USF center presents first autism leadership award
USF Media Relations
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida has created a new leadership award to honor a deserving family member or caregiver of an individual with autism spectrum disorder who has shown outstanding proactive leadership in the autism community. It will be presented to Cherise Fraser at CARD-USF’s first annual autism leadership award ceremony April 8, 1 to 3 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Worship Center in New Port Richey. Rep. Mike Fasano will open the proceedings.
“The impetus came from my desire to recognize a family member or caregiver for their efforts at building positive communities for people of all abilities,” said Karen Berkman, director of CARD-USF. “Very often, it is easy to forget the people who do the hardest work, and who never get paid or recognized for their efforts.”
Nominations for the award were requested from the 14-county area CARD-USF serves. Nominees had to demonstrate positive community relationships, collaborative efforts with others affiliated with autism, model respectful and supportive leadership and show an ability to unify and motivate others in promoting advancements for people with autism.
“We met with the people who nominated Cherise to plan an event tailored around her to make it truly meaningful. They felt holding a family event with food and activities for the kids would be most appreciated,” said Berkman. Members of two families will talk about the role she played in their lives. The USF College of Education has donated one undergraduate class and USF-CARD contributed a free trip to next year's CARD conference in Fort Lauderdale for Fraser’s use.
CARD at USF is a community-based project that provides information and consultation to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities and their families. CARD-USF offers instruction and coaching to families and professionals through training and assistance. CARD-USF is one of seven regional, university-based CARD centers in Florida.
CARD has planned several events in April during Autism Awareness Month. They include sending information and awareness packages to schools in the region, library media events, Fiesta by the Bay and trainings.
The University of South Florida is on track to become one of the nation’s top 50 public research universities. USF received more than $287 million in research contracts and grants last year, and it is ranked by the National Science Foundation as one of the nation’s fastest growing universities in terms of federal research and development expenditures, and by the Carnegie Foundation as one of the 95 top universities nationwide in research activity. The university has a $1.1 billion annual budget and serves nearly 43,250 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota/Manatee and Lakeland. In 2005, USF entered the Big East athletic conference.
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