October is recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month by the U.S. Department of Labor. The national campaign aims to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. The Autism Society of North Carolina has made it a priority to help individuals with autism to secure and maintain…
Voting: What You Need to Know for the 2014 Elections
Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 4, and early voting sites will open Thursday, October 23. North Carolina voters will elect candidates for a variety of offices, including the General Assembly, Congress, state judgeships, and others. Below are a few things you should be aware of since new voting laws were passed in 2013. You…
Don’t Underestimate Me!
This article was contributed by Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. “Good morning everyone, I’m Danny. I want to tell all of you thank you for helping me and talking to me even when you knew I could not find the words to talk back. Having autism is very hard…
Recognize Your Direct Support Professional
This article was contributed by Kerri Erb, Senior Director of Quality and Programs. Direct support professional (DSP), community skills instructor (CSI), habilitation technician (hab tech), CAP worker – whatever their names, these individuals should be recognized. Every day, they work one-to-one with individuals with autism, teaching skill acquisition and supporting them in reaching their goals….
State Wants to Hear from You on IDD Services
The NC Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public input as it works to create a better way to provide services for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Division of Mental Health Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services and the Division of Medical Assistance will be holding listening sessions across the state….
Surviving School in a Nutshell
This article was contributed by Kim Tizzard, Autism Resource Specialist and mom to a son with autism. The beginning of a new school year has somehow snuck up on us. For many, the uncertainty of how our child’s needs will be met can be a source of angst. Like a video loop, the same thoughts…
Adventures in High-Functioning Autism Behind the Wheel
This article was contributed by Nancy Nestor, ASNC Autism Resource Specialist. How do you know what your child is capable of? For the past 13 years, since my son was diagnosed with high-functioning autism, my husband and I have asked ourselves that question repeatedly. My son has always been a kid who has taken an…
Legislative Wrap-up 2014: Education Policy
This article is the last of several wrapping up the 2014 legislative session. The Autism Society of North Carolina’s focus on education continued to highlight improving education for children with disabilities in public schools while also offering options to parents who need to find different academic settings. Public Education: Per-student funding was not changed for…
Closer Look: NC Budget Appropriations Act of 2014 and Medicaid Reform
This article is the second of several wrapping up the 2014 legislative session. Look for more details on the budget and issues related to education in coming days. The NC General Assembly passes two-year budgets during its long sessions in odd calendar years. During the short sessions, like this year, they make adjustments to the…