Autism Omnibus Bill approved by the Massachusetts Legislature The Autism Omnibus Bill unanimously passed both the House and Senate but the branches’ versions differed so the bill returned to both branches in compromise form. The joint effort of The Arc and AFAM, with the leadership of Barbara L’Italien, Dir. of Government Affairs, was essential to passage of this bill in the final hours of the legislative session. Barbara took the lead on the efforts with a strong team including Amy Weinstock (Autism Insurance Resource Center), Julia Landau (MAC), Ann Guay and others. Other organizations in AFAM, chapters of The Arc, AANE and other groups showed their support. The bill was a combination of the pieces of legislation filed by Representative Garrett Bradley and Senator Jennifer Flanagan in January, 2013 as a result of the work by the Governors Autism Commission. The legislation: • Reestablishes the Autism Commission as a permanent and autonomous entity, staff included • Two specific areas directed to study - the long-term needs for housing and employment - in addition to the areas of study and recommendations previously covered by the commission. • DDS will now be directed to include in its eligibility guidelines the federal definition of developmental disability for people on the autism spectrum and those with Prader-Willi. This is a significant change as it will assist many whose functional needs are not reflected by their IQ score and who are now denied access to DDS services. • Health insurance coverage for medically necessary treatments to Mass Health recipients for ABA behavior therapy and both dedicated and non-dedicated augmentative communication devices will now be funded for those through age 21 years. • Public school special education teachers will have the option to attain an Autism Endorsement certification - a concentration in autism coursework and training to be leaders within their school communities. • A tax-free savings account will be established -- patterned after the federal ABLE ACT legislation -- to allow all disabled families to save in a 529-style plan for expenses including education, housing, and any other needed supports and services. This section will not take effect immediately due to the need for federal participation. For more information, please visit afamaction.org/
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 19:29:42 +0000
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