North Carolina recently went through an 18-month planning process to develop a new document outlining the steps that the state should take to ensure that people with disabilities are able to live, work, learn, and enjoy their lives alongside everyone else in their communities. Plans like this set meaningful goals to address the barriers people…
Registering for Selective Service – Itās the Law
Through the years I have talked with many families who were unaware of the federal law requiring most males residing in the United States or its territories to register with the Selective Service System (SSS) within 30 days of their 18th birthdays. This includes adult males with and without a disability or medical condition. Registration…
My Journey of Understanding a World of Misunderstanding
Throughout my life when I was asked to describe myself, I constantly had no clue as to what to do. I had masked myself into a corner, To myself I was even a foreigner. Then at thirty-one the dials on the locks began to click, Suddenly it all fell into place so quick. How…
Public Policy Update
Below is the Autism Society of North Carolinaās weekly update on policy changes and legislation related to local, state, and federal COVID-19 emergency orders. This post covers July 15 to July 30. Congressional UpdateĀ ā NEW!Ā The US Senate hasĀ announcedĀ theirĀ new package of COVID-19 and economic relief,Ā the HEALS Act. The Senate began negotiations with the US House…
How to Advocate for Yourself
The feeling of being in control of oneās own life is one of the most basic yet most important forms of self-worth we have as people and an essential part of happiness. However, it is one of the most difficult aspects of being on the spectrum. The transition to adulthood is a fraught time for…