Community Experiences Surveyed: Two research surveys addressing issues of community involvement and experiences in society, one by the AASPIRE Gateway Project and the other by Adena Rottenstein and other researchers at the University of Michigan, seek input from Autistic participants.
Press Release Opposing Autism Legislation: ASAN has issued a press release stating that an extension of the Combating Autism Act would lock in place an unacceptable status quo without services, without consideration of the needs of adults and without inclusion of self-advocates. We oppose extending the act without needed program reforms.
ACTION ALERT: Stop Extension of Flawed Autism Policy. Congress is considering legislation to extend the Combating Autism Act, which fails to provide for services and was passed without the involvement of self-advocates, for three more years. Contact your Senators today to oppose re-authorization without needed changes!
Criminal Charges Lead to Departure of Matthew Israel from Judge Rotenberg Center: As part of a plea bargain agreement for charges against him involving JRC’s use of electric shock on two teenagers, Matthew Israel is leaving the center, the Boston Globe reports.
Autism and Ethics Discussion: A focus group will be held in the Boston area on Saturday, June 25, 2011 to discuss core ethics and values for the Autism NOW Center.
School District Liable for Illegal Segregation: A school district violated the law and harmed autistic students by segregating them in a small portable classroom, a judge has ruled.
Employer Sued for Refusing to Hire Autistic Worker: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a lawsuit charging an employer with violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by refusing to hire an applicant on the autism spectrum.
New Report on Home and Community Based Services Funding: Community living is the topic of a new report by ASAN and two other leading self-advocacy organizations, Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE), and the National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN). The report is intended to guide the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in developing new rules for funding home and community based services.
Medicaid Cuts Opposed: ASAN and other groups in the National Disability Leadership Alliance have submitted a joint letter to Congress urging rejection of proposals to repeal the Medicaid Maintenance of Effort requirements.
An article by Paula C. Durbin-Westby. When a person has a disability that person is still a person. That person with a disability has a body, and a mind. That person with a disability has needs, concerns, desires, a personal history, a context of family, friends, and community relations. A person who has a disability has all the legal and civil rights of personhood (or should).
PBS NewsHour’s program about autism dismisses adults’ needs: In addressing why the Autistic community was not invited to participate, Robert MacNeil claimed that issues facing Autistic adults were not “an urgent issue” and not important enough to merit coverage. ASAN has issued a press release condemning his ignorant statements.
Cafe Press responds to concerns: Cafe Press has agreed to allow shop owners who sell autism-related products to opt out of the April 2011 fundraiser, has created a survey asking where funds should be donated, and has informed us that it will provide a survey next year.
