January 2023
CRAAG Newsletter

Happy New Year to Our Readers
and Supporters from CRAAG!

Get Engaged in CRAAG's
Legislative Advocacy!

Next CRAAG Virtual Meeting is on
Jan. 25th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Meeting Agenda

  1. Welcome/Introductions
  2. Advocacy Update - The Virginia General Assembly (GA) opens on January 11th. Join us for an overview of CRAAG's advocacy platform and the status of proposed legislation impacting autism and the DD community. We will also discuss efforts already underway to drive change by working more closely with other autism focused organizations across the state.
  3. CRAAG Work Group Reports - Updates from CRAAG's three work groups: 24/7 Supports, Maximizing Independence and Preparing for Life After High School.
  4. Provider/Agency Updates
  5. Family Concerns
  6. Open Discussion


Meeting ID: 371 306 7117
Passcode: ysA8Ji
Virginia's General Assembly
Stay Aware And Informed!

Register to attend the 2023 Autism Advocacy Day on January 31st from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Richmond. This day is sponsored by the Autism Society - Virginia Affiliates, Commonwealth Autism (CA), CRAAG, Legal Reform for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (LRIDD), and the Virginia Autism Project.

Check out CAAG's 2023 Advocacy Platform and updated CRAAG brochure to learn more about what CRAAG supports. These materials were distributed to visitors of our exhibitor table at the UVA STAR Autism Hope Summit on December 3, 2022

Click on the links below to sign up for Action Alerts from these autism and DD advocacy organizations:

VIA & Parks & Rec Invite siblings on Feb. 11th for
peer support at VIA
from 9:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Scan QR code or call
434-970-3260 for more info.
VIA Invites families to play outdoors on March 25th from
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Scan QR code or go to Wildrock's signup website for more info.
CRAAG Makes it Easy to Get Involved!
CRAAG is reaching out to our readers to invite you to get involved in one of our most important initiatives: work groups focused on the long-term housing needs of three distinct populations of adults and almost-adults with autism. To figure out the housing puzzle for autism families, CRAAG needs you as much as you need CRAAG!

  • Questions? Want more information? Read this.
  • Ready to engage? Email CRAAG with the name of the Work Group in the subject line. A representative of the Work Group will be in touch with you.

Parks & Rec is hosting a Winter Ball Formal Dance on Saturday, January 21st. It is an inclusive community event but lots of Adaptive Recreation staff will be there. They'll have a DJ, caterer and spectacular decorations! The Winter Ball replaces the Valentine’s Dance this year. Ready to get back on the dance floor? View all the information in the January newsletter here.
Save the Date!

The annual 2023 Transition Conference and Resource Fair is on March 25th this year. As always, CRAAG will have an exhibitor table at the event. Want more information? Download the flyer.
Year in Review 
Check out the January 2023 Commonwealth Autism (CA) newsletter to learn more about:

  • 2022 Highlights
  • CA in 2023
  • Call for Speakers for the 2023 CA Annual Conference on May 2nd - 3rd
  • Upcoming Events


About CRAAG
CRAAG began in 2010 in collaboration with CA Human Services (formerly Commonwealth Autism). CRAAG’s mission is to raise awareness and enhance the quality of life for people with autism, developmental disabilities, and their families in Charlottesville City, Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Louisa and Nelson counties. We are a volunteer action group for families, self-advocates, and professionals who are interested in all age groups and levels of need. The daily concerns of CRAAG's active volunteers inform our focus on the needs of students transitioning out of high school, adults throughout the lifespan, and their families. Our advocacy is person-centered aimed at maximizing independent living with supports; meaningful employment; social connectivity; and community engagement. CRAAG's 2021 Housing survey initiated a years-long initiative in our region to expand the number of housing options, supports and services available to meet the needs of adults with developmental disabilities.