Sebelius appoints Kansans to advocate for children with autism

To ensure Kansas children with autism have access to services to help meet their needs, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed four Kansans to the Kansas Autism Task Force. 

“Every Kansas child deserves the opportunity to follow his or her own path in life, and this task force will work to remove barriers to success for children with autism.  These Kansans bring valuable insights to the table and will help these children reach their full potential,” Sebelius said.

The Kansas Autism Task Force was created by SB 138, which was signed into law by Governor Sebelius on May 11, 2007. The task force will make recommendations to the Legislative Educational Planning Committee regarding potential legislation to improve the availability or accessibility of services for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of children with autism, as well as programs to assist their parents. 

Sarah Bommarito, Udall, is an occupational therapist and owner of The Therapy Spot in Wichita. A graduate of Kansas University and Kansas Newman University, Bommarito served on the Governor’s Commission on Autism for five years.

Dr. William Craig, Leawood, is president and CEO of the Lakemary Center, Inc. in Paola.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University, before going on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Missouri.  He also holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from MU.

Denise Grasso, Weir, is director of technology resources for the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center in Girard.  She’s worked there since 1983 and prior to that was a teacher in Cherokee, Kansas.  She holds three degrees from Pittsburg State University, the most recent being an Ed.S. with an emphasis in special education.

Jane Wegner, Lawrence, is director of the Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing-Clinic at the University of Kansas.  She’s also a clinical professor within the university’s Department of Speech-Language-Hearing.  Wegner holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University, and a Ph.D. from KU.

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