Press Releases

The Autism Community in Action (TACA) launches a new collaboration with UCP of Orange County (UCP-OC) conducting monthly “Coffee Talks” at UCP-OC’s Irvine office beginning on Thursday, February 13 from 10am to 12pm.  Coffee Talks are moderated roundtable style discussion groups, which have been the core of TACA’s Autism Education Events, providing support, resources and hope to families affected by autism.

“Conducting monthly meetings at UCP-OC offices will give TACA members and UCP-OC clients the opportunity to learn how each organization’s programs can provide critically needed resources for their children. Working together will increase our efficiency and ability to serve children and their families,” said Lisa Ackerman, president and executive director of TACA.

“UCP-OC and TACA’s programs complement each other. We share a ‘never give up’ value and message to the families we serve.  Currently, 28% of our patients are children with autism. The collaboration will strengthen both of our programs and increase our ability to serve more families,” expressed Dr. Ramin Baschshi, president and CEO of UCP-OC.

TACA’s Coffee Talks are free support group meetings lead by TACA Chapter Coordinators, providing resources to families affected by autism.  They bring together experienced and new parents to learn and discuss best practices, as well as share stories about their children’s challenges and triumphs.  In 2015 TACA established National Coffee Talk Day during Autism Awareness Month and held coffee talks in 56 locations in one day.  In 2019 there were more than 5,700 attendees at coffee talks across the country.

About The Autism Community In Action (TACA)

The Autism Community in Action (TACA) is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2000 with the mission to provide education, support and hope to families living with autism.  Headquartered in Irvine, CA with staff and volunteers working across the country. TACA offers: Coffee Talks – free educational meetings, webinars, parent mentor program, an online Hope and Help support group, two annual National Autism Conferences hosted on the west and east coasts and a free 200-page Autism Journey Guide given to new families at events. TACA has a strong social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. For more information visit www.tacanow.org.

About UCP Of Orange County

Founded in 1953, UCP-OC was originally established as United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County to assist people of all ages affected by cerebral palsy. Over their 65+ years of service, however, they have observed an increase in demand for services to support children with disabilities. In response, they have streamlined their focus to children while broadening the programs offered, as well as the range of disabilities served to include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental delays. They are one of the only organizations in Orange County delivering comprehensive support for children with disabilities and their families. As such, the services are critical to closing developmental gaps and empowering families to care for their child’s special needs. To learn more, visit www.ucpoc.org.