Policy Pulse Newsletter - May 2023

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May 2023 | Let's Celebrate the Milestones

Welcome to the first edition of the Policy Pulse, Autism Speaks' monthly advocacy newsletter. We look forward to sharing the latest news, updates and opportunities within our federal and state government affairs work through this monthly series. Read on to learn about some of our recent milestones and how you can help advance policy solutions for people with autism and their families.

 

Advocate Spotlight

Meet Bin from New York

Bin and his wife have used their lived experiences to help make a difference within their community and empower their son, Vincent. Bin leverages his knowledge and network to educate others about autism and inform policymakers. He has particularly made an impact in representing, leading and supporting Chinese-American communities.

 

Read the full Q&A

 

Capitol Hill Headlines

Select updates of our work in DC with Congress

Two important bills were recently reintroduced in Congress. Both bills have been introduced in previous years but did not cross the finish line. Our goal this year: to see both turned into law! You can help us by asking your members of Congress for support.

Autism Family Caregivers Act What?  The Autism Family Caregivers Act (H.R.2965/S.1333) would create a nationwide pilot program to provide evidence-based skills training for caregivers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities and delays, teaching them how to use every day routines and home activities to improve the mental and physical well-being of their children.  Why?  Disparities in access to health care and resources strongly point to a need for more innovative approaches to help improve the health and well-being of autistic people. Email Congress     HEADs UP Act What?  The Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally Disabled and Underserved Population (HEADs UP Act, H.R. 3380) would improve access to behavioral, medical and dental care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by making a number of government programs available to them and providing access to new primary care and specialist services, among other benefits. Why?  Children with autism are nearly 4x as likely to have unmet health care needs when compared to children without disabilities.  Email your US Rep

 

Autism Across the Country

Select updates of our state government affairs work

We work across the United States advocating on behalf of individuals with autism and their families. These are just some highlights from our recent work.

Ohio	Illinois	Connecticut
Policy Issue:  Many Ohio families are currently unable to access applied behavior analysis (ABA), a potentially life-changing behavioral therapy for their autistic children enrolled in Medicaid.  Advocacy Goal:  Rep. Lipps has introduced a bill to require a report regarding access to ABA for Medicaid-enrolled autistic children. The report will inform recommendations on how to improve the network of providers delivering ABA therapy.	Policy Issue:  In order to stabilize the home and community-based services system and address direct support professionals (DSP) staffing shortages, providers must remain competitive in hiring and retaining DSPs. Advocacy Win:  The final state budget included a $2.50 per hour DSP wage rate increase which is $1.00 more than what the Governor had originally proposed. Learn More	Policy Issue:  Inflation, a workforce crisis and skyrocketing demand for services have left Connecticut nonprofits, including those that provide home and community based services to people with autism, at a breaking point. Advocacy Goal:  We are asking for the General Assembly to increase funding for community nonprofit organizations in the state budget. Take Action

 

July 4th Potomac 5K

Join us for a national celebration of advocacy

Autism Speaks is kicking off the Fourth of July with our annual Potomac 5K virtually and in-person in Potomac, Maryland. Because of this event’s location in the Washington, DC area, we recognize it as a celebration of our 20+ years of advocacy in the nation’s capital.

We are excited to come together virtually and in-person for the fourth year in a row as a national advocacy community to celebrate July 4th and this 5K run/1 mile walk event.

“July 4 represents a time to celebrate our nation’s independence and for me to be a part of the virtual 5K, it helps spread advocacy work in the community and for the government on the state and local level.” - Mike D., Florida Self-Advocate

 

Everyone who registers with our "Autism Speaks Advocates" team is entered to win a $50 gift card to the Autism Speaks e-store. Two participants will be selected as winners and emailed directly about their prize after the event.

Register & Enter to Win $50

 

Hard Work Finally Pays Off

After years of advocacy, ADDM Network expands autism monitoring work

Autism Speaks and countless advocates have spent years fighting for additional funding so the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network could add sites to its prevalence and surveillance work. Thanks to funding passed earlier this year, the ADDM Network has expanded for the first time since 2010.

What is this important?

The ADDM Network provides knowledge and data that informs and drives us forward in identifying gaps in diagnosis, improving screening tools and developing programs to reach underserved communities.

Read More

 

 

 

 

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