“Public policy” refers to the broad scope of laws, regulations and other government actions.
Many of these can have a profound impact on Autistic people and other people with disabilities. For example, most disability services at the state and local level are funded through Medicaid, a program which is a partnership between the states and the federal government. Rules that the federal government sets about the Medicaid program can significantly impact how local disability services are run, for better or for worse. Another example can be found in laws that Congress passes relating to discrimination, who qualifies for non-discrimination protections and what those protections entail. Decisions of this nature have real effects on the experiences of disabled workers.
Toolkits
ASAN produces policy advocacy toolkits for system change. These toolkits provide advocates, lawmakers, and professionals with a variety of information, guidance, and resources on specific policy issues, including, where appropriate, model legislation, research overviews, and “know your rights” documentation.
Reports & Briefs
ASAN delves into significant social issues by way of reports and policy briefs created to benefit the Autistic and disability communities. These documents can be accessed at no cost on this page.
Action Alerts
Sometimes issues affecting the Autistic community need an organized public response, such as writing emails to companies or submitting comments to government agencies. When this happens, ASAN will post the information to alert the public to the need for prompt action.
Our action alerts have focused on such topics as opposing harmful stereotypes about autism, protecting children from dangerous restraints and other abuse, and making sure that the voices of self-advocates are heard in the public conversation about autism.
Submit Policy Stories
One way autistic self-advocates can help ASAN’s policy center is by submitting stories about how public policy has affected their lives. These personal testimonies play a role in shaping our policy work. Our policy center needs your stories to more effectively advocate for the rights and needs of autistic people.