CNN

Raising her autistic son taught this mom hard lessons that she’s used to help thousands of underserved Chicago-area families

In the spring of 1989, Debra Vines found her 18-month-old son, Jason, staring ahead blankly in his crib, as if he was in another world. Alarmed, she and her husband rushed him to the hospital. After ...
CNN

Don’t give up on milestones: A CNN Hero’s message for Autism Awareness Month

Every April, during Autism Awareness Month, Debra Vines and her nonprofit field a surge of calls from parents needing autism-related services and resources. It’s a phenomenon she says she would prefer ...
ABC 7 Chicago

Autism advocate Debra Vines on the importance of reaching minority communities

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It is estimated that one in 59 children is diagnosed with autism, which affects all ethnic and socio-economic groups. But minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often.
WGN-TV

The Answer Inc.: Autism & Developmental Differences Expo

Her son was just 18 months old when he was diagnosed with autism. When he became an adult Debra Vines made it her mission to help parents become the best advocates they could – for themselves and ...
Chicago Tribune

There’s a CNN Hero in Maywood who is all about answers for the developmental disabled community

Community builder. Advocate. CNN Hero. Maywood native Debra Vines wears all the hats as CEO and founder of The Answer, Inc., a Forest Park-based organization that supports Black and brown people with ...
WGN-TV

Mother whose son has autism helps other parents who are struggling with lack of support

In 2007, Vines decided to fill that void by founding The Answer Inc. — a non-profit organization in Forest Park that offers resources to autistic children and their families including educational ...