Federal Legislative update
February 24-25 I attended the Autism Society of America’s Day on the Hill in Washington DC, with 55 Chapter Leaders from around the country, representing 18 states. Wednesday, we met as a group to get an overview of legislation that ASA is working on, and Thursday we visited our Senators and Representatives offices to meet with staff who are responsible for health and education issues.
I visited the offices of Senators Feingold and Kohl, and Representatives Gwen Moore, Jim Sensenbrenner, and Paul Ryan.
ASA would appreciate your support on the following 3 bills:
Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in the Schools Act (S.2860/H.R. 4247) is the first national effort to address this problem and ensure the safety of everyone involved - both students and school staff. Please note this would still require a state component. I was encouraged to keep working on our state bill as
well.
Autism Treatment Acceleration Act (S. 819/ H.R. 2413)
Focus is on adult issues, especially employment, housing, self-advocacy, transportation, personal safety, coordination of care.
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) S493/H.R.1205
Allows families to save for the future of a child with a disability, similar to a 529 college savings account. Has lower start-up costs and tax advantages over a special needs trust. Money in this type of account could pay for medical and dental care, moving, assistive technology devices, housing and transportation expenses.
Money in this type of account would not prevent the individual from qualifying from SSI.
This bill is supported by a broad coalition of disability groups.
Details about the 3 bills mentioned above are available on the ASA website, or click on the American flag Vote4Autism icon above.
Finally, ASA is supporting a platform to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act, which would serve as an updated comprehensive chemicals policy that would protect public health and the environment. A bill has not yet been introduced, but is being worked on in coalition with other health advocacy groups. Details here.
If you have a chance to visit with your Senator or Representatives when they are home in their districts, please consider asking for them to co-sponsor or support this legislation. More information on ways to get involved with advocacy are available through the Autism Society nationally or locally, contact us.
Tags: autism advocacy, disability rights