News and Knowledge

OAR’s Conference-on-the-Road program, now in its sixth year, allows OAR to partner with and sponsor selected autism organizations to help bring the most current information about autism to individuals across the United States. OAR lends a hand by providing financial support, informational resources, and access to nationally recognized speakers.

In November, OAR proudly partnered with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidences (OCALI) to feature session speakers that represent OAR’s Scientific Council during its OCALICON conference in Columbus, Ohio. More than 1,600 people attended OCALICON from 40 states, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

The three-day event featured keynote addresses from Zach Anner, an award-winning comedian who shared his personal journey, and Kathleen Quill, BCBA-D, director of Autism Institute, who discussed the diverse special education needs that intersect to shape learning for individuals with autism. It also included 72 exhibitors and featured more than 160 sessions presented by over 250 speakers. Among the speakers were eight of OAR’s own from the Scientific Council. Speakers from the OAR featured sessions included: Drs. Joanne Gerenser, Jonathan Campbell, Denise Juliano-Bult, Suzanne Letso, Peter Gerhardt, Daniel Openden, Brenda Smith Myles, and Patricia Wright.

From OAR’s perspective, the event was a major success that demonstrated the ideal partnership with another organization committed to providing services for those with special needs. “I have never attended a conference so well organized and executed or one with such spirit from morning to night,” said Mike Maloney, OAR’s executive director. Overall, it was “simply an outstanding conference.”

Each year, OCALI gives out awards that recognize the impact, leadership, and accomplishments of people and organizations across the nation who help improve outcomes for people with autism, low-incidence disabilities, and sensory disabilities. This year OAR received one of the awards for “Excellence in Research and Impact” at a conference awards ceremony.

OAR delivered over 230 resources to attendees, gained seven new volunteers, and 49 newsletter subscribers.

OCALI continues to be an outstanding organization that builds systemic support to improve the outcomes of those with autism and low incidence disabilities through leadership, training and professional development, technical assistance, collaboration, and technology. OAR looks forward to partnering with OCALI on its conference in the future.

Partner with OAR

OAR is interested in supporting other autism conferences whose goals align with OAR’s mission of improving the lives of those within the autism population. If you know of a conference or other community event that could benefit from OAR’s support, including speakers and informational resources for participants, please contact OAR at 703-243-9762 or at programs@researchautism.org. All recommendations and related inquiries are welcome.