In April 2014, the York ASD Partnership received a one-time grant from the Ministry of Community and Social Services for a project that would tell the story of the York ASD Partnership and provide a model for other communities seeking to develop a similar collaborative partnership with their ASD service providers.
Susan Taylor Simpson of ProAct Ideas was hired as project manager and, with the organizational and multi-media skills of Daniel Share-Strom and the web design expertise of Kathleen McBride of Cranberryink, the story began to take shape. On November 19, 2014, Susan facilitated a day of reflection with past and current members of the York ASD Partnership to solidify historical information and provide guidance in planning for a sustainable future.
Neil Walker and Janette Seymour provided invaluable support to the project team on behalf of the York ASD Partnership. Appreciation is also extended to many parents and agency partners who provided resources, recollections and reviews. And last, but not least, thanks to the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services who provided the funding to make all of this possible.
The website was officially launched on World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, 2015.
