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Autism Society of Greater Akron Summit to host national, local experts to discuss COVID-19 vaccine

Akron Beacon Journal - 2/22/2021

The Autism Society of Greater Akron is offering parents and caregivers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities, self-advocates and professionals the opportunity to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine directly from national and local experts.

The organization's 2021 Autism Summit will be held at noon Thursday live on Zoom and Facebook, where presenters will discuss the results of a survey on COVID-19 vaccine participation and address questions and concerns. Participants must register to receive the free Zoom link and survey results at AutismAkron.org/2021-Summit

The following experts will present facts and information about receiving the vaccine as it relates to people with disabilities, along with local information about the rollout and availability for this vulnerable population.

Speakers include:

Lisa Wiggins, developmental psychologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead clinician of the Developmental Disabilities Branch and is its representative on the CDC Covid Task Force. Dr. Scott Pangonis, associate director of infection control; pediatric infectious disease physician at Akron Children’s Hospital Dr. Donald Rumford, infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Thomas Quade, Geauga County Public Health Commissioner John Trunk, superintendent of Summit CountyBoard of Developmental Disabilities

ASGA’s survey asked people (parents/caregivers, self-advocates and professionals who care for them) whether they expect to take the COVID-19 vaccine (once available for many) and follow-up questions on why. Nearly 600 people responded from across the state, with approximately 250 from Northeast Ohio. Survey results will be released to participants prior to the meeting.

The Autism Summit is sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Akron General and is in collaboration with sister-affiliates across the State of Ohio including Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, Greater Cleveland, Central Ohio, Mahoning Valley and Northwest Ohio.

Beacon Journal staff reporter Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Autism Society of Greater Akron Summit to host national, local experts to discuss COVID-19 vaccine

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