Greetings from the desk of the Director of Government Relations! My first couple of months at The Autism Society of North Carolina have been a whirlwind of activity. I’m grateful that I finally have a chance to start addressing policy questions in our blog and let everyone know what is happening in public policy for people…
Finding Childcare for Children with Disabilities
This issue is particularly challenging in Wake County right now, as the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) recently began enforcing a policy (Board Policy # 7125) on the books: refusing to transport children beyond their districted school’s boundaries to afterschool centers. Until recently, children could be bused to their afterschool program even if it was outside…
Is $350,000 Enough to Compensate for Humiliation??
Remember the kindergartner who was voted out of his class in Florida in 2008? At the time of this travesty, Alex Barton was being evaluated and was later diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, which is an autism spectrum disorder. According to federal court documents,…
Be Your Child’s Best Advocate! Application Deadline December 31
Join the ranks of parents and self-advocates who have been trained through the NC Partners in Policymaking! Learn to advocate at all levels: locally, regionally, and nationally. This is a no-cost opportunity that is truly outstanding. You will benefit, whether you’re a parent or an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability. I was honored…
Apply for a Free iPad for Communication Needs
The HollyRod Foundation is giving iPads to children diagnosed with autism who are non-verbal or minimally verbal. Application deadline is December 31, 2010.What are the eligibility requirements?? 1. The individual you are applying for must have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum (as identified in diagnosis report). 2. Reside in the United States of America….
Upcoming changes for CAP MR/DD Waiver recipients
Changes are coming to North Carolina’s Medicaid Waiver program, commonly referred to as the Community Alternatives Program for Persons with Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities or CAP MR/DD. In July, the NC Division of Medical Assistance (DMA- which oversees Medicaid in NC) and the Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse (MH/DD/SAS) announced new policies for CAP MR/DD waiver…
Early Voting Ends Saturday, October 30
As they say in Chicago, vote early and often! Seriously, everyone should be encouraged to exercise their right and responsibility to vote in all elections. I recently took my oldest son to vote in his second election; we studied the issues and the candidates together, then looked up our early polling station online. …
A Shocking Story, A Shocking School
Imagine being being strapped facedown on a four-point restraint board and being shocked repeatedly by an unseen person for swearing…and you’re a child. This is about a book that the Autism Society of NC (ASNC) will never stock or sell. Why talk about it, then? Sometimes we have to address the ugly elephant in the…