The Autism Society of North Carolina is partnering with FACES for Autism to offer 5-week training courses designed to improve knowledge, advocacy, and empowerment among underrepresented parents of children with autism. The FACES Framework is family-centered care with a focus on Fostering Advocacy, Communication, Empowerment, and Support to improve your child’s outcomes and your family’s…
Focus | BFAST and Supporting the Black Autism Community
The Autism Society of North Carolina has some exciting news to share. After many months of collaborating with The University of North Carolina’s TEACCH program, we are excited to announce the creation of a new website for North Carolina families. BFAST was created in partnership with members of the Black community to create easily accessed, culturally sensitive, and…
The Barbershop: Supporting the Black Autism Community
Highlighting Community Leaders Supporting the Black Autism Community Barbershops and beauty salons hold a special place in the black community, valued for their emotional significance and historical importance as centers of cultural affirmation, personal growth, and knowledge for people of color. Beyond being places for haircuts and beauty treatments, they are vital social spaces…
Public Policy Update – LME MCO Consolidations and Appendix K Flexibilities
LME MCO Changes North Carolina’s six Local Management Entities Managed Care Organizations (LME MCOs) which are responsible for the regional management of a unified system of intellectual and/or developmental disability, mental health, and substance use services are undergoing consolidation and the realignment of some counties before the implementation of the Tailored Plans in July of…
Policy Update: State Budget Delays, Tailored Plan Delays, 1915(i) Services Authorized
Budget Process Halted; State Budget Delayed until at least August House and Senate Budget Conferees have been named to work out differences between the two versions of the state budget (H259, the Appropriations Act for 2023-2025); however, negotiations have been delayed. Legislative leaders have cited differences over both tax cuts/revenue changes and non-budget legislation, including…
Policy Update: NC Senate Passes Budget; Conference Committee Begins Work
On May 18, the NC Senate passed their version of H259, the Appropriations Act for 2023-2025. The Senate version of the budget spends a little more, primarily on a new economic incentive fund designed to turn NC-based research into marketable products. The differences between the NC House version and the NC Senate version will be…
Public Policy Update: Medicaid Expansion Bill Signed, House Budget Released, Make Your Voice Heard to Senate
Expansion Bill Passes, Signed by Governor: House Bill 76 Access to Healthcare Options was passed by the NC General Assembly March 23 and signed into law March 27. The bill would extend Medicaid benefits to people in the health care coverage gap, whose income is under 133% of the federal poverty levels and do not…
Public Policy Update: Governor’s Budget Released, Medicaid Expansion Bill Advances, Medicaid Services Updates
On March 15, the Governor released his budget proposal. It is quite extensive, and in this entry, we have listed some highlights of items that have an impact on many people on the autism spectrum and their families and which address our public policy priorities. Health and Human Services $126 million for 2,000 more Innovations waiver…