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Autism Speaks honors California Assemblymember, Dr. Corey Jackson for leadership in funding autism services provided by direct support professionals… Award. This recognition celebrates Assemblymember Jackson’s unwavering leadership in securing vital funding for services supporting people with autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). His early and decisive work on … for an increase in reimbursement rates for disability service providers, which took effect at the beginning of 2025. Direct support professionals (DSPs) and others who provide regional center waiver services will benefit from these increases, … stabilizing the home and community-based services system and growing the struggling workforce of DSPs who provide essential support to people with autism. Recognizing the potential harm of such a delay, Chair Jackson championed the cause, pushing …
Legislative wins in California strengthen supports, opportunities and safety of autistic individuals… Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed several bills that Autism Speaks supported in the California General Assembly, which will strengthen supports for autistic students and help address gaps in funding for disability services. Included among these legislative …
With Medicaid funding at risk, Laura’s message is clear – “It’s time to mobilize”… Laura Lear is the CEO of Community Support Services, Inc. (CSS), and has spent the past seventeen years working alongside dedicated professionals to enhance … enhanced service models promoting community inclusion and individual choice. CSS has been able to develop a wide range of supports and services designed to provide the resources desired by each person to pursue his/her self-directed goals. …
Policy Pulse | Advocacy in full swing… been a driver of autism-specific federal programs, which have helped transform our understanding of autism as well as the supports available to families for over 20 years. A new Congress brings new opportunity to grow the size of the Autism Caucus; and as a result, increase support of national autism policy. Ask your members of Congress to join. A researcher perspective How the Autism CARES …
Legislation to support family caregivers advances… The Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act was introduced to support family caregivers in the United States, the millions of individuals who rely on them, as well as the economy and …
IACC meeting focuses on support for caregivers … challenge that comes with navigating a network of autism services, providing day-to-day care and planning for the future support needs of a loved one. This meeting’s discussion highlighted the critical role family caregivers play throughout … Panel discussion: Family caregiving Panelists offered the perspectives of parents, grandparents, self-advocates, and siblings by sharing their lived experiences. Their personal examples shed light on the diversity of needs, depicting the …
Autism Speaks recognizes Iowa Governor Reynolds for support of community… in recognizing Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds with Autism Speaks’ 2021 Public Service Award for championing initiatives that support autistic adults in Iowa. We are honored to recognize Governor Reynolds’ support for our employment initiatives in Iowa, especially with the development of our Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) program with Lee Container. Since the WIN program’s inception two years ago, the Governor has extended her support through engagement with the Autism Speaks team and project leads. This project aligns closely with the Governor’s …
Autism Speaks strongly supports proposed ban on electrical stimulation devices… on the use of electrical stimulation devices (ESDs) to treat self-injurious or aggressive behavior. Autism Speaks strongly supports the reinstatement of this ban, which was driven forward by the bipartisan leadership of Chairman Pallone, Ranking … Member McMorris Rodgers, Subcommittee Chair Eshoo and Ranking Member Guthrie. Autism Speaks continues to emphasize its support for evidence-based practices that address self-injurious and aggressive behaviors in a way that protects the …
Autism Speaks urges adapted hospital policies to allow support providers for autistic and disabled people… experience. Today, these challenges are amplified by COVID-19 restrictions, resulting in many people being denied access to supports that are crucial to their physical and emotional health. Often, family members or other caregivers are the … to protect the rights of people with disabilities to access equitable healthcare by: Affirming that guardians or other support persons for people with autism or other disabilities are a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); Providing an exception to visitor restrictions to allow a guardian or support provider at the bedside for patients with disabilities, as a critical member of the patient’s healthcare team; and …
New bills introduced in Congress would increase financial security and caregiver support for the autism community… burden caregivers face when navigating certain federal programs. Autism Speaks is proud to endorse and advocate in support of these bills. Additional information on the legislation is below. SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act … Tokuda (D-HI-2) Caregivers play an essential role in the lives of many autistic people—often providing around-the-clock support that goes unpaid and under-recognized. While raising a child or caring for an adult with autism comes with many … with special needs. The Lifespan Respite Care Program Reauthorization Act would ensure this federal initiative continues to support the well-being of caregivers, and in turn, the well-being of the people they care for. Read press release by Rep. …