Editor’s note: This is part 2 of a Q&A with Jennifer Mahan, ASNC Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, and Kerri Erb, Senior Director of Quality and Programs. We have merged their responses to each of the questions. What do you, Jennifer Mahan and Kerri Erb, do? Here are the main areas: Coordinating public policy Communicate…
Autism is Hard; That’s Why We Do This Together
This article was contributed by Amy Perry, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist and mom to a daughter with autism. Whenever I see the movie “Mary Poppins,” I smile at one of the film’s early scenes in which the next door neighbor fires his cannon every day. Everyone in the house automatically anticipates this temporary disruption…
ASNC Advocates for People with Autism and Their Families
Editor’s note: The following blog post is a Q&A with Jennifer Mahan, ASNC Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, and Kerri Erb, Senior Director of Quality and Programs. We have merged their responses to each of the questions. What does “advocacy” mean to you personally and within the scope of your job? Most advocacy is…
Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses rising, CDC says
Editor’s note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced new prevalence rates for Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Autism Society of North Carolina’s Director of Communications, David Laxton, participated in the conference call announcing the results of the study. Here are his notes and observations with some insights as to what the numbers…
Spotlight on the Cabarrus County Chapter
Editor’s note: For those who have a loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a community of support can be a lifeline. For more than 40 years, ASNC Chapters and Support Groups have provided families who face similar challenges an opportunity to encourage one another, share experiences, find information and resources, and have a place where…
Spotlight on Grandparents & Chapters
Editor’s note: For those who have a loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a community of support can be a lifeline. For more than 40 years, ASNC Chapters and Support Groups have provided families who face similar challenges an opportunity to encourage one another, share experiences, find information and resources, and have a place where…
A look back at a remarkable year
A few highlights from 2013 2013 was a busy year in the autism community. We witnessed the changeover in statewide service delivery from Local Management Entities (LMEs) to Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Issues that had stalled for years with the legislature moved forward, but not all the way into law. And more families learned that…
Update on Voting Rights Legislation: H 589 VIVA/Election Reform
On Tuesday, ASNC alerted the public that changes made to H 589 would threaten the rights of individuals with guardianship to vote. Thank you for your advocacy on this issue: You were heard! We can now report that Senator Apodaca introduced an amendment to the bill on the floor of the Senate Wednesday night that…
Update and Alert: Children w/ Disabilities Education Tax Credit and Scholarship Program
Note: an hour after this blog was posted we got word that Senate Finance scheduled an additional meeting Wednesday July 17 at 1 PM and has put H269 on the calendar! We are looking forward to the committee discussion and a favorable vote. Feel free to let your own Senator know your support for the…