One-pagers are single page documents advocates send before or after discussions with policymakers to help provide more information on the topics discussed.
Autism Cares Act (H.R. 7213)
The Autism CARES Act needs an overhaul before reauthorization. Since the last reauthorization in 2019, new data and scientific discoveries have altered the landscape for the autism community and legislation regarding autism must reflect current realities. We support the reforms proposed in the white paper by the Autism Science Foundation One-Pager PDF Download
Empty Waivers Crisis
Qualifying for an HCBS Medicaid waiver by virtue of having extremely disabling disorder often does not lead to services actually occurring. These waivers are often “empty” due to systemic failure of service development in this area. It means parents locked in a persistent struggle for care while the children go without necessary supports.
Medicaid is a complex federal-state relationship, but Medicaid’s failure to require states to equitably serve its most severely disabled children and adults has resulted in vast disparities. Congress must work to strengthen the requirements and expectations of those providing care via Medicaid — via waivers and otherwise. One-Pager PDF Download
Direct Care Workforce Crisis
More often than not, our families must rely upon a direct care workforce, also known as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to assist with the daunting care-giving needs of both our minor and adult children. However, with the complex systems of Medicaid and Medicare often providing care “on paper” and not in reality, guardians struggle to find reliable access to trained caregivers.
By not addressing this workforce shortage, the government is leaving families in crisis mode and forcing parents out of the workforce to become the sole caregiver for their child. This is not acceptable. It is not sustainable. One-Pager PDF Download
The routine of attending the work site, the social engagement with the other employees, and the pride in the work itself are benefits that improve the quality of life for these employees. Many 14(c) workers thrive in their special programs, without which they would lose connection to a caring community and meaningful work.
While there is no recent data, where 14(c) programs have ended many of these employees did not enter the competitive workforce. They simply do not qualify for those jobs. Further, it often means their time is replaced by idling, watching television with little activity or social engagement. One-Pager PDF Download