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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 The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act was reintroduced to raise outdated asset … limits, which would help autistic individuals earn and save money without risking their federal benefits.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 …
Respite care… to solely focus on their child. Though it is easy to forget, it is important to keep in mind that to take the best possible care of your loved one with autism, you must take care of yourself. This can often mean taking short breaks to go to your own doctor appointments, go out with your spouse or a friend, rest, or do something just for you. What is respite care? Respite care is short-term care for a child or adult that allows the primary caregiver relief. According to …
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 …
Funding for Residential Support Services… financial resources. Medicaid also provides government funding for long‐term services and supports, including institutional care in nursing facilities and, in some cases, non‐specialized placements for people with disabilities. To be eligible for … of both traditional medical services (i.e. dental services, skilled nursing services) as well as non‐medical services (i.e. respite care, case management and/or environmental modifications). Family members and friends may be providers of waiver …
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 …
My New Year's resolution this year is simple… how to get through the hour, not the day, this is for you. No matter what is going on with your child, you have to take care of yourself, and find some “happy.” For years, I didn’t do this. I threw myself headlong into being my eldest son’s ABA … a few therapists a lot sooner than I did, I can honestly say the one big thing I would change is the fact I didn’t take care of myself, and allowed myself very few opportunities for respite. That choice has affected my health, some friendships, and my overall outlook on life, which has generally been …
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 …
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 …