Autism Rally in NYC

Autism Rally in NYC

May 27, 2009 iCARE4autism was one of several autism organizations in attendance at New York City Council’s 1 in 150 Autism Services Initiative. City officials, autism advocates, and parents of those with autism gathered on the steps of City Hall to raise awareness and show their support for this initiative, which would support wraparound services for children on the autism spectrum, providing training and referrals for about 8,000 families.

Last year the NYC council allotted $1.575 million to autism services, including after-school programs, weekend respite, sports leagues, parent and teacher training, bilingual services, a crisis-intervention program, kids clubs, autism workshops, and outreach and awareness activities.

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Budget Cuts For Social Programs Put States in a Bind

States Slashing Budgets

As economic times worsen, many states are making drastic cuts to their budgets, especially in regards to social services. President Obama’s stimulus package, estimated at $787 billion, is helping to shoulder some of the burden states face financially.  However, only 40% of the losses in state revenues will be compensated.

States that are being effected the most include Arizona, Ohio, and California. The major concern is that while budgets are being cut now to compensate for the economy, the services that end as a result will cost states more in the long run.  Some argue that state budgets should be cut back more, while others stress that limiting state expenses even more would be detrimental.

To read the detailed article that appeared in the New York Times, click here.

White House hosts Meeting of Presidents and CEOs of Disability Organizations

Listening

The White House held an open meeting for over 60 of the major disability groups in the United States. Themes included the importance of the disability rights movement, the First Lady’s intimate relationship with people with disabilities and her dedication to furthering the cause, the desire to hire more people with disabilities.

To view the White House report of the event, click here.

The Pain of the Parents

The collaborative plan emphasizes searching for causes and helping families find resources

Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, an advisory panel of federal officials and public members, released a plan March 5 to guide research on possible causes of the developmental disorder. The research also is directed toward establishing services and supports for individuals with autism and for their families.

The IACC was established by the Combating Autism Act of 2006, which required the committee to develop and annually update a research plan. The disorder was recently in the news when a special vaccine court rejected the theory that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine combined with the preservative thimerosal triggered autism.

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