Please read information below on two very important subjects.
Go here to give input to your legislators.
Ask committee members to pass SB 5117 and SB 5203
Please pass SB 5117 & SB 5203
Ask commttee members to pass the blls from committee
SB 5117, which puts the Children's Intensive In-home Behavior Supports bill into statute, was heard on Wednesday in the Senate Health and Long Term care committee. The program has already been funded and need to be put into statute. Ask commitee members to please pass this bill out of committee.
SB 5203 was also heard in this committee on Wednesday. Also known as Shayan's Law, this bill will create autism insurance parity and allow the many families struggling with autism to access services for thir child and be able to have insurance coverage for those services. Ask committee members to also please pass this bill out of committee.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Autism Awareness Day at the Capitol
AUTISM AWARENESS DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL
Wednesday February 4th, 2009 in Olympia
12:00 NOON in the Capitol Building Rotunda
Dear Friend, You are encouraged to communicate with your legislators. Please come to the event with the following ‘letter’ completed, one for each of the three legislators from your district. *At the event, you will be given information on how to find your legislators’ offices so you can give their Legislative Assistant your ‘letter,’ if the legislator is not available. I have personally contacted all legislators to inform them that their constituents, who are concerned about autism issues, will be at the Capitol on Feb. 4th. I encourage you to follow up with a personal communication to them, with your two representatives and one senator.
If you do not know your legislators by name, go to this website, and click on ‘Find your Legislator’
If you wish, you may use the following ‘letter’ format. YOU MUST KEEP IT BRIEF!
Look forward to seeing all of you Wed. Feb. 4th
Patty Gee, Pres. and Exec. Dir. of ASW
www.autismsocietyofwa.org
PattyJGee@comcast.net
Home: 360-754-2584
AUTISM AWARENESS DAY AT THE CAPITOL, FEB. 4TH 2009
Dear Legislator____________________________Building*______________Rm_________
Our situation is:
Our needs include:
How you can help:
Thank you. Name_____________________________________ Phone________________
Address__________________________________________city_______________zip_______
Wednesday February 4th, 2009 in Olympia
12:00 NOON in the Capitol Building Rotunda
Dear Friend, You are encouraged to communicate with your legislators. Please come to the event with the following ‘letter’ completed, one for each of the three legislators from your district. *At the event, you will be given information on how to find your legislators’ offices so you can give their Legislative Assistant your ‘letter,’ if the legislator is not available. I have personally contacted all legislators to inform them that their constituents, who are concerned about autism issues, will be at the Capitol on Feb. 4th. I encourage you to follow up with a personal communication to them, with your two representatives and one senator.
If you do not know your legislators by name, go to this website, and click on ‘Find your Legislator’
If you wish, you may use the following ‘letter’ format. YOU MUST KEEP IT BRIEF!
Look forward to seeing all of you Wed. Feb. 4th
Patty Gee, Pres. and Exec. Dir. of ASW
www.autismsocietyofwa.org
PattyJGee@comcast.net
Home: 360-754-2584
AUTISM AWARENESS DAY AT THE CAPITOL, FEB. 4TH 2009
Dear Legislator____________________________Building*______________Rm_________
Our situation is:
Our needs include:
How you can help:
Thank you. Name_____________________________________ Phone________________
Address__________________________________________city_______________zip_______
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Obama's To-Do List article
Disabilities Front And Center On Obama’s To-Do List
By Michelle Diament
January 21, 2009
Disabilities figure prominently in the agenda posted on The White House Web site since Barack Obama became president Tuesday.
Among 24 different topics listed in the agenda — such as Iraq, energy and health care — the topic of disabilities makes the cut. Obama’s plan calls for initiatives to improve education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while supporting community-based living and an end to discrimination.
Autism is specifically addressed in the agenda, with a four-point plan to deal with growth in the disorder.
Here’s a look at some of the specifics:
• Obama wants funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including more funds for early intervention and universal screening. The president also wants to increase college opportunities for people with disabilities and he wants a study done looking at transition issues and higher education among this population.
• The president supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and wants more funding to enforce it.
• Obama wants to encourage employment of people with disabilities in the public and private sectors by providing resources for accommodation and promoting tax benefits already in place for employers who hire people with disabilities.
• The president supports the Community Choice Act and wants individuals with disabilities to be able to choose whether to live in nursing homes, institutions or independently within their communities.
• Obama supports more funding for autism, both to research its causes and to support diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. He wants to fully fund the Combating Autism Act. And, he supports life-long services for people with autism.
• The president wants to offer universal screening for all infants and all two-year-olds to identify autism and other disabilities early on.
Just last week Democrats in the House of Representatives unveiled their proposal for a second stimulus package. The proposal, which is supported by Obama, includes funding for many of the initiatives outlined in this agenda.
Sheryl MatneyITACC Director334-268-0245 (voice)334-566-6026 (fax)smatney@nacdd.orgwww.itaccnacdd.com
By Michelle Diament
January 21, 2009
Disabilities figure prominently in the agenda posted on The White House Web site since Barack Obama became president Tuesday.
Among 24 different topics listed in the agenda — such as Iraq, energy and health care — the topic of disabilities makes the cut. Obama’s plan calls for initiatives to improve education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while supporting community-based living and an end to discrimination.
Autism is specifically addressed in the agenda, with a four-point plan to deal with growth in the disorder.
Here’s a look at some of the specifics:
• Obama wants funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including more funds for early intervention and universal screening. The president also wants to increase college opportunities for people with disabilities and he wants a study done looking at transition issues and higher education among this population.
• The president supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and wants more funding to enforce it.
• Obama wants to encourage employment of people with disabilities in the public and private sectors by providing resources for accommodation and promoting tax benefits already in place for employers who hire people with disabilities.
• The president supports the Community Choice Act and wants individuals with disabilities to be able to choose whether to live in nursing homes, institutions or independently within their communities.
• Obama supports more funding for autism, both to research its causes and to support diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. He wants to fully fund the Combating Autism Act. And, he supports life-long services for people with autism.
• The president wants to offer universal screening for all infants and all two-year-olds to identify autism and other disabilities early on.
Just last week Democrats in the House of Representatives unveiled their proposal for a second stimulus package. The proposal, which is supported by Obama, includes funding for many of the initiatives outlined in this agenda.
Sheryl MatneyITACC Director334-268-0245 (voice)334-566-6026 (fax)smatney@nacdd.orgwww.itaccnacdd.com
Great Job, Washington!
Good evening Washington Families,A HUGE thanks to all the families & professional who attended thehearing today and all the families who watched and sent us positivethoughts and prayers.It was a VERY surreal experience to have this many families gatherfrom throughout the state (as far as Spokane & Vancouver andeverywhere in between) in support of an Autism Bill before theWashington State Legislature.It was also remarkable for Senator Pflug to remark as they announcedthe bill that "pretty much all of us have signed on to this bill."Senator Hobbs introduced the bill in a very emotiona, personal,heartfelt testimony, as a father of a young child in very early stagesof a diagnosis. I followed with opening remarks. Dr. King followed with excellent testimony both as a physician, aswell as on behalf of Children's Regional Medical Center. Dr. Kingtestified on the reliability of diagnosis and developing treatmentplans by physicians. Dawn Sidell RN and executive Director of Northwest Autism Centerprovided heartfelf testimony on how far we've seeming come as asociety in supporting humane treatments of individuals with autism andhow little we've done as a society to make evidence based treatmentattainable. Micheal Fabrizio provided excellent testimony on efficacy of ABA intreating core challenges of autism and the qualifications of abonafide ABA provider(consultant, program manager and direct therapyproviders).Dr. Yi Cao testified on the efficacy of her son's treatments and thefinanical impact once their son exits from UW research program thatprovides early intensive remediation for free up to age 4. Laila Praino our youth speaker, brought an ovation (usually frownedupon in formal legislative hearings)but well received by thiscommittee chair and panel, which is a testament to how receptive theywere to our group. Laila provided testimony on her quality of lifeand abilities as a direct result of receiving intensive and timelyevidence based interventions(intensive high quality ABA) that werefunded privately by her family.Bryan Krikorian provided compelling testimony as an attorney on theprocess of risk management by insurance companies and how they haveelected NOT to cover Autism's evidence based treatments, touting themexperimental.Profession Lorri Unumb of South Carolina, the author of our currentbill(redrafted based on Sunrise Review recommendations)providedtestimony on how passage of Ryan's law in her state has contributed toprovider capacity and that there have been NO adverse fall outs frominsurers or businesses due to their Autism Insurance Reform.Mr Pryor and his VERY cute son testified on Durable equipment notbeing covered by Group Health and several parents offered brieftestimony in support.As suspected, Mel Sorenson,the lobbyist who testified against our billat the Sunrise Review once again testified with concerns and Sydney(Ican't recall the last name) the representative from insurancecompanies of WA testified against our bill and stated they do thinkautism is a health condition that should be covered and she statedthat they support the Neurodevelopmental Therapies Bill and notShayan's law.At this time the committee chair stated that she had given us over anhour and needed to hear other bills and would come back to our bill at9:45.At that time Beth Schubert, Angela Fish, Teresa Mundel and BrandelynBergstedt provided sublime testimony that was the perfect ending to aperfect hearing. I can not begin to thank all the families and their children who hadtraveled very far with their children to be there in support of thisbill. If you intended to testify and did not get an opportunity orwould like to provide supportive testimony, please e-mail toDonkin.Rhoda@leg.wa.govPlease put in support of SB5203-Autism Insurance Reform in the subjectline.With warmest regards,Arzu
__._,_.___
__._,_.___
“Wrightslaw” Video Series
“Wrightslaw”
This Four Part Video Series is
Presented By:
Amy Patterson and Jamie Coonts
February 5th, 19th & March 5th, 19th
7-9pm
Cost is $30 for the books From Emotions to Advocacy & Special Education law
**If you already have the books the workshop is free. If you cannot purchase the books
please contact Jamie Coonts so we can help find you some to borrow for the training
2500 Hewitt Ave Suite 300, Everett
All parents and professionals welcome!
*No child care is provided*
The content of this series is divided into four programs, two about law and two about advocacy strategies. Many areas are covered, including:
• IDEA, Section 504, and No Child Left Behind
• The importance of the 5 "Ws" and H & E
• What is a SMART IEP?
• The dynamics of funding. Where does the money come from? Where does it go?
• Your Master Plan, and the rules of "the game"
• The Rule of Adverse Assumption
• When doing "nothing" is the best thing to do
• Which is more important: the facts or the law?
• What your calendar can do for you
• Tests and Measurements: creating graphs
• Letters to a Stranger
• Resources and more...
The goal of this training is to provide individuals
with the knowledge and skills to advocate effectively for children with disabilities.
To RSVP or if you have questions contact Tracie Diemert at Tracie@arcsno.org or call 425-258-2459 ext 111
This Four Part Video Series is
Presented By:
Amy Patterson and Jamie Coonts
February 5th, 19th & March 5th, 19th
7-9pm
Cost is $30 for the books From Emotions to Advocacy & Special Education law
**If you already have the books the workshop is free. If you cannot purchase the books
please contact Jamie Coonts so we can help find you some to borrow for the training
2500 Hewitt Ave Suite 300, Everett
All parents and professionals welcome!
*No child care is provided*
The content of this series is divided into four programs, two about law and two about advocacy strategies. Many areas are covered, including:
• IDEA, Section 504, and No Child Left Behind
• The importance of the 5 "Ws" and H & E
• What is a SMART IEP?
• The dynamics of funding. Where does the money come from? Where does it go?
• Your Master Plan, and the rules of "the game"
• The Rule of Adverse Assumption
• When doing "nothing" is the best thing to do
• Which is more important: the facts or the law?
• What your calendar can do for you
• Tests and Measurements: creating graphs
• Letters to a Stranger
• Resources and more...
The goal of this training is to provide individuals
with the knowledge and skills to advocate effectively for children with disabilities.
To RSVP or if you have questions contact Tracie Diemert at Tracie@arcsno.org or call 425-258-2459 ext 111
Urgent WEECARE Coalition Message
Dear Birth to Three Supporters,
The executive session in human service committee for HB1161 the Infant Toddler Equity Act has been scheduled for Thursday, January 29. It is important for us to follow up before the 10 AM hearing and executive session tomorrow. So please make the contacts to the following committee members below and remind them to support the bill.
Action needed: We need you to call or e-mail all the committee members (except for the chair) and please urge them to support the Infant Toddler Equity Act HB 1161. Also, please tell them how important these services are for infants and toddlers with disabilities in Washington State .
House Human Services Committee members:
Representative Mary Lou Dickerson , chair and sponsor of the bill
Representative Tina Orwall, vice chair 360-786- 7834 orwall.tina@leg.wa.gov
Representative Bruce Dammeier 360-786-7948 dammeir.bruce@leg.wa.gov
Representative Tami Green 360-786-7958 green.tami@leg.wa.gov
Representative Brad Klippert 360-786-7882 klippert.brad@leg.wa.gov
Representative Dawn Morrell 360-786-7968 morrell.dawn@leg.wa.gov
Representative Al O’Brien 360-786-7928 obrien.al@leg.wa.gov
Representative Maureen Walsh 360-786-7836 walsh.maureen@leg.wa.gov
Please call Cecile Lindquist if you would like to testify. Her phone number is 206-524-6564 and if you need our handout information you can get it by e-mailing weecare@olywa.net.
Thank you for your work on behalf of Infants and toddlers with disabilities and if you need or have information you can e-mail or call us.
Sincerely,
Cassie Johnston and Cecile Lindquist
The executive session in human service committee for HB1161 the Infant Toddler Equity Act has been scheduled for Thursday, January 29. It is important for us to follow up before the 10 AM hearing and executive session tomorrow. So please make the contacts to the following committee members below and remind them to support the bill.
Action needed: We need you to call or e-mail all the committee members (except for the chair) and please urge them to support the Infant Toddler Equity Act HB 1161. Also, please tell them how important these services are for infants and toddlers with disabilities in Washington State .
House Human Services Committee members:
Representative Mary Lou Dickerson , chair and sponsor of the bill
Representative Tina Orwall, vice chair 360-786- 7834 orwall.tina@leg.wa.gov
Representative Bruce Dammeier 360-786-7948 dammeir.bruce@leg.wa.gov
Representative Tami Green 360-786-7958 green.tami@leg.wa.gov
Representative Brad Klippert 360-786-7882 klippert.brad@leg.wa.gov
Representative Dawn Morrell 360-786-7968 morrell.dawn@leg.wa.gov
Representative Al O’Brien 360-786-7928 obrien.al@leg.wa.gov
Representative Maureen Walsh 360-786-7836 walsh.maureen@leg.wa.gov
Please call Cecile Lindquist if you would like to testify. Her phone number is 206-524-6564 and if you need our handout information you can get it by e-mailing weecare@olywa.net.
Thank you for your work on behalf of Infants and toddlers with disabilities and if you need or have information you can e-mail or call us.
Sincerely,
Cassie Johnston and Cecile Lindquist
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Parent Special Education Survey
ATTENTION Parents and other caregivers of students receiving special education services:
The Special Education Support Center is surveying parents so that we will be able to better address the needs of families of special education students. Please go to the link below and complete Survey #2. It will only take a few minutes of your time.
This information is needed by February 15, 2009
Input from you is critical!
Thank you,
The Special Education Support Center Team
http://www.specialeducationsupportcenter.org/families_caregivers/parentsurvey.html .
Please share the following information.
Thank you!
Christie Perkins
WSSEC Public Policy Chair
253-584-7013 cell: 253-229-2674
edadvocate@mac.com
The Special Education Support Center is surveying parents so that we will be able to better address the needs of families of special education students. Please go to the link below and complete Survey #2. It will only take a few minutes of your time.
This information is needed by February 15, 2009
Input from you is critical!
Thank you,
The Special Education Support Center Team
http://www.specialeducationsupportcenter.org/families_caregivers/parentsurvey.html .
Please share the following information.
Thank you!
Christie Perkins
WSSEC Public Policy Chair
253-584-7013 cell: 253-229-2674
edadvocate@mac.com
Sunday, January 25, 2009
New Administration Puts Autism as a Priority
Today, President Obama put his disability policy up on Whitehouse.gov and highlighted autism as a priority. We are very excited about this, and encourage you to circulate this important news to your members and supporters and social media contacts and encourage all to voice their support for autism services to the new administration through the Whitehouse.gov “comments” section. ASA CEO Lee Grossman and ASA COO Barbara Newhouse met with President Obama’s then- transition team on Jan 2, who underscored the importance of grassroots outreach in informing the administration of ASA’s public policy priorities for 2009. For your information, below is the news post we did on our website today; the US News and World Report article is also available on our homepage
New Administration Puts Autism as a Priority
Autism highlighted on whitehouse.gov
On the newly launched Web site of the Obama administration, the new president has outlined his disabilities agenda, in which autism is the only condition highlighted specifically. The agenda includes:
Signing on to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Providing better educational opportunities for Americans with disabilities
Ending discrimination and promoting equal opportunity
Increasing the employment rate for workers with disabilities
Supporting independent, community-based living
President and Obama and Vice President Biden also outlined their support for increased funding for increased funding for autism research, treatment, screenings, public awareness and support services; inproving life-long services to children and adults; funding the Combating Autism Act and improving federal and state autism programs; and universal screening of all infants and re-screening of all 2-year-olds. Learn more about screening and early identification.
The Autism Society of America has been working with the transition team and will continue to work with the new administration to make these priorities a reality for all affected by autism. Stay tuned for action alerts and legislative updates by signing up here.
To show your support for President Obama’s plan, and to read the disabilities agenda in its entirety, please visit .
Marguerite Kirst Colston
Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Initiatives
Autism Society of America
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
Office: +1-301-657-0881 x. 107
Mobile: +1-240-672-4734
Fax: +1-301-657-0869
www.autism-society.org
New Administration Puts Autism as a Priority
Autism highlighted on whitehouse.gov
On the newly launched Web site of the Obama administration, the new president has outlined his disabilities agenda, in which autism is the only condition highlighted specifically. The agenda includes:
Signing on to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Providing better educational opportunities for Americans with disabilities
Ending discrimination and promoting equal opportunity
Increasing the employment rate for workers with disabilities
Supporting independent, community-based living
President and Obama and Vice President Biden also outlined their support for increased funding for increased funding for autism research, treatment, screenings, public awareness and support services; inproving life-long services to children and adults; funding the Combating Autism Act and improving federal and state autism programs; and universal screening of all infants and re-screening of all 2-year-olds. Learn more about screening and early identification.
The Autism Society of America has been working with the transition team and will continue to work with the new administration to make these priorities a reality for all affected by autism. Stay tuned for action alerts and legislative updates by signing up here.
To show your support for President Obama’s plan, and to read the disabilities agenda in its entirety, please visit .
Marguerite Kirst Colston
Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Initiatives
Autism Society of America
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
Office: +1-301-657-0881 x. 107
Mobile: +1-240-672-4734
Fax: +1-301-657-0869
www.autism-society.org
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
2009 Statewide Disability Legislative Reception
2009 Statewide Disability Legislative Reception
Join hundreds of advocates and legislators from all over Washington State to discuss issues impacting the disability community.
When: January 28, 2009 - 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: Pritchard Library (Cafeteria) on the Capitol Campus in Olympia
Special Pre-Reception Briefing
A summary of current issues and talking points on developmental disability issues will be provided from 2:30 - 4:30 at the Phoenix Inn in downtown Olympia (at 415 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA). Come early and learn how to make key points to your legislators.
Note: If you will be travelling across state and would like assistance with transportation, or would like to be a sponsor to help defray costs for travel for self-advocates who would like to attend, please contact Kellie Good at Parkview Services at (206) 779-7275.
Join hundreds of advocates and legislators from all over Washington State to discuss issues impacting the disability community.
When: January 28, 2009 - 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: Pritchard Library (Cafeteria) on the Capitol Campus in Olympia
Special Pre-Reception Briefing
A summary of current issues and talking points on developmental disability issues will be provided from 2:30 - 4:30 at the Phoenix Inn in downtown Olympia (at 415 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA). Come early and learn how to make key points to your legislators.
Note: If you will be travelling across state and would like assistance with transportation, or would like to be a sponsor to help defray costs for travel for self-advocates who would like to attend, please contact Kellie Good at Parkview Services at (206) 779-7275.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Developmental Bills of Interest
Click here for the updated Bills of Interest Prepared by the Arc of Washington State 1/16/2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Autism Insurance Reform Bill
Dear Washington State Autism Advocate!
Autism Speaks is pursuing autism insurance reform in several states across the nation including Washington!
Last week, an autism insurance reform bill was introduced in the Washington State legislature. House Bill 1210, sponsored by State Representative Brendan Williams (D-22), and Senate Bill 5203, sponsored by State Senator Steve Hobbs (D-44), will require private healthcare policies to provide coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. HB 1210 and SB 5203 will cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other medically necessary, evidence-based treatments prescribed by an insured's treating physician or psychologist. Under the bills' provisions, coverage for autism treatments and therapies shall be subject to a maximum benefit of $50,000 annually through age 21.
There are currently eight states that have passed similar bills across the country, including five states during last year's legislative season: Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Illinois. This is a hot topic in states nationwide and Washington should be proud to be a part of such an important movement!
HB 1210 has been referred to the Washington House Health Care & Wellness Committee. SB 5203 has been referred to the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. Both bills are awaiting a hearing.
Until then, we need your help to get the support of your state legislators...
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS! Click to send an email your Washington State legislators to let them know that you support the autism insurance reform bills (HB 1210 and SB 5203), that you need them to support these bills, and that passage of these bills would mean increased access to critical autism therapies and treatments for thousands of children in Washington. We've already written some of the letter for you. All you need to do is add in your own words (optional) and click send. It's that easy!
2. STAY INFORMED ON HB 1210 and SB 5203! Check out the Autism Votes website and sign up today to receive alerts and information pertaining to the autism insurance reform bills. Stay on top of the latest developments throughout the legislative season and get involved!
3. FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW! We need everyone's help. If you know other people in Washington that would get involved on behalf of your child, forward them this email and ask them to sign up at www.autismvotes.org. This is the perfect answer for anyone who has ever told you, "If there is ever anything I can do to help just ask!" Send to extended family members - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. Send to coworkers, neighbors, therapists, teachers and friends! We need all hands on deck!
For more information on the autism insurance reform initiative in Washington State, visit www.AutismVotes.org/WashingtonState.
Have a great week!
Arzu Forough
Chapter Advocacy Chair, Washington State
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is pursuing autism insurance reform in several states across the nation including Washington!
Last week, an autism insurance reform bill was introduced in the Washington State legislature. House Bill 1210, sponsored by State Representative Brendan Williams (D-22), and Senate Bill 5203, sponsored by State Senator Steve Hobbs (D-44), will require private healthcare policies to provide coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. HB 1210 and SB 5203 will cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other medically necessary, evidence-based treatments prescribed by an insured's treating physician or psychologist. Under the bills' provisions, coverage for autism treatments and therapies shall be subject to a maximum benefit of $50,000 annually through age 21.
There are currently eight states that have passed similar bills across the country, including five states during last year's legislative season: Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Illinois. This is a hot topic in states nationwide and Washington should be proud to be a part of such an important movement!
HB 1210 has been referred to the Washington House Health Care & Wellness Committee. SB 5203 has been referred to the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. Both bills are awaiting a hearing.
Until then, we need your help to get the support of your state legislators...
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS! Click to send an email your Washington State legislators to let them know that you support the autism insurance reform bills (HB 1210 and SB 5203), that you need them to support these bills, and that passage of these bills would mean increased access to critical autism therapies and treatments for thousands of children in Washington. We've already written some of the letter for you. All you need to do is add in your own words (optional) and click send. It's that easy!
2. STAY INFORMED ON HB 1210 and SB 5203! Check out the Autism Votes website and sign up today to receive alerts and information pertaining to the autism insurance reform bills. Stay on top of the latest developments throughout the legislative season and get involved!
3. FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW! We need everyone's help. If you know other people in Washington that would get involved on behalf of your child, forward them this email and ask them to sign up at www.autismvotes.org. This is the perfect answer for anyone who has ever told you, "If there is ever anything I can do to help just ask!" Send to extended family members - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. Send to coworkers, neighbors, therapists, teachers and friends! We need all hands on deck!
For more information on the autism insurance reform initiative in Washington State, visit www.AutismVotes.org/WashingtonState.
Have a great week!
Arzu Forough
Chapter Advocacy Chair, Washington State
Autism Speaks
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Special Ed Law 101
“Special Ed Law 101”
Presented by: Amy Patterson
Thursday January 29nd
7-8:30pm
2500 Hewitt Ave Suite 300, Everett
All parents and professionals welcome!
*No child care is provided*
This is a beginner’s course intended for those that want to learn about basic Special Education Law. Amy will be covering the following information:
Overview
- Why do we need to know this stuff?
Three types of law:
1. Statutory
IDEA
- History
- What is it? Where do I find it?
- What does it say about: Evaluations, Eligibility, IEP’s, Placement
- What do you really need to know?
Section 504
- What is it and what does it say?
- How is it different from IDEA?
2. Regulatory
Federal Regulations
- What are they and where do I find them?
- How do I find what I’m looking for?
State Regulations
- Where do I find them? How are they different from the federal regulations?
3. Case Law
- Brief overview; case law is really outside the scope of a 101 presentation
Acronyms
- FAPE, LRE, LEA, FERPA, NCLB, and so on.
To RSVP or if you have questions contact Tracie Diemert at Tracie@arcsno.org or call 425-258-2459 ext 111
Presented by: Amy Patterson
Thursday January 29nd
7-8:30pm
2500 Hewitt Ave Suite 300, Everett
All parents and professionals welcome!
*No child care is provided*
This is a beginner’s course intended for those that want to learn about basic Special Education Law. Amy will be covering the following information:
Overview
- Why do we need to know this stuff?
Three types of law:
1. Statutory
IDEA
- History
- What is it? Where do I find it?
- What does it say about: Evaluations, Eligibility, IEP’s, Placement
- What do you really need to know?
Section 504
- What is it and what does it say?
- How is it different from IDEA?
2. Regulatory
Federal Regulations
- What are they and where do I find them?
- How do I find what I’m looking for?
State Regulations
- Where do I find them? How are they different from the federal regulations?
3. Case Law
- Brief overview; case law is really outside the scope of a 101 presentation
Acronyms
- FAPE, LRE, LEA, FERPA, NCLB, and so on.
To RSVP or if you have questions contact Tracie Diemert at Tracie@arcsno.org or call 425-258-2459 ext 111
Leading Participative Meetings Workshop
A Leadership Presentation with
Greg Abell, Sound Options Group, LLC.
“Leading Participative Meetings”
Saturday February 7th
9:00am-4:00pm
Snohomish County Building 3200 Rockefeller Ave, Everett
First Floor Meeting Room 1 East
All parents and professionals welcome!
Free lunch is provided*
**Approved Washington State Educational Clock Hours Available
If you want clock hours the cost is $18 per person for 6.5 hours.
This one day interactive course provides the essential skills and knowledge to run effective meetings. Participants will explore how to prepare before, during and after meetings to ensure that the meetings achieve their intended purposes.
Major topics to be covered:
• How to engage in learning conversations;
• Strategies which can expand the possibilities for achieving results and improving relationships;
• The relevance of these skills for those responsible for facilitating IEP meetings.
To pre-register contact Tracie Diemert at:
Tracie@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459 ext 111
Greg Abell, Sound Options Group, LLC.
“Leading Participative Meetings”
Saturday February 7th
9:00am-4:00pm
Snohomish County Building 3200 Rockefeller Ave, Everett
First Floor Meeting Room 1 East
All parents and professionals welcome!
Free lunch is provided*
**Approved Washington State Educational Clock Hours Available
If you want clock hours the cost is $18 per person for 6.5 hours.
This one day interactive course provides the essential skills and knowledge to run effective meetings. Participants will explore how to prepare before, during and after meetings to ensure that the meetings achieve their intended purposes.
Major topics to be covered:
• How to engage in learning conversations;
• Strategies which can expand the possibilities for achieving results and improving relationships;
• The relevance of these skills for those responsible for facilitating IEP meetings.
To pre-register contact Tracie Diemert at:
Tracie@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459 ext 111
Join us for Advocacy Days!!!
Advocacy Days 2009!
Advocacy Day offers a way for you to learn about the legislative process in person. It’s a tool kit for learning how to make a difference!
What to Expect
Advocacy Day begins at 10:00am on Wednesdays during the legislative session. We start the day with an hour and a half briefing on current issues and end with an afternoon of advocacy (about 3:00 p.m.). While we feature a highlighted topic each week, the morning briefing will also cover late breaking news on budget items and bills of interest relating to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Dates and Highlighted Topics
| January 28 Session Overview | February 4 Autism Day at the Capitol (Rally at noon) | February 11 Judicial System |
| February 18 RHC Statute on Education | February 25 Intensive Behavior Supports | March 4 Budget Overview |
| March 11 Independent Living Day Rally | March 18 Employment/Working Age Adult Policy | March 25 Housing/Endowment Trust Fund |
| April 1 Birth to Three | April 8 Waivers/Medicaid Changes | April 15 Session Wrap-up |
We would love for you to join us for Advocacy Days. Please let us know if you would like help setting your appointment with your legislator or would like to join The Arc caravan. Just choose the date you’d like to attend then call or email
Kelly Church, Co-coordinator Tracie Diemert, Co-coordinator
Kelly@arcsno.org Tracie@arcsno.org
425-258-2459x 107 425-258-2459x 111
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