As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its 75 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. Because, the connection is you. ™ The Greater Akron affiliate was established in 1987 and serves Summit, Medina, Portage, Wayne, and Stark counties. In 2011, The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) grew from an all-volunteer organization and hired a full-time Executive Director, developed a strategic plan, built a professional Board of Trustees, and held the organization's first 5k walk & run. Today, ASGA has a diversified professional Board of Trustees, five full-time staff members, over 300 regular volunteers giving over 1,700 hours of their time annually, and has developed and maintained many community partnerships to help it strengthen its mission.