategic plan. Read more in ANCOR’s comments. And for more on the committee’s recommendations, see the full strategic plan.