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New bills introduced in Congress would increase financial security and caregiver support for the autism community… This week, three bills that aim to empower people with autism and their caregivers were introduced in Congress. The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act was reintroduced to raise outdated asset … limits, which would help autistic individuals earn and save money without risking their federal benefits. The Lifespan Respite Care Program Reauthorization Act was introduced to continue providing accessible and community-based respite care …
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers… is to allow individual states to accomplish certain goals, such as reducing costs, expanding coverage, or improving care for certain target groups. Through these waivers, states can provide services that wouldn’t usually be covered by … of a long-term care facility. They help pay for standard medical and non-medical care, including personal care services, respite care, and adult day programs. Who administers Medicaid waivers? Following federal guidelines, individual states …
Making progress toward the dream: Autism in the Black community… the spectrum and outreach director for Autism Speaks, shares her thoughts on breaking down barriers to autism diagnosis and care and the importance of connecting with impacted families across the vast autism community. As we celebrate Dr. Martin … with ASD and their caregivers face higher costs for things like medical and health care services, therapies and supports, respite care and education than people not affected by ASD. They also face greater loss of productivity at work. There’s a …
The key to being a stronger caregiver… This story was originally published in the November issue of Exceptional Parent Magazine . Caregiving is not just a labor of love—it is real, demanding work. While we often acknowledge the important work of professional caregivers in settings like daycares and nursing homes, family caregivers—especially those supporting autistic loved … people and broaden their experiences. The Autism Speaks Resource Guide can help you find autism-friendly recreational or respite options in your area. Build a support network Caring for a person with autism often means navigating a world that …
Congress includes relief for the autism community in the American Rescue Plan… and there are many elements of the $1.9 trillion bill that will provide financial help, as well as housing, food and health care assistance. Throughout the past year, in response to hearing from autistic individuals and their families, Autism … The voices of advocacy ambassadors and grassroots advocates, including autistic individuals, family members and others who care deeply about the autism community, played an important role in getting Congress to incorporate these provisions in the … The vast majority of residential services for adults with autism are provided via Medicaid HCBS, which also offers respite to family caregivers, supported employment services to autistic adults, along with many other critical community …
I'm a mother of a child with profound autism. I want to share our story.… nonverbal, ABA has given him a way to communicate basic needs through an AAC device. Additionally, he has acquired self-care skills such as brushing his teeth, getting dressed, and using utensils. Charlie requires 24/7 supervision. It’s … to look away for even a few seconds, as he might put himself in danger or damage things around the house. I applied for respite care almost nine years ago, around the time of Charlie’s diagnosis, but I’m still on a waiting list that could …
Federal legislation we support… 30 years, would raise the amount of assets SSI recipients can save without jeopardizing their vital SSI benefits. Health & Caregiving Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act (H.R.1520) - "Charlotte's Bill" would prohibit … processes, procedures, forms, and communications to reduce the administrative burden on family caregivers. Lifespan Respite Care Program Reauthorization Act (S.830/H.R.2560) protects caregivers' well-being—and, in turn, the well-being of …
Meet Kimacka R.… a while, we were referred to general speech therapy. We did not realize that would be our first encounter with the healthcare disparities that contribute to delayed diagnosis in the black community. Kadell Jr would eventually obtain a diagnosis … through the education system, but also in discovering their gifts and talents. Other resources include psychotherapy and respite care service providers. Kadell Jr (now age 24) wishes to continue his music career and hopes to expand into …
With Medicaid funding at risk, Laura’s message is clear – “It’s time to mobilize”… day camps. Our reach is broad, and our impact is deep—each individual we support has unique needs that require personalized care. Our direct support professionals (DSPs) are the backbone of these services , ensuring that every person we support has the opportunity to thrive in their community. DSPs begin their careers with a passion to help others, and we provide the tools for them to grow. Many of our DSPs have worked with families … ever. This funding is needed to end waitlists for lifespan services like community and supported living, personal supports, respite, meaningful day services, employment supports, assistive technology, and more, as well as to ensure health and …
Transition from school-based services to HCBS Waiver adult services… someone who supported me. In January of 2015, I was also given an individual budget through CBDD. I used my budget for home care services, which help with things such as working on grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and other life skills. I also … these waivers in the future .) Waivers can pay for things such as adult day programs; assistive technology or equipment; respite services for caregivers; direct service providers to offer support with cooking, cleaning, shopping, leisure, community outings and more; …