Jackie Kancir

Jackie Kancir is the Executive Director of the National Council on Severe Autism, where she brings unparalleled insight to disability advocacy through both professional expertise and lived experience. As a brain tumor survivor and mother to a young adult with profound autism and SynGAP1-RD, Jackie approaches her work with a unique understanding of complex healthcare systems and family support needs.

A compelling voice in legislative reform, Jackie has provided pivotal testimony at both legislative and administrative hearings, advocating for individuals with complex care needs. Drawing from her extensive background in government affairs and public health policy, she champions evidence-based reforms in healthcare delivery, emergency services, and long-term care systems. Her advocacy centers on those with the most substantial support needs, particularly individuals with severe forms of autism and rare genetic disorders.

Beyond her leadership at NCSA, Jackie serves on the Tennessee DDA Statewide Planning and Policy Council (SPPC) and as Patient Advocacy Director for the SynGAP Research Fund. Her professional development includes graduation from Partners in Policymaking through the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD), certification from the EveryLife Foundation's Rare Advocacy Learning program, and membership in the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS). She has been instrumental in developing new protocols for behavioral crisis support, while advancing a biopsychosocial approach to healthcare reform that addresses severe behaviors, medical complexity, and rare diseases.

Jackie's work focuses on practical, implementable solutions that transform support systems for individuals with profound disabilities and their families. Her advocacy emphasizes research equity, comprehensive care models, and the development of appropriate long-term care options, always maintaining a dignity-first perspective that respects the full humanity of those with substantial support needs. Having earned her place on the President's List while finishing her degree in Public Administration at University of Phoenix, Jackie continues to expand her expertise to serve the disability community.