Public Awareness Reaching out

	Resource Library In cooperation with the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute library, an autism reference library that includes various books and videos was created. All materials are available to parents, professional, students, and the general public. Developing Materials Various informational materials were developed by CARD-USF, including Fact Sheets for families and professionals focusing on issues and best practices related to individuals with autism and related disabilities. CARD On-Line Resources and information about CARD's projects & activities can also be found on the World Wide Web. Our site can be found on CFS Home at: http://lumpy.fmhi.usf.edu Annual Conference The Fourth Annual CARD Conference, "Open Windows: A Horizon of Opportunities," was held in Tampa, January 18-19, 1997. More than 350 family members, professionals and therapists attended the conference. Conference highlights included keynote presentations by Ruth Sullivan, Founder and Director of the Autism Service Center, West Virginia, Motivating Staff and Family to See the Full Potential of Individuals with Autism; Kathleen Stremel, Teaching Research Division of the Oregon State System of Higher Education, Communication Bill of Rights; William Sharpton, University of New Orleans, From School to Adulthood: A Roadmap for Success; and Mary McEvoy, University of Minnesota, Parental Inclusion: Another Dimension in Proactive Interventions Related to Challenging Behavior. The conference was sponsored by all five CARD centers, the Autism Society of Florida, and the Florida Outreach Project for Students who are Deaf-Blind. The Fifth Annual CARD Conference, "Enhancing Community Through Partnerships," will be held on January 17-18, 1998 in Tampa.