The Autistic Self Advocacy Network strongly supports the proposed regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which will strengthen employment protections and require affirmative action for individuals with disabilities seeking employment with federal contractors.
One of the key principles of the medical profession has always been, “First, do no harm.” As such, it is essential that the DSM-5’s criteria ensure that those who have or would have qualified for a diagnosis under the DSM-IV maintain access to an ASD diagnosis.
In response to our Symposium on Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Autism Research, funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, several key federal funders have offered to work with ASAN to identify Autistic adults and other people with disabilities interested in serving on forthcoming federal grant review panels.
Regulations are needed to ensure that Home and Community Based Services are not delivered on the grounds of an institution, in a housing complex designed expressly around an individual’s diagnosis or disability, or in a setting that has the characteristics of an institution.
Self-advocate Lydia Brown reports on a proposal to improve safety for Autistic people by training law enforcement officers in Massachusetts about autism. She has provided a fact sheet and contact information for state legislators.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are developing minimum standards for home and community based services settings. ASAN has prepared comments on the proposed rulemaking.
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.
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.
