On Monday August 18^th 2008 Gov. Bill Ritter appointed SMART Foundation Co-Founder and Vail resident Stephen D. Fretz to the 24-member Colorado Autism Commission. Colorado has joined 26 other states and formed a Commission to deal with the unprecedented numbers of children and adults affected by Autism. Colorado’s Autism Commission will be different from commissions in other states, as it will examine current gaps in services and devise a 10-year state strategy to provide necessary Autism services and supports, including ways to use current resources more efficiently as well as requesting additional funding.  The commission is scheduled to present its 10-year state plan by Oct. 1, 2009.

Mr. Fretz and his wife have lived in Vail since 2002 and co-founded The SMART Foundation after their son was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Since its inception the Foundation has worked to create Autism awareness and advocate for Colorado children and families living with Autism, especially across the mountain region. The Foundation continues to identify and grow a network of national and regional Autism expertise to create, sustain and advance qualified services and training programs on the community level. Today, The SMART Foundation remains committed to exploring a spectrum of real life solutions to combat the diverse challenges associated with Autism.