Saying goodbye to TACA’s 23rd year and welcoming in 2024. I am so excited about the completion of our next three-year strategic plan. I cannot wait to kick off the new year!
Before we launch into 2024, I want to applaud our team of staff and volunteers. We have such a great team dedicated to one thing: educating and supporting families along their autism journey.
Before I provide an update on TACA, let me start by sharing an update on my inspiration, my son Jeff. Every year I have shared a window into my son Jeff’s journey. He a bright light and I love sharing this update.
Jeff is now 26 years old and making a life for himself. Now with a college degree in hand, Jeff has two part-time jobs and has developed a love for music. He plays the guitar, sings, and enjoys composing original songs. He has inspiring mentors to support him in his creative pursuits, including his dad who transitioning from CEO to roadie, has become not only a supportive presence but also a musical collaborator. Jeff loves entertaining friends and family, and he now graces all our social gatherings with his musical performances. Music has given him a way to creatively explore many of life’s complex situations. Jeff is also a part of a local church young adult program that is fun, and welcoming and has helped him make new friends. He has made tremendous progress since his autism diagnosis and original prognosis (1) and continues to grow and develop every day.
The most important lesson that I’ve learned through my journey with Jeff, TACA, and countless parents, kids, and autism professionals is that individuals with an autism diagnosis can have a positive future. They are deserving of every endeavor we undertake to assist them in reaching that goal. Team TACA’s wish is that every person diagnosed with autism be the best version of themselves, live as independently as possible, and achieve a fulfilling, healthy, and happy life.
So back to TACA. Now I get to brag more about TACA and how this incredible team of volunteers and staff works hard to provide education, support, and empowerment to families living with autism. Please watch this short video with our Year End message and accomplishments:
This list is only a small portion of what TACA has accomplished in 2023. We will be publishing a full report early in 2024.
Even though the pandemic has ended for most, the ripple effects continue in the autism community, particularly concerning staffing and services. So many families face extended waitlists for a diagnoses backlogged due to the pandemic, and subsequent delays in accessing essential services. Compensation for those dedicated to serving the autism community has fallen behind, leading numerous professionals to leave their vocations in search of better pay. The effort will continue to shine a light on these issues until we have a solution.
I know I have said thank you in general, but I have some specific shout-outs for the TACA staff. Thank you to Carolyn, Di, Heather, Joan, Nicole, Ace, Kenny, Leigh, Moira, Cindy, Kelly, Kiele, Susan, Michelle, Jessica, Rhyann, Amanda, Cat, Christa, Marley, April, Chrys, Sim, Kristin, and Nolan. Thank you to the best Board who serve, guide, and fundraise to help make it all happen (Glen, Dan, Elizabeth, Robby, Keith, Erich, Kim, Inna, Bill, Celena, and Cheryl.) Also on the team are our great ambassadors and committees working to fulfill our mission – thank you! Team TACA is the best!
A special, heartfelt thank you to our INCREDIBLE Community Volunteers and Mentors in 41 states. You are the core of our foundation – Families Helping Families. You ensure that our programs reach families in local communities. TACA would be lost without this incredibly dedicated team of volunteers living with and navigating autism in their own homes all while paying it forward to help others.
We have two other incredible groups that help us move autism forward and that includes TACA’s Ambassadors and Physician and Science Advisory Team. They support TACA in their professional circles and talk about autism regularly. These friends have made invaluable contributions to help champion the mission with webinars, conference lectures, donated appointments, donations, and their valuable time.
To our almost 3,000 supporters: thank you for investing in TACA. Thank you for standing with us. The bottom line is TACA does NOT exist without your generous support. Many of you choose to make TACA your long-term investment, offering unwavering support to families, actively cheering them on, eagerly awaiting updates on cutting-edge treatment research and fervently hoping for the most positive outcomes for their children.
Now a note to the TACA Families: We are so proud of you! Keep doing what you are doing. If you need help or want a refresher course, TACA is here for you. We believe in your kids. We see you working hard and all of us at TACA are proud of you! I hope you get an opportunity to check out our 12th Annual TACA Celebrations Campaign where we celebrate our kids’ accomplishments over the last year. You can see these on our national Facebook page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/TheAutismCommunityInAction/. These stories are beyond inspiring.
Despite my hopes and wishes for each new year, autism is STILL the least funded disability in America with more individuals diagnosed than any other childhood disability. The most recent CDC-funded survey now reports 1 in 36 U.S. children have been diagnosed with autism (2 & 3). TACA is also defining the autism plan needed during this upcoming presidential election (4). Year after year TACA persists in seeking assistance and sustaining our programs on minimal funding. We continuously seek additional support for our mission. We kindly request the families we support to share this blog with individuals who might consider making a donation, enabling TACA to help more families living with autism.
In closing, the hope I have for my son and all our children remains unchanged. Together, we will work towards the future and create positive outcomes for all. Individuals diagnosed with autism can lead healthy and independent lives full of promise.
Let me be one of the first to wish you a happy, safe, and HEALTHY New Year! Truly hoping this challenging phase concludes soon. TACA families continue to meet these challenges head-on and do what they can with what they have.
All my best for 2024 & beyond,
Lisa Ackerman
TACA Executive Director & Co-founder, Mom to Jeff & Lauren, grandma to Will and wife to Glen
P.S. We need additional support for TACA’s mission and programs. If you have a friend that would like to make a gift for “Actions Make Change” campaign in your family’s honor, please help
References:
- Some past blogs on our personal journey:
- “About Autism.”, tacanow.org/about-autism/.
- “Autism Prevalence in the United States.” The Autism Community in Action (TACA), 14 Aug. 2020, tacanow.org/about-autism/autism-prevalence/
- Ackerman, Lisa, et al. “Presidential Candidates Let’s Talk Autism Plan – 2020 Edition.” Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA, 16 Sept. 2020, tacanowblog.com/2020/09/16/presidential-candidates-lets-talk-autism-plan-2020-edition/.
Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA 
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