AIM Michigan and Autism Votes announce that there will be a legislative task force meeting on autism insurance reform hosted by Michigan Senators Randy Richardville and Tupac Hunter. Although Michigan's House in June 2009 passed two autism insurance bills,
that proposed to cover ABA and other evidenced treatments, the bills have subsequently stalled in the Senate's Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee. Autism Votes states that these meetings represent the Michigan Senate's effort to determine what would best meet the needs of Michigan's families and children impacted by autism spectrum disorder.
"The new members will bring additional points of view and expertise to the IACC...'By adding new voices to the IACC and expanding the number of organizations represented on the committee, we hope to broaden our perspectives and increase coordination efforts,' said Dr. Thomas Insel, IACC Chairman and director of the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)."
New Members of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee:
Dr. Dawson is the Chief Science Officer for Autism Speaks, working with the scientific community and stakeholders to shape and expand the foundation's scientific vision. She also is a licensed clinical psychologist with a research focus on early detection and intervention, early patterns of brain dysfunction and the identification of biological markers for autism genetic studies. Dr. Dawson also serves as Research Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University and Professor Emeritus of Psychology at University of Washington.
Dr. Fischbach is the Scientific Director for the Simons Foundation, where he oversees the Autism Research Initiative. He has spent his career as a neuroscientist studying the formation and maintenance of synapses, the junctions between nerve cells which allow signals to be transmitted. Before joining the Simons Foundation, Dr. Fischbach served as the Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) from 1998 to 2001 and as the Executive Vice President of Columbia University Medical Center and Dean of the faculties of medicine from 2001 to 2006.
Mr. Ari Ne'eman is the Founding President of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, where he works to increase the representation of autistic people in public policy discussions. He is an adult on the autism spectrum and a leading advocate in the neurodiversity movement. Mr. Ne'eman has served on the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force and the New Jersey Special Education Review Commission, where he authored a minority report advocating legislative action against the use of aversives, restraint and seclusion. He is a board member of TASH, an advocacy group for people with disabilities, and is involved with the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education.
SB 204, AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS COVERAGE.
currently in the Senate Finance Committee. SB 204 defines applied behavior analysis, includes it for coverage under the "habilitative or rehabilitative care" category, and includes among those denoted as an "Autism services provider", "practitioners with the national certification of board-certified behavioral analyst",or any person, entity, or group meeting the standards set by the Department of Health and Social Services.
Meeting information:
Date: Friday, May 21, 2010
Time: 1:00pm - 6:00pm (hourly sessions)
Location: Autism Delaware Newark Office
Street: 924 Old Harmony Road, Suite 201
City/Town: Newark, DE View Map
RSVP at Facebook and/or to Kim Siegel, kim.siegel@delautism.org
Attendees will able to learn more about the latest information on SB 204 and write letters to legislators. Talking points, contact information, sample letters, paper, envelopes, and refreshments will be provided.
Every hour there will be a review of the legislation and what it will (and will not) accomplish and answer questions before beginning letter writing. The first hourly session starts at 1:00pm, sessions will continue through the afternoon, with the last session beginning at 5:00pm and ending at 6:00pm.
Again, please RSVP at Facebook and/or to Kim Siegel, kim.siegel@delautism.org to sign up for a time slot so that organizers can ensure that there will be enough volunteers, supplies, and snacks during the session.
News reports are that North Carolina families will be converging on the capitol on Monday to meet with legislators and weigh in to Committee on the need for helath care reform and financial relief.
Two events sponsored by Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of Ohio are scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at the Ohio Statehouse:
A daytime rally and meetings with State Senators to raise autism awareness and to advocate for autism related bills in the Ohio legislature, and an evening reception for advocates and constituents to meet with legislators and other decision makers to discuss autism, and autism supports and services in Ohio districts.
Autism Awareness Rally 11:00AM - 12:00 Noon
The rally will be held April 14, 2010, 11:00am to 12:00 noon on the south lawn of the Ohio Statehouse Parking is available under the Statehouse or flat lots by the Statehouse. Informational handouts about HB 8 and SB 220/HB 399 will be available for all advocates and media.
Speakers will be addressing the bills,
HB 8: A BILL To amend section 1739.05 and to enact sections 1751.68 and 3923.84 of the Revised Code to prohibit health insurers from excluding coverage for specified services for individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
Passed in the Ohio House 12/8/2009;
Currently in the Senate Insurance, Commerce & Labor Committee.
SB 220 / HB 399: To amend section 955.011 of the Revised Code to revise the definition of "mobility impaired person" to include a person who is diagnosed with autism for purposes of the statutes governing assistance dogs.
SB 220 currently in the Senate Health, Human Services, & Aging Committee &
HB 399 is currently in the House Health Committee
and updating participants on other issues related to autism.
Attendees are requested to bring signs (without a pole) showing support for HB 8, saying thanks for passing HB 8 and listing his/her State Representative. It is also suggested that attendees call and set up an appointment with his/her state Senator to discuss HB 8 and SB 220/HB 399.
Special Guest Speaker - Stanley Jackson - WTVN pre/post game Color Analyst for OSU football, and former professional and Ohio State University quarterback.
There will be kids' activities, such as face painting, thanks to Oakstone Academy. Tables will be set up from Autism providers and advocacy groups.
Autism Awareness Legislative Reception: 5:00PM – 7:00PM
In the evening, an Autism Awareness Legislative Reception will be held in the Atrium of the Statehouse. Legislators have been invited to meet with constituents from their districts to learn more about autism and autism supports and services in their district. Department Directors, members of the Interagency Workgroup on Autism and the Governor’s office have also been invited. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided by Autism Society of Ohio.
For more information:
CONTACTS:
RALLY: Doug Krinsky (Parent of a child with Autism), CAC, Autism Speaks,
(614) 554-0802, yogi1125@aol.com
RECEPTION: Barbara Yavorcik, Executive Director, Autism Society of Ohio, (614) 537-4079, askASO@autismohio.org, www.autismohio.org
