Thanks to its nascent Grassroots Network and its Policy Committee, NCSA has been increasing its focus on state-level policies that affect individuals and families with severe forms of autism. Two recent examples come from California and Tennessee.
In California NCSA joined other disability organizations in successfully modifying an extreme “supported decisionmaking” bill drafted by the ACLU that threatened the integrity of conservatorships in several ways (AB1663). Thanks to our efforts and those of our colleagues the bill was radically amended to remove its most problematic provisions, such as reduction of the “best interests” standard and an onerous proposed “Conservatorship Diversion Program.” You can read NCSA’s letter to the CA Assembly Judiciary Committee here.
In Tennessee, NCSA joined in opposing a bill intended to criminalize aggressive behaviors by special education students. The author of the bill is now in contact with a member of our Policy Committee to revisit the bill. You can read NCSA’s TN letter here.
Our Nation Grassroots Network remains in the process of forming — there’s still time to sign up! Please visit here.