TVW has uploaded video of the hearing on their website. You can access it via the links below. I’ve also included a link to the committee website where a PDF version of all the PowerPoint presentations can be accessed.
Video from tvw.org
House Human Services Committee held on June 16, 2010 10:00am
Work Session: Strategies for Addressing the Increase in Autism Diagnoses.
Please click here to watch video or paste this url into your browser address bar: http://www.tvw.org/media/mediaplayer.cfm?EvId=2010060078
Committee meeting documents are available online: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/HS/
Lucinda Duvall
Legislative Assistant
Human Services Committee
House of Representatives Office of Program Research
Showing posts with label Autism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Autism. Show all posts
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Voice Unheard
A thought provoking Poem by one of our own wonderful Siblings was posted on Autism Speaks blog
The Voice Unheard
I scream
I cry
I bang
You still don’t understand
The words won’t form for me to speak
But alas I have much to say
If only there was a way
A way for you to hear me
From behind the prison bars
The children on the streets stare
Like illuminating eyes in the night
I appear not to care
As they ponder over the sight
Of me walking on my toes
And screaming without no cause
To them I’m an alien
If only they could understand
There’s more than meets the eye with me
I’m not just some freak
If they could only see
I can’t help what I am or how I act
There’s much more under the surface
A truth waiting to be found
I’m not going to die
But that doesn’t make things alright
My mind, my body
Don’t work like they should
I’m trapped
A prisoner
No one’s knows how it happens
Why I can’t talk to you
It’s something in my brain
That went askew
There are others like me that can talk
But their case is different than mine
See we are all very different
Even with the same infected mind
In my case, I’m severe
I can’t talk
Only scream and yell
I bang walls and slam doors
And windows in cars
My senses aren’t like yours
My sense of feeling is off
I bang my head down on a table
Just to be sure it’s still there
Autism isn’t like cancer
There’s no cure
Or solution found
Only drugs and medication
To try and calm us down
But I am lucky to have a family
That loves me so much
They make sure I’m taken care of
And do everything they must
So next time you see me on the street
Or others of the same fate
Think of all we go through
Just to get through each day
Autism has a voice
If you take time to listen
You will hear
This “In Their Own Words” essay is by 15-year-old Emily Church. Emily’s 12-year-old brother has autism and she wrote this poem for a high school English class. “The Voice Unheard” is written from the point of view of her brother explaining his actions.
If you have a story you wish to share about your personal experience with autism, please send it to editors@autismspeaks.org. Autism Speaks reserves the right to edit contributions for space, style and content. Because of the volume of submissions, not all can be published on the site.
The Voice Unheard
I scream
I cry
I bang
You still don’t understand
The words won’t form for me to speak
But alas I have much to say
If only there was a way
A way for you to hear me
From behind the prison bars
The children on the streets stare
Like illuminating eyes in the night
I appear not to care
As they ponder over the sight
Of me walking on my toes
And screaming without no cause
To them I’m an alien
If only they could understand
There’s more than meets the eye with me
I’m not just some freak
If they could only see
I can’t help what I am or how I act
There’s much more under the surface
A truth waiting to be found
I’m not going to die
But that doesn’t make things alright
My mind, my body
Don’t work like they should
I’m trapped
A prisoner
No one’s knows how it happens
Why I can’t talk to you
It’s something in my brain
That went askew
There are others like me that can talk
But their case is different than mine
See we are all very different
Even with the same infected mind
In my case, I’m severe
I can’t talk
Only scream and yell
I bang walls and slam doors
And windows in cars
My senses aren’t like yours
My sense of feeling is off
I bang my head down on a table
Just to be sure it’s still there
Autism isn’t like cancer
There’s no cure
Or solution found
Only drugs and medication
To try and calm us down
But I am lucky to have a family
That loves me so much
They make sure I’m taken care of
And do everything they must
So next time you see me on the street
Or others of the same fate
Think of all we go through
Just to get through each day
Autism has a voice
If you take time to listen
You will hear
This “In Their Own Words” essay is by 15-year-old Emily Church. Emily’s 12-year-old brother has autism and she wrote this poem for a high school English class. “The Voice Unheard” is written from the point of view of her brother explaining his actions.
If you have a story you wish to share about your personal experience with autism, please send it to editors@autismspeaks.org. Autism Speaks reserves the right to edit contributions for space, style and content. Because of the volume of submissions, not all can be published on the site.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Action Alert
This Action Alert comes from Washington Autism Advocacy
Today Centers for Disease Control announced there was a 57% prevalence increase in ASD's from 2002 to 2006. CDC is NOT attributing the increase solely to improved diagnostics. "...These results indicate an increased prevalence of identified ASDs among U.S. children aged 8 years and underscore the need to regard ASDs as an urgent public health concern. Continued monitoring is needed to document and understand changes over time, and concerted efforts are needed to provide support for persons with ASDs, their families, and communities to improve long-term outcome." What better way to provide support for persons with ASD's than to make sure evidence based healthcare based on National Standards and sound scientific findings are covered by insurance. Law makers are coming back to face a REALLY tough session. Some of them KNOW autism is an urgent public health concern. 81 agreed it's time for private insurance to do it's share. We agree, we're making our message simple: My name is ______________ and I am your constituent. I am calling to wish you a peaceful & joyous holiday season and to ask you a favor. Will you please cosponsor Shayan's Law, Autism Insurance Parity. Shayan's law will not cost any money. It will save the state millions in efficiencies & will potentially create 2400 new jobs. Thank them for their work-- (Be polite, positive, and succinct: they work very hard and long hours until the end of session) If the legislative aid asks you any questions that you can't answer, please don't make a guess, refer them to me: Arzu@WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org. We need to make contact, by calling every single legislator in the state and ask them to cosponsor Autism Insurance Parity. 3 phone calls! Followed up by 3 e-mails to send them our AIP Brief-fact-sheet. Click here for Contact information. I am so grateful to all of you to giving us your voice and your continued support. Please let me know as soon as you hear "I Do!" These lawmakers cosponsored Shayan's law last session, we need their continued support. If you don't see your legislator's name below, be sure to contact them, if you don't hear yes, find out their questions/concerns & let us know.
| Representatives Williams, Roach, O'Brien, Kirby, Anderson, Pettigrew, Appleton, Dick erson, Dunshee, Darneille, White, Pedersen,Goodman, Campbell, McCune, Rodne, Haler, Priest, Sells, Green, Morrell, Hunt, Blake, Upthegrove, Wood, Orwall, Conway, Ericks,Moeller, Flannigan, Kenney, Ormsby, Hasegawa, Eddy, Rolfes, Liias, Roberts, Takko, Seaquist, Chase, Hurst, Sullivan, Wallace,Carlyle, Clibborn, Springer, Kelley, Ross, McCoy, Maxwell, Miloscia |
Senators Hobbs, Pflug, Fairley, Haugen, Swecker, Rockefeller, Tom, Marr, Pridemore, King, Delvin, Murray, KohlWelles, Regala,McAuliffe, McDermott, Kastama, Becker, Kline, Jarrett, Oemig, Brown, Kauffman, Fraser, Shin, Parlette, Kilmer, Brandland, Roach Thank you very much in advance for this. With my warmest regards, Arzu Visit our Family Forum for resource on insurance & Medicaid coverage of ASD treatments http://www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org/family/ Stay informed- Join WAA in support of state & federal legislation improving lives of individuals with autism
Best regards,
Arzu
Autism Jumps 57%
Autism Jumps 57% in Just 4 Years
1 in 110 U.S. Kids Has Autism, CDC Study Confirms
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Dec. 18, 2009 – Autism disorders increased by 57% in just four years, the CDC today reported.
By the end of 2006, one in 110 U.S. kids had an autism disorder diagnosed by age 8: one in 70 boys and one in 315 girls, reflecting a nearly fivefold higher risk for males.
The new CDC estimate of autism prevalence, obtained from analysis of child evaluation records in 11 states, is virtually identical to autism numbers reported for 2007 from a huge telephone survey reported last October.
Are today's kids really more likely to have autism, or are doctors and parents just getting better at recognizing this family of developmental disorders?
"At this point it is hard to say how much is a true increase and how much is improved identification," CDC behavioral health scientist Catherine Rice, PhD, said at a news conference. Rice is the lead author of the CDC report.
Rice admits that no single factor or simple explanation can account for the increase. And advocates for autism research say the size and rapidity of the increase can't be explained away.
"Two decades ago we were looking at a prevalence of one in 5,000 children. Now we're looking at one in 100. That really is a staggering increase," Geraldine Dawson, PhD, chief science officer of advocacy group Autism Speaks, tells WebMD.
Dawson said the new numbers justify a huge increase in federal spending on research and treatment.
"The question is what will it take for the federal government to begin to respond to this crisis," Dawson says. "President Obama during the election campaign made a promise that there would be a billion dollars spent every year on finding the causes of autism. We feel that this kind of data coming from a CDC study really requires that level of response."
Rice expressed similar concern.
"The CDC considers autism spectrum disorders to be a significant public health issue," she said. "This report underscores the need for a coordinated and strong response to improve lives of people with ASDs."
Parents Detect Autism Earlier
A major finding from the CDC study was that the vast majority of parents of children with an autism disorder -- 70% -- expressed concern over their child's development when the child was younger than 3 years old. Most expressed concern by the time the child was 2.
Yet children were, on average, four and a half years old before they were diagnosed with an autism disorder.
"The American Academy of Pediatrics has encouraged routine screening of children for autism at ages 18 and 24 months," Rice said. "Pediatricians should listen to parents if they have a concern, but also proactively follow the screening recommendations regardless of whether parents have concerns."
The Rice study was released today by the CDC as special report of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Autism Insurance Reform SB5203/HB1210 (Shayan’s Law)
Washington has Full Mental Health Parity and laws requiring home healthcare to protect the
insured from institutionalization. Yet individuals with autism are falling through the cracks.
Evidence based treatment based on national standards are denied by all WA insurance
carriers & deemed “educational, experimental and habilitative”, subsequently a highly
treatable medical condition is becoming a lifelong debilitating disorder that forces children into
fully staffed facilities and residential habilitative centers at up to $240,000 per year, per 1
child.
What is covered under Shayan’s Law
Insurance Carriers: fully funded private health insurers & public employees plans
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders by a licensed physician or psychologist.
Treatment for ASD
o Determined medically necessary by a licensed physician or psychologist
o Habilitative and Rehabilitative therapies
o Psychiatric and Psychological care (including Applied Behavior Analysis)
o Pharmacy care: medications for co-occurring medical issues such as major
digestion-system difficulties and seizure disorders, ADHD and anxiety).
Limits of Coverage: Same as WA mental health parity.
Cost savings & new jobs created for every one child with autism
DSHS/DDD annual expenditure on Autism: 60 million dollars, $54,174,532 on direct
medical expenses. GAO report indicates 18% have private insurance. When private
insurance becomes primary payer, the state would save $11,308,389 per biennium including
benefits paid for state employees. New jobs created by Autism Insurance Reform: For
every one child who gets autism benefits there will be 1 new behavior therapist position that is
created, potentially 2400 new jobs.
Companies with Autism Insurance Benefits
Self Insured employers in WA State, including Microsoft, Home Depot, AOL and Boing
as well as Active Military offer Autism benefits & coverage of evidence based treatments.
Data on Best Practices
Washington Institute of Public Policy's published report, Oct. 2009-Intensive behavioral
intervention based Applied Behavior Analysis.
National Autism Center "National Standards Project" Sept. 2009, “11 “Established”
Treatments: The overwhelming majority of these interventions were developed in the
behavioral literature (Applied Behavior Analysis, behavioral psychology, and positive behavior
support)."
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) The Surgeon General, American Academy of Pediatrics,
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Research Council, and
other prominent groups list ABA-based interventions among the most recommended
treatment for ASD.
Contact: Arzu Forough Arzu@WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
Visit our website: www.WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
insured from institutionalization. Yet individuals with autism are falling through the cracks.
Evidence based treatment based on national standards are denied by all WA insurance
carriers & deemed “educational, experimental and habilitative”, subsequently a highly
treatable medical condition is becoming a lifelong debilitating disorder that forces children into
fully staffed facilities and residential habilitative centers at up to $240,000 per year, per 1
child.
What is covered under Shayan’s Law
Insurance Carriers: fully funded private health insurers & public employees plans
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders by a licensed physician or psychologist.
Treatment for ASD
o Determined medically necessary by a licensed physician or psychologist
o Habilitative and Rehabilitative therapies
o Psychiatric and Psychological care (including Applied Behavior Analysis)
o Pharmacy care: medications for co-occurring medical issues such as major
digestion-system difficulties and seizure disorders, ADHD and anxiety).
Limits of Coverage: Same as WA mental health parity.
Cost savings & new jobs created for every one child with autism
DSHS/DDD annual expenditure on Autism: 60 million dollars, $54,174,532 on direct
medical expenses. GAO report indicates 18% have private insurance. When private
insurance becomes primary payer, the state would save $11,308,389 per biennium including
benefits paid for state employees. New jobs created by Autism Insurance Reform: For
every one child who gets autism benefits there will be 1 new behavior therapist position that is
created, potentially 2400 new jobs.
Companies with Autism Insurance Benefits
Self Insured employers in WA State, including Microsoft, Home Depot, AOL and Boing
as well as Active Military offer Autism benefits & coverage of evidence based treatments.
Data on Best Practices
Washington Institute of Public Policy's published report, Oct. 2009-Intensive behavioral
intervention based Applied Behavior Analysis.
National Autism Center "National Standards Project" Sept. 2009, “11 “Established”
Treatments: The overwhelming majority of these interventions were developed in the
behavioral literature (Applied Behavior Analysis, behavioral psychology, and positive behavior
support)."
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) The Surgeon General, American Academy of Pediatrics,
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Research Council, and
other prominent groups list ABA-based interventions among the most recommended
treatment for ASD.
Contact: Arzu Forough Arzu@WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
Visit our website: www.WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
AUTISM AWARENESS RALLY
AUTISM AWARENESS RALLY
Sponsored by the Autism Society of Washington
Wednesday, Jan 20, ‘10
11:30 a.m.
Capitol Rotunda
Autism is the fastest growing disability in children in the world. It is now known that 1 in 150 will be diagnosed with autism. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best hope for those affected by autism. However, particularly in Washington State, professionals who provide diagnosis have waiting lists months long, and once diagnosed, services and intervention support are hard to find. Come to the Awareness Rally in Olympia… Bring your children affected by autism or Asperger and share your story with your Legislator…..
To find out more information about the Autism Rally in Olympia, call Patty Gee, ASW Executive Director, at 888-ASW 4 YOU, or email info@autismsocietyofwa.org
www.autismsocietyofwa.org
Mailing Address:
Autism Society of Washington
1101 Eastside St SE Suite B
Olympia WA 98501
Sponsored by the Autism Society of Washington
Wednesday, Jan 20, ‘10
11:30 a.m.
Capitol Rotunda
Autism is the fastest growing disability in children in the world. It is now known that 1 in 150 will be diagnosed with autism. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best hope for those affected by autism. However, particularly in Washington State, professionals who provide diagnosis have waiting lists months long, and once diagnosed, services and intervention support are hard to find. Come to the Awareness Rally in Olympia… Bring your children affected by autism or Asperger and share your story with your Legislator…..
To find out more information about the Autism Rally in Olympia, call Patty Gee, ASW Executive Director, at 888-ASW 4 YOU, or email info@autismsocietyofwa.org
www.autismsocietyofwa.org
Mailing Address:
Autism Society of Washington
1101 Eastside St SE Suite B
Olympia WA 98501
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Take Action Now!
HB 1210 and HB 1788
Take Action!
House bills must pass committee by Friday, 2/20
HB 1210 requires private health insurers to provide coverage for autism treatments. It recognizes that there should be equity in coverage so that children with autism can receive the same benefits provided to others with neurological disorders.
HB 1788 was requested by the Attorney General's office and would increase penalties for those who commit felony offenses against vulnerable adults.
Both bills must pass out of the House Health Care committee by Friday, February 20th. If either of these bill are important to you please contact legislators now.
Take Action!
House bills must pass committee by Friday, 2/20
HB 1210 requires private health insurers to provide coverage for autism treatments. It recognizes that there should be equity in coverage so that children with autism can receive the same benefits provided to others with neurological disorders.
HB 1788 was requested by the Attorney General's office and would increase penalties for those who commit felony offenses against vulnerable adults.
Both bills must pass out of the House Health Care committee by Friday, February 20th. If either of these bill are important to you please contact legislators now.
Friday, February 6, 2009
The hearing for Shayan's Law (SB 5203)
Dear Washington Autism Advocate,
The hearing for Shayan's Law (SB 5203) before the Health and Long Term Care Committee on Wednesday, January 28th, was a great success! Our proponents of the bill presented a solid case with great testimony. Thanks again to all who came! Shayan's Law is so important to thousands of families across Washington, as it would require insurance companies to provide coverage of up to $50,000 per year for autism treatments and therapies.
We need your help today to reach out to Senator Karen Keiser, the chair of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, to call for a vote on Shayan's Law.
We also need your help today to reachout to House Representative Eileen Cody, the Chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, which has yet to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law.
Both of these Committee chairs need to hearing from as many people as possible from the state of Washington. There is national momentum in over 30 states on the issue of autism insurance reform. They need to be made aware that Washington's families who are dealing with the financial challenges of autism cannot afford to wait another day for treatment. The time for change is NOW!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, Senator Karen Keiser, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to please schedule a vote on Shayan's Law in an executive session! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Senator Karen Keiser - (360) 786-7664
Send an Email to Senator Karen Keiser HERE!
2. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, Representative Eileen Cody, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Representative Eileen Cody - (360) 786-7978
Send an Email to Representative Elieen Cody HERE!
3. FORWARD THIS ACTION ALERT to anyone you know who lives in Washington State that can help advocate for this important legislation. We need to flood the phone lines. Has anyone ever asked you what they could do to help your family? Ask them to help make these calls!
4. REGISTER AT AUTISM VOTES! It's quick and easy. You will then receive e-mail alerts any time action needs to be taken in Washington on behalf of autism legislation. Ask your friends, neighbors and family to register at Autism Votes as well. We need thousands of voices if we plan to succeed in our effort to end insurance discrimination against our loved ones with autism.
This is a chance to receive $50,000 in coverage for treatments and therapies for your child every year moving forward. We cannot let that opportunity get away from us today!
For more information on the Washington autism insurance initiative, go to www.AutismVotes.org/Washington.
The hearing for Shayan's Law (SB 5203) before the Health and Long Term Care Committee on Wednesday, January 28th, was a great success! Our proponents of the bill presented a solid case with great testimony. Thanks again to all who came! Shayan's Law is so important to thousands of families across Washington, as it would require insurance companies to provide coverage of up to $50,000 per year for autism treatments and therapies.
We need your help today to reach out to Senator Karen Keiser, the chair of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, to call for a vote on Shayan's Law.
We also need your help today to reachout to House Representative Eileen Cody, the Chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, which has yet to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law.
Both of these Committee chairs need to hearing from as many people as possible from the state of Washington. There is national momentum in over 30 states on the issue of autism insurance reform. They need to be made aware that Washington's families who are dealing with the financial challenges of autism cannot afford to wait another day for treatment. The time for change is NOW!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, Senator Karen Keiser, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to please schedule a vote on Shayan's Law in an executive session! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Senator Karen Keiser - (360) 786-7664
Send an Email to Senator Karen Keiser HERE!
2. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, Representative Eileen Cody, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Representative Eileen Cody - (360) 786-7978
Send an Email to Representative Elieen Cody HERE!
3. FORWARD THIS ACTION ALERT to anyone you know who lives in Washington State that can help advocate for this important legislation. We need to flood the phone lines. Has anyone ever asked you what they could do to help your family? Ask them to help make these calls!
4. REGISTER AT AUTISM VOTES! It's quick and easy. You will then receive e-mail alerts any time action needs to be taken in Washington on behalf of autism legislation. Ask your friends, neighbors and family to register at Autism Votes as well. We need thousands of voices if we plan to succeed in our effort to end insurance discrimination against our loved ones with autism.
This is a chance to receive $50,000 in coverage for treatments and therapies for your child every year moving forward. We cannot let that opportunity get away from us today!
For more information on the Washington autism insurance initiative, go to www.AutismVotes.org/Washington.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Washington Autism Advocate
Dear Washington Autism Advocate,
The hearing for Shayan's Law (SB 5203) before the Health and Long Term Care Committee on Wednesday, January 28th, was a great success! Our proponents of the bill presented a solid case with great testimony. Thanks again to all who came! Shayan's Law is so important to thousands of families across Washington, as it would require insurance companies to provide coverage of up to $50,000 per year for autism treatments and therapies.
We need your help today to reach out to Senator Karen Keiser, the chair of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, to call for a vote on Shayan's Law.
We also need your help today to reachout to House Representative Eileen Cody, the Chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, which has yet to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law.
Both of these Committee chairs need to hear from as many people as possible from the state of Washington. There is national momentum in over 30 states on the issue of autism insurance reform. They need to be made aware that Washington's families who are dealing with the financial challenges of autism cannot afford to wait another day for treatment. The time for change is NOW!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, Senator Karen Keiser, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to please schedule a vote on Shayan's Law in an executive session! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Senator Karen Keiser - (360) 786-7664
Send an Email to Senator Karen Keiser HERE!
2. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, Representative Eileen Cody, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Representative Eileen Cody - (360) 786-7978
Send an Email to Representative Elieen Cody HERE!
3. FORWARD THIS ACTION ALERT to anyone you know who lives in Washington State that can help advocate for this important legislation. We need to flood the phone lines. Has anyone ever asked you what they could do to help your family? Ask them to help make these calls!
4. REGISTER AT AUTISM VOTES! It's quick and easy. You will then receive e-mail alerts any time action needs to be taken in Washington on behalf of autism legislation. Ask your friends, neighbors and family to register at Autism Votes as well. We need thousands of voices if we plan to succeed in our effort to end insurance discrimination against our loved ones with autism.
This is a chance to receive $50,000 in coverage for treatments and therapies for your child every year moving forward. We cannot let that opportunity get away from us today!
For more information on the Washington autism insurance initiative, go to www.AutismVotes.org/WashingtonState.
Warm regards,
Arzu ForoughChapter Advocacy Chair, WashingtonAutism Speaks
The hearing for Shayan's Law (SB 5203) before the Health and Long Term Care Committee on Wednesday, January 28th, was a great success! Our proponents of the bill presented a solid case with great testimony. Thanks again to all who came! Shayan's Law is so important to thousands of families across Washington, as it would require insurance companies to provide coverage of up to $50,000 per year for autism treatments and therapies.
We need your help today to reach out to Senator Karen Keiser, the chair of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, to call for a vote on Shayan's Law.
We also need your help today to reachout to House Representative Eileen Cody, the Chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee, which has yet to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law.
Both of these Committee chairs need to hear from as many people as possible from the state of Washington. There is national momentum in over 30 states on the issue of autism insurance reform. They need to be made aware that Washington's families who are dealing with the financial challenges of autism cannot afford to wait another day for treatment. The time for change is NOW!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, Senator Karen Keiser, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to please schedule a vote on Shayan's Law in an executive session! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Senator Karen Keiser - (360) 786-7664
Send an Email to Senator Karen Keiser HERE!
2. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, Representative Eileen Cody, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Representative Eileen Cody - (360) 786-7978
Send an Email to Representative Elieen Cody HERE!
3. FORWARD THIS ACTION ALERT to anyone you know who lives in Washington State that can help advocate for this important legislation. We need to flood the phone lines. Has anyone ever asked you what they could do to help your family? Ask them to help make these calls!
4. REGISTER AT AUTISM VOTES! It's quick and easy. You will then receive e-mail alerts any time action needs to be taken in Washington on behalf of autism legislation. Ask your friends, neighbors and family to register at Autism Votes as well. We need thousands of voices if we plan to succeed in our effort to end insurance discrimination against our loved ones with autism.
This is a chance to receive $50,000 in coverage for treatments and therapies for your child every year moving forward. We cannot let that opportunity get away from us today!
For more information on the Washington autism insurance initiative, go to www.AutismVotes.org/WashingtonState.
Warm regards,
Arzu ForoughChapter Advocacy Chair, WashingtonAutism Speaks
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
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
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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
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
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