CLAPS Spotlight: Community Voices in Action

A Successful CLAPS Advisory Board Meeting 

On August 28, 2026, the Capabilities for Community Living and Participation Study (CLAPS) team held a successful Advisory Board Meeting in person and online. We brought together community advisory board members, stakeholders, researchers, and project partners to share progress, exchange perspectives, and strengthen collaboration to improve community living and participation for older autistic adults.

The meeting provided a crucial opportunity for the CLAPS research team to share project milestones and emerging findings and, most importantly, to hear directly from Advisory Board members. Through thoughtful discussion and feedback, members offered valuable perspectives on the relevance of the study, interpretation of findings, and ways the project can better reflect the priorities and lived experiences of autistic adults and their communities.

A central focus of CLAPS is understanding the capabilities, resources, supports, and opportunities that enable older autistic adults to participate in community life in ways that are meaningful to them. The Advisory Board plays an essential role in this work by helping ensure that community perspectives remain at the center of the research process.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all Advisory Board members, community partners, and research team members who participated and contributed their time, ideas, and expertise. We look forward to continuing this collaboration as CLAPS moves into its next phase.

Together, we are working toward communities where autistic adults can live, participate, connect, and thrive in ways that matter to them.