NDCPD receives federal grant on autism spectrum disorders
The North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities, a University Center of Excellence on Developmental Disabilities at Minot State University, has received a federal grant from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for support of state work on autism spectrum disorders. The grant, titled "Support Autism in North Dakota," is designed to assist the state in improving services for children and youth.
"The Combating Autism Act, approved by Congress, allocates funds to help a limited number of states to address their infrastructure needs regarding autism services. North Dakota is one of about a dozen states that received this competitive award," said Brent Askvig, executive director of NDCPD.
David Fuller, president of Minot State University, cited this grant as an example of MSU's commitment and dedication to community service and engagement.
"When Minot State works with communities and citizens, we are able to leverage our expertise to assist in addressing important local and state issues. Of course, our faculty, staff and students also gain so much from that real-time engagement with immediate needs and possible solutions. These become win-win opportunities for our region and our state," Fuller said.
Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven, along with Representative Rick Berg, provided support for the NDCPD proposal.
"The men and women at the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities have enabled the center to earn its reputation as a national leader in identifying children with autism," Sen. Conrad said. "I'm confident that with these federal resources, NDCPD will help ensure that North Dakota's children with autism receive the finest treatment and support available."
"We appreciate Minot State University's commitment to quality education, and the important impact the university has throughout the Minot community and the region," Sen. John Hoeven said.
"The North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities is a credit to our state's commitment to help those in need," Rep. Rick Berg said. "Their work has a tremendous impact on the lives of many North Dakotans, and I'm encouraged by their commitment to providing effective care and services to children with autism and other developmental disabilities."
The funds, totaling $840,000 over three years, will support collaboration among NDCPD; North Dakota Family Voices, a parent health information and support center; the N.D. Department of Health, Children's Special Health Services and the N.D. Department of Human Services. These organizations will work to implement several of the strategic goals established by the N.D. Autism Spectrum Disorders Task Force.
"This is such a wonderful opportunity for NDCPD to assist families and children and youth with autism spectrum disorders in our state. We will work on initiatives of early identification, comprehensive assessments, public awareness, family support and state infrastructure in the next three years," Askvig said. "It will truly be a collaborative effort with our state and federal partners. Without the support from the Congressional delegation, our state partners and families and professionals, this would never have happened."
For questions, contact Askvig at 858-3580 or brent.askvig@minotstateu.edu.
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Published: 09/12/11 |