Rockville, MD, August 16, 2024 — The Autism Society of America and USAging in Washington, D.C. have been awarded the 2024 Immunization Neighborhood Champion Award by the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS) for their work through the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative.  

The NAIIS Immunization Excellence Awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals and organizations towards improved vaccination rates within their communities during the past year. 

The Aging & Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC) is led by USAging, which represents and supports the national network of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA); together, they advocate for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs that help older adults, and people with disabilities, live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities.  

Since May 2023, the Autism Society of America and our partners were able to improve the vaccination experience, and facilitate 113,000 Covid-19, flu, RSV, and other vaccines.  We connected with millions through diverse outreach, education, and training opportunities. We trained over 6,500 healthcare professionals on accessible models of vaccine administration, including tools that could be used in everyday practice. We distributed close to 38,000 accessible vaccine kits, which were filled with sensory tools, injection tools, accessible communication tools, and rewards for vaccine recipients.  

“Thanks to USAging’s invaluable support, the Autism Society has been able to provide widespread healthcare provider training and create inclusive environments that truly accommodate the diverse needs of all people. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on the lives of countless individuals and their families.” stated Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society. 

Collectively, ADVC partners have administered more than 378,000 COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Approximately 11 percent were given to people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for the first time. Additionally, ADVC partners have administered 112,000 RSV, shingles, pneumococcal and other vaccines. They also provided 441,000 supportive services such as transportation to vaccine clinics, assistance with appointments and information and referral to aging and disability resources.  

“It’s an incredible honor for USAging’s ADVC to be recognized with this award by the NAIIS,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “It’s a testament to the power of this collaborative and the critical role that AAAs, CILs and CBOs play in promoting life-saving vaccinations which are a centerpiece of health and healthy aging for all of us.”  

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The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its approximately 70+ local affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan. During Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Society has a goal to fundraise $350,000 to expand acceptance in practice for the Autism community. For more information, go to www.autismsociety.org, Facebook, Instagram or X.

USAging’s ADVC is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through USAging as part of a financial assistance award to USAging totaling $74,999,835 with 100-percent funding by ACL/HHS.