Princeton Public Library
Community Resource File
The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community, Inc. (COSAC) (CRF ID #577)
ALTERNATE NAME
COSAC
ADDRESS
1450 Parkside Ave., Suite 22
Ewing, NJ 08638
PHONE
609-883-8100
FAX
609-883-5509
EMAIL
information@njcosac.org
HOTLINE
800-4-AUTISM (800-428-8476) - The Information and Referral line; MON-FRI, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
ADMINISTRATOR
Paul A. Potito, Executive Director
HOURS
MON-FRI: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
DESCRIPTION
A non-profit organization founded to assist families, individuals and agencies concerned with the welfare and education of children and adults with autism and related pervasive developmental disabilities. COSAC is dedicated to promoting services and providing a forum to develop and exchange information to benefit those with autism, advocating for their rights, increasing public awareness of autism, and obtaining community support for individuals with autism. Individual/family and organization memberships are available.
SERVICES
Information and referral - Schools, programs, services for individuals with autism
Public education/information - Lectures, workshops - Special education teachers, therapists, psychologists, classroom assistants, child study team members, parents and others who work with individuals with autism.
Emergency care, short-term - Families of children with autism ages 3-21
Consultation, short-term - Structuring programs and environments for autistic individuals - Social service agencies
Training - Group and in-home sessions - Parents and family members of individuals with autism
Continuing education credit - Annual Conference and workshops
Staff training/development - Workshops - Professional educators, those who work with individuals with autism.
Self help/support services - Professionally facilitated support groups - Monthly - Parents and other relatives of individuals with autism (ten groups in NJ)
Advocacy - Rights of all individuals with autism
PROGRAMS
Autism Awareness Ambassadors: Volunteer program encouraging autism awareness
Action Advocates: offers legislative opportunities for systemic change.
COSAC sponsors 12 parent and family support groups throughout New Jersey. Support groups provide many opportunities for parents to learn more about autism, to access information about services and treatments, and to offer and receive support. most groups meet once per month with the facilitation of a professional who is hired and supervised by COSAC. Some meetings feature guest speakers on various autism-related topics. All parents and family members of individuals with autism are welcome. Call COSAC, 609-883-8100, Ext 28 for meeting times and locations.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
none
PUBLICATIONS
UpDate (bi-monthly newsletter) - lists news and happenings in the NJ autism community (for members)
Variety of printed informational materials - Referral lists of Respite Providers, Support Groups, Parent Services, etc.
Listing of NJ Schools and Programs Serving Children with Autism
Autism: Basic Information
Printed information available in Spanish
SPECIAL EVENTS
Annual Statewide Conference: 2 days of presentations, workshops and programs
Annual Meeting
Fall Gala Dinner Dance and Auction
Dress Down for Autism Awareness
Autism charity golf outing
SCHOLARSHIPS
available for annual conference
FOUNDED
1965
SUBJECT
DISABILITIES SERVICES
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
SPEAKERS
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
EDUCATION - ADULT
SUPPORT GROUPS
ADVOCACY
MENTORING
DATE MODIFIED
12-19-06