White House Holds Briefing for Disability Groups
Thursday, April 16, 2009
By: Carin Yavorcik
ASA CEO in attendance

In their efforts to carry through on a promise for openness and transparency, the White House hosted a special briefing for CEOs of the nation’s top disability groups on Wednesday, April 15. Lee Grossman, ASA President and CEO, represented the Autism Society of America at the meeting.

Officials emphasized that they wanted to hear feedback from the disability organizations on whether the Administration was moving in the right direction in terms of disability issues. The group was briefed on open government, disability policy updates, budget and recovery plans, and the First Lady’s agenda, among other topics.

Top advisors from the Administration were in attendance, including Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy Kareem Dale, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett and Director of Public Liaison Tina Tchen.

The Autism Society of America appreciates the Administration’s willingness to work with disability groups, and thanks them for their sincere efforts to help improve the lives of people with disabilities. We are encouraged by the continuing emphasis on improving policy and making disabilities a priority.