The Communities of Leaders in Autism (CoLA) is a community of dedicated educators supported by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and collaboratively led by the Autism Center for Education at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU-ACE) and the regional Training and Technical Assistance Centers (TTACs). Members of CoLA include school division autism leaders and VDOE, VCU-ACE, and TTAC staff who are passionate in supporting educators to enhance outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorder. Through regional and statewide events, CoLA moves beyond information dissemination and empowers members with knowledge and expertise to support educators and students with autism.
The VDOE is asking each school division to identify two or three individuals for CoLA membership to serve as division autism leaders for the 2023-2024 school year. These leaders, which may include specialists, lead teachers, and coaches, should possess the ability to influence systemic change for Autistic students within their division. Please complete the CoLA membership survey by November 3, 2023, to identify the designated
autism leaders, including both new and existing CoLA members, as appropriate.