Okay, the Commonwealth of 2012 Virginia General Assembly starts today and those of us in the Virginia autism community should roll up our sleeves. This year is a long session and we have a lot to do.I’m focusing my efforts on a few things, and recommend everyone out there do the same.
1. Support the Virginia Autism Project in getting a legislative fix to the ABA insurance coverage issue. Short version of the story: Last year a law was passed making ABA a covered benefit for kids with autism between ages 2 and 6. Governor McDonnell added a rider that required state licensing of BCBAs, which we agreed to because he assured us that it would not affect ABA coverage while the licensing process was developed. However, in November Governor McDonnell told us that there was no way he could honor those statements and the only solution was to get the legislature to fix it. Insurance companies started charging for this benefit on January 1, 2012, but refuse to pay for any services using the licensing issue as an excuse. You can read more on it at the Virginia Autism Project’s web site. There is also an Autism Day On The Hill planned for January 12th. I will not make it, but instructions are right here if you want to go. I urge anyone who can make it to show up. If you can’t make it, please write and/or call your senator and delegate to let them know you need their help.
2. Advocate for Developmental Disability waiver slots in the next budget. As of right now there are none. With a wait list in excess of 1,000 it is irresponsible of the Governor to submit a budget that does not even consider our children and adults. Call and write your representatives.
3. Push to keep the GA from cutting additional funds from already underfunded services, like waiver hours, respite and the like. The current budget reduces waiver hours. The Arc of Virginia released a budget hearing tool kit that outlines the key issues.
If you don’t know how to contact your state representatives, you can do so at the General Assembly “Who’s my legislator” page. I will be updating this page as the session develops, so check back often. Happy advocating!
Update 1/19/12 Please contact your delegate and ask them to support HB 1100. We need 80 votes to fix this ABA issue. If you need information on what to say or how to say it, go to the Virginia Autism Project’s page. Teresa Champion has an email form letter and other goodies to help get it passed.
There is another bill that needs our support. Many parents want to observe their child in the school setting and are told “no” by the school for a variety of reasons. Bill HB400, introduced by Patrick Hope, will help resolve that issue by requiring school districts to have rules regarding observation. The summary on the HB 400 bill tracking site reads “Local school boards; policies permitting parents to observe children. Requires local school boards to adopt and implement policies that would ensure parents may act as an observer in the child’s classroom.” Right now it is in committee, so contact committee members and try to get it moved forward. While there is no docket available right now, you can find the committee info at this site.
Update 1/23/12: 1/23/12 HB 1106 has passed the house! Please contact your delegate and thank them for their support of HB 1106. We got 96 yeas and only one nay. If you are in Delegate John Cox’s district, please send him a letter letting him know how you feel about his continued refusal to assist children with autism. His comments were particularly disparaging of the bill. The gist of his speech was that it was not possible to be pro business and help kids with autism. That sort of statement is totally out of touch with reality.
Also, we need to start contacting our Senators. Based on the folks we know on the hill we will have a tough time getting this bill out of committee. If you are in the district of any of these committee members, please ask them for their support.
We just filled out the form for the DD wavier with DRC when they came out for our EDCD wavier home visit last month. There is a ten year waiting list for this and you are right it is not right to have such a long list of people whose lives depend on this service. I am, however greatful for the respite and attendant care my child now recieves. Anymore word on the walk yet?
I agree. We filled ours out 2 years ago and have only moved up 150 slots in that time.
On the walk, yes! Meeting tonight if you can make it. Check the play group site for info or email me if you need anything.