Focus Group on Autism and Ethics
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.
May 24, 2011
Latest Posts
Segregation of Autistic Students Ruled Unlawful
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.
May 23, 2011
EEOC Sues Employer for Discriminating Against Autistic Worker
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.
May 19, 2011
Joint Report Issued on Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Standards
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.
May 18, 2011
Joint Letter Opposing Repeal of Medicaid Maintenance of Effort Requirements
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.
May 17, 2011
When Is a Disability Not a Disability? Autism Speaks Has the Answer
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).
April 28, 2011
Autistic Adult Community Condemns PBS NewsHour for Ignorant Remarks
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.
April 27, 2011
Cafe Press: Advocacy Success
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.
April 25, 2011
Autistic Community Concerned about Robert MacNeil’s Upcoming PBS Special
Concerns about Upcoming PBS NewsHour Program: ASAN has released a statement expressing concern about next week’s PBS NewsHour six-part special about the autism spectrum.
April 12, 2011
Fact Sheet: Cafe Press and Autism Speaks
Cafe Press and Autism Speaks: ASAN has compiled a fact sheet on Cafe Press’ controversial decision to donate 10% of all sales of autism-related products to Autism Speaks, without giving its vendors the choice to opt out.
April 7, 2011
Joint Letter to CDC on proposed ICD-9-CM wandering code
Joint Letter to CDC: With the support of allied disability advocacy and professional organizations, ASAN submitted a joint letter to the CDC opposing the wandering code proposal.
April 4, 2011
Autism Acceptance Day
ASAN staffer Paula C. Durbin-Westby and ASAN Board Member Melanie Yergeau gave an interview in which they explained why it’s important to start off April with an acceptance message. Understanding and acceptance are vital to bringing about a world in which Autistic citizens are equal members of society.
April 1, 2011