This from Nadine Gratz in Sen. Robson's office:
At 6 am tomorrow morning (Thursday, May 31), Sen. Robson will be the special guest on Wisconsin Public Radio talking about the autism bill. She will be on Joy Cardin's show on the statewide "Ideas Network". Judy will be on from 6-6:30 am. In the 6:30-7 time slot, Joy may have someone representing the insurance companies that oppose the bill as an insurance mandate. It would be great if you could get the word out to your members to listen and possible call in with their personal stories and experiences. It would be helpful to have callers supporting Judy and the bill, but it is even more important to have the insurance industry challenged by real people with real needs.
Hope you can get the word out. Of course, we'll spread the word to other groups, organizations and legislators too. Thanks again.
Also:
Rob Ferrett of Wisconsin News Connection called me to do an interview. This is kind of a radio-news wire that will air interviews on 20-40 stations, so it seems as if
we'll get some coverage from them for the rally. He interviewed me for
about 5 mins. and will edit it into 20-30 second sound bites to be
played on radio stations throughout the state. I really focused on the
terrible time families have waiting for treatment and the unfairness
aspect of not treating autism.
If anyone hears this on a radio broadcast, please let me know.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Step It Up 4 Autism Rally Tomorrow!
Prior to the public hearing for SB 178, the bill that would insure that
people with autism had the right to treatment, there will be a rally on
the Capitol Steps (the rain location is the Rotunda of the Capitol).
Please bring signs and wear t-shirts or Autism pins, etc. as there will
be media present.
A strong showing here will allow our representatives to see that we are
committed and organized, making our bills journey through both houses
much easier!
Rhonda
people with autism had the right to treatment, there will be a rally on
the Capitol Steps (the rain location is the Rotunda of the Capitol).
Please bring signs and wear t-shirts or Autism pins, etc. as there will
be media present.
A strong showing here will allow our representatives to see that we are
committed and organized, making our bills journey through both houses
much easier!
Rhonda
South Carolina Joins Push for Insurance Coverage
Governor should support coverage for autistic children
Bill would provide needed therapy for young people up to $50,000 a
year
Published: Tuesday,
May 29, 2007 - 2:00 am
State lawmakers approved a bill that would require private insurance
to cover treatment for autistic children. Gov. Sanford should sign the
bill.
A spokesman for the governor on Friday said the bill had not yet
reached Sanford for his review. In the past, however, Sanford has been
reluctant to impose mandates on the insurance industry. The hope among advocates
is that he will set aside his personal misgivings and approve this needed
legislation.
In 2005, a similar situation arose: Sanford, despite his reservations,
allowed a bill to become law that required many private health plans
to provide greater coverage for serious mental illness. Sanford refused
to sign the bill but neither did he veto it, and by his passive support it
became law.
The current autism bill is equally worthwhile. Autism, a disease that
can severely impair a young person's ability to communicate, form
relationships and adapt to change, is the only neurological disorder not required
to be covered by private insurance in South Carolina. The bill would require
insurance to pay for treatment for children, age 16 and under, up to a
maximum of $50,000 a year beginning in July 2008.
In South Carolina, about 2,000 children under 18 have autism. Advocates
argue that early intensive therapy can do wonders for some autistic
children. Advocates say that about half of children who get at least
40 hours of therapy a week can enter the first grade on time. Another 40
percent make considerable progress, they say.
But that therapy can cost up to $75,000 a year, putting it out of
reach of many families with autistic children. Advocates say families across
this state are forced to get second mortgages on their homes or face
bankruptcy trying to provide the intervention their children need. Or they face
the heart-wrenching experience of placing their children in group homes or
institutions -- although there's often a 15-year waiting list for such
institutions.
Even though therapy may be costly for insurers, it could save the state
considerable sums in the future. An autistic child who receives
insufficient treatment sometimes can end up being cared for in an institution at
taxpayer expense. That can cost the state $4 million to $7 million for each
patient.
Compassionate consideration for children suffering from autism helped
persuade state lawmakers to follow the lead of at least 17 other
states that require coverage. Early intervention for children also may save the
state millions of dollars in the future. Gov. Sanford should sign the bill
and give autistic children the opportunity to lead more productive and
perhaps even more fulfilling lives.
Bill would provide needed therapy for young people up to $50,000 a
year
Published: Tuesday,
May 29, 2007 - 2:00 am
State lawmakers approved a bill that would require private insurance
to cover treatment for autistic children. Gov. Sanford should sign the
bill.
A spokesman for the governor on Friday said the bill had not yet
reached Sanford for his review. In the past, however, Sanford has been
reluctant to impose mandates on the insurance industry. The hope among advocates
is that he will set aside his personal misgivings and approve this needed
legislation.
In 2005, a similar situation arose: Sanford, despite his reservations,
allowed a bill to become law that required many private health plans
to provide greater coverage for serious mental illness. Sanford refused
to sign the bill but neither did he veto it, and by his passive support it
became law.
The current autism bill is equally worthwhile. Autism, a disease that
can severely impair a young person's ability to communicate, form
relationships and adapt to change, is the only neurological disorder not required
to be covered by private insurance in South Carolina. The bill would require
insurance to pay for treatment for children, age 16 and under, up to a
maximum of $50,000 a year beginning in July 2008.
In South Carolina, about 2,000 children under 18 have autism. Advocates
argue that early intensive therapy can do wonders for some autistic
children. Advocates say that about half of children who get at least
40 hours of therapy a week can enter the first grade on time. Another 40
percent make considerable progress, they say.
But that therapy can cost up to $75,000 a year, putting it out of
reach of many families with autistic children. Advocates say families across
this state are forced to get second mortgages on their homes or face
bankruptcy trying to provide the intervention their children need. Or they face
the heart-wrenching experience of placing their children in group homes or
institutions -- although there's often a 15-year waiting list for such
institutions.
Even though therapy may be costly for insurers, it could save the state
considerable sums in the future. An autistic child who receives
insufficient treatment sometimes can end up being cared for in an institution at
taxpayer expense. That can cost the state $4 million to $7 million for each
patient.
Compassionate consideration for children suffering from autism helped
persuade state lawmakers to follow the lead of at least 17 other
states that require coverage. Early intervention for children also may save the
state millions of dollars in the future. Gov. Sanford should sign the bill
and give autistic children the opportunity to lead more productive and
perhaps even more fulfilling lives.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Nadine Gratz Answers Questions re: SB 178 Coverage
Dear Laura:
I am writing in answer to your questions to Rhonda about SB 178, authored by Sen. Judy Robson, relating to autism services in health insurance plans.
1. My family has health insurance through Unity, which is based out of Sauk City. We have a PPO. It is a group plan through my husband's
workplace. Will we have coverage through this proposed legislation?
Yes. The bill requires that the coverage to applies to both individual and group health insurance policies and plans, including defined network plans and cooperative sickness care associations, to health care plans offered by the state to its employees, including self-insured plans and to self-insured plans of counties, cities towns, villages and school districts.
2. What exactly does the bill by Senator Robson call for?
The bill requires all health insurance policies and plans to cover the cost of treatment for autism, Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified, if the treatment is delivered by specifically identified providers.
3. My daughter receives services through a licensed psychologist. Will these fees be covered?
Yes. The list of covered providers includes psychologists as well as psychiatrists, social workers certified or licensed to practice psychotherapy, paraprofessionals working under the supervision of any of these three types of providers or a professional working under the supervision of an outpatient mental health clinic.
I hope this information is helpful to you. The bill will be the subject of a public hearing before the Senate Committee on Public Health, Senior Issues, Long-term Care and Privacy on Thursday, May 31 at 9:30 am in Room 411 South of the State Capitol.
Thank you for your interest and support for this legislation.
Nadine Gratz
Legislative Analyst, Office Senator Judy Robson
608-266-2253
I am writing in answer to your questions to Rhonda about SB 178, authored by Sen. Judy Robson, relating to autism services in health insurance plans.
1. My family has health insurance through Unity, which is based out of Sauk City. We have a PPO. It is a group plan through my husband's
workplace. Will we have coverage through this proposed legislation?
Yes. The bill requires that the coverage to applies to both individual and group health insurance policies and plans, including defined network plans and cooperative sickness care associations, to health care plans offered by the state to its employees, including self-insured plans and to self-insured plans of counties, cities towns, villages and school districts.
2. What exactly does the bill by Senator Robson call for?
The bill requires all health insurance policies and plans to cover the cost of treatment for autism, Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified, if the treatment is delivered by specifically identified providers.
3. My daughter receives services through a licensed psychologist. Will these fees be covered?
Yes. The list of covered providers includes psychologists as well as psychiatrists, social workers certified or licensed to practice psychotherapy, paraprofessionals working under the supervision of any of these three types of providers or a professional working under the supervision of an outpatient mental health clinic.
I hope this information is helpful to you. The bill will be the subject of a public hearing before the Senate Committee on Public Health, Senior Issues, Long-term Care and Privacy on Thursday, May 31 at 9:30 am in Room 411 South of the State Capitol.
Thank you for your interest and support for this legislation.
Nadine Gratz
Legislative Analyst, Office Senator Judy Robson
608-266-2253
Epanding the Promise Legislation
Dear Friends of the Autism Community,
While we do not know what causes autism, we do know that with early intervention and concentrated treatment, the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can be mitigated, enabling individuals with autism and their families to live less isolated lives. The Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA) will provide additional treatment and support resources, increasing access to effective therapies and essential support services for people with autism.
Bill Summary Description
The EPIAA will authorize approximately $350 million in new federal money – over and above all existing federal spending on autism – for important initiatives related to treatments, interventions, and services for both children and adults with autism. More specifically, the EPIAA authorizes - The creation of a task force (with not less than 1/3 autism community membership) to report to Congress and the Executive Branch on the state of evidence-based biomedical and behavioral treatments and
services for both children and adults with autism, including identifying gaps in applied research on such treatments, interventions and services. Demonstration grants for the coverage of treatments, interventions and services ($20 million annually).
Planning and demonstration grants for services for adults with autism ($20 million annually). Grants for the expansion of access to immediate post-diagnosis care
($10 million in Fiscal Year 2009, growing to $20 million by Fiscal Year 2012).
National training grants for the University Centers of Excellence for Developmental Disabilities for training, technical assistance and additional services for individuals with autism and their families $13.4 million annually). A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on service provision and financing. Grants to protection and advocacy systems to better meet the needs of families facing autism and other developmental disabilities, including legal representation ($6 million annually).
Current Status
Currently, the EPIAA House bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by Congressman John Dingell (MI-15). The Senate version of the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Senator Edward Kennedy (MA).
Cosponsors
House Legislation - HR. 1881 was introduced by Congressman Michael Doyle (PA-14) on April 17, 2007. Currently, the bill has 23 cosponsors.
There are no WA state cosponsor of H.R. 1881? Please consider urging your House Representative to cosponsor the EPIAA, CLICK HERE to send an email!
Senate Legislation – S. 937 was introduced by Senator Hillary Clinton (NY) on March 20, 2007. Currently, the bill has 8 cosponsors.
Please consider sending an email to your senator urging them to cosponsor the EPIAA
legislation!!
5 minutes of your time today will make a difference. If you have more time, please consider asking 2 more parents of children with Autism to do the same.
Thank you for your consideration.
Peacefully,
Arzu
While we do not know what causes autism, we do know that with early intervention and concentrated treatment, the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can be mitigated, enabling individuals with autism and their families to live less isolated lives. The Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA) will provide additional treatment and support resources, increasing access to effective therapies and essential support services for people with autism.
Bill Summary Description
The EPIAA will authorize approximately $350 million in new federal money – over and above all existing federal spending on autism – for important initiatives related to treatments, interventions, and services for both children and adults with autism. More specifically, the EPIAA authorizes - The creation of a task force (with not less than 1/3 autism community membership) to report to Congress and the Executive Branch on the state of evidence-based biomedical and behavioral treatments and
services for both children and adults with autism, including identifying gaps in applied research on such treatments, interventions and services. Demonstration grants for the coverage of treatments, interventions and services ($20 million annually).
Planning and demonstration grants for services for adults with autism ($20 million annually). Grants for the expansion of access to immediate post-diagnosis care
($10 million in Fiscal Year 2009, growing to $20 million by Fiscal Year 2012).
National training grants for the University Centers of Excellence for Developmental Disabilities for training, technical assistance and additional services for individuals with autism and their families $13.4 million annually). A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on service provision and financing. Grants to protection and advocacy systems to better meet the needs of families facing autism and other developmental disabilities, including legal representation ($6 million annually).
Current Status
Currently, the EPIAA House bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by Congressman John Dingell (MI-15). The Senate version of the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Senator Edward Kennedy (MA).
Cosponsors
House Legislation - HR. 1881 was introduced by Congressman Michael Doyle (PA-14) on April 17, 2007. Currently, the bill has 23 cosponsors.
There are no WA state cosponsor of H.R. 1881? Please consider urging your House Representative to cosponsor the EPIAA, CLICK HERE to send an email!
Senate Legislation – S. 937 was introduced by Senator Hillary Clinton (NY) on March 20, 2007. Currently, the bill has 8 cosponsors.
Please consider sending an email to your senator urging them to cosponsor the EPIAA
legislation!!
5 minutes of your time today will make a difference. If you have more time, please consider asking 2 more parents of children with Autism to do the same.
Thank you for your consideration.
Peacefully,
Arzu
Friday, May 25, 2007
California Action Alert
AN ACTION ALERT FROM A PARENT REGARDING ASSEMBLY BILL (AB) 1490.
The introduced version of this bill would have corrected a problem in
existing state law, which currently endangers many nonpublic
nonsectarian schools that deliver special education
services. "Nonpublic nonsectarian schools" are the nonpublic
placements where disabled students receive much needed interventions,
such as ABA ! Unfortunately, due to amendments, AB 1490 has morphed
into a bill about portable classrooms! None of the beneficial changes
proposed in the introduced version remain.
Why this issue is important to parents of children with autism:
Last year, the Department of Education notified many nonpublic
schools the Department would withdraw their certification to deliver
special education if their staff did not meet the federal "highly
qualified" requirement (No Child Left Behind). The explanation
behind this action was that the state disburses federal funds to
school districts to provide special education services and the school
districts then pay the federal funds to nonpublic schools to deliver
special education services; so therefore, the nonpublic schools
receive federal funds and must comply with the same federal
provisions as the public schools.
This narrow interpretation of law requires nonpublic schools to spend
valuable resources to comply with laws when it is unlikely it was the
intention of the federal law to have it apply to nonpublic schools.
At a time when there is a shortage in special education teachers,
nonpublic schools have to compete with public schools for
credentialed teachers when the nonpublic schools are not able to
provide the same health or retirement benefits as the public
schools. Consequently, nonpublic schools must spend resources to
develop and train staff to meet state credentialing requirements.
Public schools are able to request "emergency permits" from the
Commission on Teacher Credentialing when their staff are not able to
meet credentialing requirements, whereas nonpublic schools may not as
state law only allows public schools to request emergency permits
from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Last year, our world fell apart when we opened a letter from our
son's school district essentially informing us his placement would
change as of the deadline the Department of Education had imposed
upon his nonpublic school to meet the "highly qualified" requirements
in federal law. We freaked out. Our son is on the severe end of the
spectrum and the only way his public school was able to meet his
unique needs was placing him in a nonpublic placement. Fortunately,
his placement did not change because his nonpublic school was able to
work things out with the Department of Education. However, without
changes to law, we continue to fear disruption in his education if
staff levels at the school should dip.
The introduction of AB 1490 appeared to resolve this issue. Among
other things, it
Removed the requirement that special education teachers in nonpublic
nonsectarian schools have the state teaching credentials equivalent
to "highly qualified" as specified in federal law for public school
teachers;
Required the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to develop
alternative credential requirements for special education teachers in
nonpublic schools; and
Prevented the state from withdrawing certification from a nonpublic
nonsectarian school (that meets all state requirements for
certification) if one or more of the school's employees lacks a
teaching credential.
If the gutting of AB 1490 was due to costs associated with the
Commission on Teacher Credentialing having to develop alternative
special education teacher credentials for nonpublic schoolteachers,
then Assembly Member Mendoza needs to amend the bill to address
legislative appropriation for the costs.
In every public school, there are students with disabilities that
have unique needs not met in that setting. It is not right for the
state to allow existing law to force closure, or severely limit
enrollment, of highly specialized private sector schools for not
meeting public sector school requirements.
Please contact Assembly Member Mendoza's office and ask him to amend
AB 1490 to include provisions similar to what were in the introduced
version.
Assembly Member Mendoza's contact information at his Capitol Office
is:
State Capitol District Office:
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0056
Tel: (916) 319-2056
Fax: (916) 319-2156 12501 E. Imperial Highway
Suite 210
Norwalk , CA 90650
Tel: (562) 864-5600
Fax: (562) 863-7466
Also, please contact the Assembly Members that serve on the Committee
on Education and ask them how they could approve the gutting of such
important provisions from a bill effecting the education of our
students.
The Members of the Committee on Education are:
Committee Members District Phone E-mail
Gene Mullin - Chair Dem-19 (916) 319-2019
Assemblymember.mullin@assembly.ca.gov
Martin Garrick - Vice Chair Rep-74 (916) 319-2074
Assemblymember.Garrick@assembly.ca.gov
Julia Brownley Dem-41 (916) 319-2041
Assemblymember.Brownley@assembly.ca.gov
Joe Coto Dem-23 (916) 319-2023 Assemblymember.coto@assembly.ca.gov
Mike Eng Dem-49 (916) 319-2049 Assemblymember.Eng@asm.ca.gov
Loni Hancock Dem-14 (916) 319-2014
Assemblymember.hancock@assembly.ca.gov
Bob Huff Rep-60 (916) 319-2060 Assemblymember.huff@assembly.ca.gov
Betty Karnette Dem-54 (916) 319-2054
Assemblymember.Karnette@assembly.ca.gov
Alan Nakanishi Rep-10 (916) 319-2010
Assemblymember.nakanishi@assembly.ca.gov
Jose Solorio Dem-69 (916) 319-2069
Assemblymember.solorio@assembly.ca.gov
ADVOCATE!
The introduced version of this bill would have corrected a problem in
existing state law, which currently endangers many nonpublic
nonsectarian schools that deliver special education
services. "Nonpublic nonsectarian schools" are the nonpublic
placements where disabled students receive much needed interventions,
such as ABA ! Unfortunately, due to amendments, AB 1490 has morphed
into a bill about portable classrooms! None of the beneficial changes
proposed in the introduced version remain.
Why this issue is important to parents of children with autism:
Last year, the Department of Education notified many nonpublic
schools the Department would withdraw their certification to deliver
special education if their staff did not meet the federal "highly
qualified" requirement (No Child Left Behind). The explanation
behind this action was that the state disburses federal funds to
school districts to provide special education services and the school
districts then pay the federal funds to nonpublic schools to deliver
special education services; so therefore, the nonpublic schools
receive federal funds and must comply with the same federal
provisions as the public schools.
This narrow interpretation of law requires nonpublic schools to spend
valuable resources to comply with laws when it is unlikely it was the
intention of the federal law to have it apply to nonpublic schools.
At a time when there is a shortage in special education teachers,
nonpublic schools have to compete with public schools for
credentialed teachers when the nonpublic schools are not able to
provide the same health or retirement benefits as the public
schools. Consequently, nonpublic schools must spend resources to
develop and train staff to meet state credentialing requirements.
Public schools are able to request "emergency permits" from the
Commission on Teacher Credentialing when their staff are not able to
meet credentialing requirements, whereas nonpublic schools may not as
state law only allows public schools to request emergency permits
from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Last year, our world fell apart when we opened a letter from our
son's school district essentially informing us his placement would
change as of the deadline the Department of Education had imposed
upon his nonpublic school to meet the "highly qualified" requirements
in federal law. We freaked out. Our son is on the severe end of the
spectrum and the only way his public school was able to meet his
unique needs was placing him in a nonpublic placement. Fortunately,
his placement did not change because his nonpublic school was able to
work things out with the Department of Education. However, without
changes to law, we continue to fear disruption in his education if
staff levels at the school should dip.
The introduction of AB 1490 appeared to resolve this issue. Among
other things, it
Removed the requirement that special education teachers in nonpublic
nonsectarian schools have the state teaching credentials equivalent
to "highly qualified" as specified in federal law for public school
teachers;
Required the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to develop
alternative credential requirements for special education teachers in
nonpublic schools; and
Prevented the state from withdrawing certification from a nonpublic
nonsectarian school (that meets all state requirements for
certification) if one or more of the school's employees lacks a
teaching credential.
If the gutting of AB 1490 was due to costs associated with the
Commission on Teacher Credentialing having to develop alternative
special education teacher credentials for nonpublic schoolteachers,
then Assembly Member Mendoza needs to amend the bill to address
legislative appropriation for the costs.
In every public school, there are students with disabilities that
have unique needs not met in that setting. It is not right for the
state to allow existing law to force closure, or severely limit
enrollment, of highly specialized private sector schools for not
meeting public sector school requirements.
Please contact Assembly Member Mendoza's office and ask him to amend
AB 1490 to include provisions similar to what were in the introduced
version.
Assembly Member Mendoza's contact information at his Capitol Office
is:
State Capitol District Office:
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0056
Tel: (916) 319-2056
Fax: (916) 319-2156 12501 E. Imperial Highway
Suite 210
Norwalk , CA 90650
Tel: (562) 864-5600
Fax: (562) 863-7466
Also, please contact the Assembly Members that serve on the Committee
on Education and ask them how they could approve the gutting of such
important provisions from a bill effecting the education of our
students.
The Members of the Committee on Education are:
Committee Members District Phone E-mail
Gene Mullin - Chair Dem-19 (916) 319-2019
Assemblymember.mullin@assembly.ca.gov
Martin Garrick - Vice Chair Rep-74 (916) 319-2074
Assemblymember.Garrick@assembly.ca.gov
Julia Brownley Dem-41 (916) 319-2041
Assemblymember.Brownley@assembly.ca.gov
Joe Coto Dem-23 (916) 319-2023 Assemblymember.coto@assembly.ca.gov
Mike Eng Dem-49 (916) 319-2049 Assemblymember.Eng@asm.ca.gov
Loni Hancock Dem-14 (916) 319-2014
Assemblymember.hancock@assembly.ca.gov
Bob Huff Rep-60 (916) 319-2060 Assemblymember.huff@assembly.ca.gov
Betty Karnette Dem-54 (916) 319-2054
Assemblymember.Karnette@assembly.ca.gov
Alan Nakanishi Rep-10 (916) 319-2010
Assemblymember.nakanishi@assembly.ca.gov
Jose Solorio Dem-69 (916) 319-2069
Assemblymember.solorio@assembly.ca.gov
ADVOCATE!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
WOARN: "STEP IT UP 4 AUTISM, WISCONSIN!"
CONTACT: Rhonda J. Greenhaw Wood
Organizer
WOARN - Wisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now
(608)669-7660
http://www.Bloggin4AutismPower.blogspot.com
Wisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now (WOARN) tells Wisconsin state legislators to: Step It Up 4 Autism!
Madison, Wisconsin -- May 31, 2007 -- Wisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now (WOARN) is organizing a Public Hearing Rally, Step It UP 4 Autism, on Thursday, May 31, at 8:00 a.m. on the grounds of the Wisconsin State Capitol prior to the Public Health Committee Meeting in the State Senate that day.
As the number of people with autism is dramatically on the rise in Wisconsin and the rest of the United States, WOARN and a broad coalition of interested groups, families and community members are joining together to demand that the state of Wisconsin address this issue that affects so many of our citizens.
"Right now, tax payers in Wisconsin are paying nearly 100% of the costs for providing treatment for these kids. Even though many of them have private health insurance, the companies just refuse to pay, leaving families to struggle to pay for treatments themselves or forcing them into long waits for state assistance," rues Rhonda J. Greenhaw Wood, an organizer with WOARN and mother of a daughter with Autism. "We had to wait a year while our daughter struggled to be able to answer simple yes and no questions. Since our daughter began treatment, she has made tremendous gains in her language skills and can tell me if she needs something. No Wisconsin family should be forced to play this nightmare of a waiting game."
Senate Bill 178, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson, will help alleviate the burden on state tax payers who currently pay for all of the care needed by children with autism. This bill would guarantee insurance coverage for treatment for children with autism whose families have private health insurance coverage.
Many people affected by autism, their families, friends and professionals will be in attendance to let the Senate Public Health Committee know that this bill is critical to lives of people affected by autism. Currently many families linger on a state waiting list to receive coverage for treatments that help children deal with their autism, this legislation will help insurance companies do their part to provide treatment, helping ease the burden on state tax payers.
Currently 1 out of every 144 children in born in the United State will be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a condition that impacts communication, social ability and behavior. With early intervention, children are able to learn communication tools that help them as they function in society, leading to independent and productive lives.
WOARN is encouraging everyone affected by ASD in the state of Wisconsin to meet at the Capitol on May 31st to let legislators know how important this bill is for families. People are encouraged to make signs to make signs and bring their entire family to this event.
For further information, please contact WOARN at (608) 669-7660 or on the web at:
http://www.BloggingforAutismPower.blogspot.com
# # #
Organizer
WOARN - Wisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now
(608)669-7660
http://www.Bloggin4AutismPower.blogspot.com
Wisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now (WOARN) tells Wisconsin state legislators to: Step It Up 4 Autism!
Madison, Wisconsin -- May 31, 2007 -- Wisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now (WOARN) is organizing a Public Hearing Rally, Step It UP 4 Autism, on Thursday, May 31, at 8:00 a.m. on the grounds of the Wisconsin State Capitol prior to the Public Health Committee Meeting in the State Senate that day.
As the number of people with autism is dramatically on the rise in Wisconsin and the rest of the United States, WOARN and a broad coalition of interested groups, families and community members are joining together to demand that the state of Wisconsin address this issue that affects so many of our citizens.
"Right now, tax payers in Wisconsin are paying nearly 100% of the costs for providing treatment for these kids. Even though many of them have private health insurance, the companies just refuse to pay, leaving families to struggle to pay for treatments themselves or forcing them into long waits for state assistance," rues Rhonda J. Greenhaw Wood, an organizer with WOARN and mother of a daughter with Autism. "We had to wait a year while our daughter struggled to be able to answer simple yes and no questions. Since our daughter began treatment, she has made tremendous gains in her language skills and can tell me if she needs something. No Wisconsin family should be forced to play this nightmare of a waiting game."
Senate Bill 178, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson, will help alleviate the burden on state tax payers who currently pay for all of the care needed by children with autism. This bill would guarantee insurance coverage for treatment for children with autism whose families have private health insurance coverage.
Many people affected by autism, their families, friends and professionals will be in attendance to let the Senate Public Health Committee know that this bill is critical to lives of people affected by autism. Currently many families linger on a state waiting list to receive coverage for treatments that help children deal with their autism, this legislation will help insurance companies do their part to provide treatment, helping ease the burden on state tax payers.
Currently 1 out of every 144 children in born in the United State will be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a condition that impacts communication, social ability and behavior. With early intervention, children are able to learn communication tools that help them as they function in society, leading to independent and productive lives.
WOARN is encouraging everyone affected by ASD in the state of Wisconsin to meet at the Capitol on May 31st to let legislators know how important this bill is for families. People are encouraged to make signs to make signs and bring their entire family to this event.
For further information, please contact WOARN at (608) 669-7660 or on the web at:
http://www.BloggingforAutismPower.blogspot.com
# # #
Parents of Disabled Child Win Ruling
By Robert Barnes
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 22, 2007; Page A03
The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that parents of disabled children do not have to hire lawyers to sue school districts when they attempt to ensure that their children's special needs are adequately met.
The court found that the federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees children a "free appropriate public education," gives rights to parents as well. Parents may represent themselves in federal court when disputes arise between them and a school district over what is best for the child, the court held.
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 22, 2007; Page A03
The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that parents of disabled children do not have to hire lawyers to sue school districts when they attempt to ensure that their children's special needs are adequately met.
The court found that the federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees children a "free appropriate public education," gives rights to parents as well. Parents may represent themselves in federal court when disputes arise between them and a school district over what is best for the child, the court held.
Texas Legislators Hold Up Vote on Insurance Coverage for Autism Bill
NEWS RELEASE Media Inquiries:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cynthia Singleton
713-201-7250
Texas Autism Advocacy, Senator Eddie Lucio, and
Representative John Davis Call on Legislators to Allow
Floor Vote on SB 419
Bill would allow insurance coverage of treatments
for children with autism
Houston – May 21, 2007 – The members of Texas Autism Advocacy call upon
the Texas House of Representatives to send schedule Senate Bill 419 for
immediate debate so that is can be heard and voted on in by the full House. SB
419 would allow insurance coverage of treatments for children with Autism
Spectrum Disorder.
In April, SB 419 unanimously passed the Texas Senate. The House Insurance
Committee also unanimously voted for the legislation. The bill awaits
consideration before the House General State Calendar.
“Texas Autism Advocacy would like to compliment Senator Eddie Lucio for his
leadership in improving insurance coverage of treatments for children with autism
by authoring Senate Bill 419,” said Michelle Guppy, founder of Texas Autism
Advocacy. “On behalf of the 4,000+ members and supporters, we congratulate
him for his outstanding leadership in shepherding SB 419 through the Senate,
where was passed out of the Health and Human Services committee
unanimously and passed on the Senate floor unanimously.”
Ms. Guppy continued, “We recognize Senator as a true leader who puts shortterm
political interests aside in favor of long term best fiscal interests of the
taxpayers of the State of Texas. We also recognize the leadership and support of
Representative John Davis, sponsor of the House companion bill HB 1224.”
Representative Davis stated "I want to thank Senator Lucio for asking me to be
the House sponsor of Senate Bill 419 and also would like to thank
Representative Juan Garcia, my joint author, for his steadfast support. Children
with autism spectrum disorder are very, very special. They and their parents
need and deserve our attention and support to live life to its fullest."
Sen. Lucio stated, "I respectfully call on House Calendars Committee
Chairwoman Beverly Woolley to please consider the suffering of the families of
children afflicted with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and schedule Senate
Bill 419 for consideration on the House floor.
“I feel confident that my colleagues in the House will want to give young children
an opportunity to lead normal lives through my bill that requires insurers to cover
early intervention for autistic children ages three to five. Proper therapy and
treatment at this early age will reduce the need for services in school and
throughout the person’s lifetime. SB 419 offers Texas children with ASD hope
that they can lead normal lives.
“I am asking for Rep. Woolley to please let this bill come before the House as
soon as possible, since the end of the 80th Legislative Session is just days
away.“
About Texas Autism Advocacy
Texas Autism Advocacy is an on-line information & resource center for persons
on Autism Spectrum Disorders. It has the mission to provide networking and
support for individuals, families, and professionals. It is through networking that
like-minded people can unite to advocate policy changes that families of children
with autism in Texas so desperately need. www.texasautismadvocacy.org
Michelle M. Guppy
Don't tell God how big your storm is - tell the storm how big your God is! Texas Autism Advocacy: www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org
"There are some aspects of a person's life that we have no right to compromise. We cannot negotiate the size of an institution. No one should live in one. We cannot debate who should get an inclusive education. Everyone should. We cannot determine who does and who does not get the right to make their own choices and forge their own futures. All must."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cynthia Singleton
713-201-7250
Texas Autism Advocacy, Senator Eddie Lucio, and
Representative John Davis Call on Legislators to Allow
Floor Vote on SB 419
Bill would allow insurance coverage of treatments
for children with autism
Houston – May 21, 2007 – The members of Texas Autism Advocacy call upon
the Texas House of Representatives to send schedule Senate Bill 419 for
immediate debate so that is can be heard and voted on in by the full House. SB
419 would allow insurance coverage of treatments for children with Autism
Spectrum Disorder.
In April, SB 419 unanimously passed the Texas Senate. The House Insurance
Committee also unanimously voted for the legislation. The bill awaits
consideration before the House General State Calendar.
“Texas Autism Advocacy would like to compliment Senator Eddie Lucio for his
leadership in improving insurance coverage of treatments for children with autism
by authoring Senate Bill 419,” said Michelle Guppy, founder of Texas Autism
Advocacy. “On behalf of the 4,000+ members and supporters, we congratulate
him for his outstanding leadership in shepherding SB 419 through the Senate,
where was passed out of the Health and Human Services committee
unanimously and passed on the Senate floor unanimously.”
Ms. Guppy continued, “We recognize Senator as a true leader who puts shortterm
political interests aside in favor of long term best fiscal interests of the
taxpayers of the State of Texas. We also recognize the leadership and support of
Representative John Davis, sponsor of the House companion bill HB 1224.”
Representative Davis stated "I want to thank Senator Lucio for asking me to be
the House sponsor of Senate Bill 419 and also would like to thank
Representative Juan Garcia, my joint author, for his steadfast support. Children
with autism spectrum disorder are very, very special. They and their parents
need and deserve our attention and support to live life to its fullest."
Sen. Lucio stated, "I respectfully call on House Calendars Committee
Chairwoman Beverly Woolley to please consider the suffering of the families of
children afflicted with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and schedule Senate
Bill 419 for consideration on the House floor.
“I feel confident that my colleagues in the House will want to give young children
an opportunity to lead normal lives through my bill that requires insurers to cover
early intervention for autistic children ages three to five. Proper therapy and
treatment at this early age will reduce the need for services in school and
throughout the person’s lifetime. SB 419 offers Texas children with ASD hope
that they can lead normal lives.
“I am asking for Rep. Woolley to please let this bill come before the House as
soon as possible, since the end of the 80th Legislative Session is just days
away.“
About Texas Autism Advocacy
Texas Autism Advocacy is an on-line information & resource center for persons
on Autism Spectrum Disorders. It has the mission to provide networking and
support for individuals, families, and professionals. It is through networking that
like-minded people can unite to advocate policy changes that families of children
with autism in Texas so desperately need. www.texasautismadvocacy.org
Michelle M. Guppy
Don't tell God how big your storm is - tell the storm how big your God is! Texas Autism Advocacy: www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org
"There are some aspects of a person's life that we have no right to compromise. We cannot negotiate the size of an institution. No one should live in one. We cannot debate who should get an inclusive education. Everyone should. We cannot determine who does and who does not get the right to make their own choices and forge their own futures. All must."
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Houston County Ga. Bd. of Ed. Gone Crazy: Arrests Mom of Boy Abused at School for Not Sending Kid Back!
In what can only be described as government officials drunk on their own power, a mother has been arrested and had to post a $1,000.00 bond in order to obtain her freedom for violating the state's truancy law. Her son, a seven year old boy with autism, was tormented by his school bus driver and other kids on the school bus and was returned home with unexplained bruises. The mother requested time to reintroduce her child back to school, and had also applied to homeschool the boy, but had received no response from the school on the application even though the boy's physician said he was suffering post-traumatic stess disorder as a result of the abuse suffered at school and would be better off at home.
The mother has also filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education who is looking into the matter.
Please feel free to call and voice your outrage with the Houston County Georgia Board of Education at 1-478-988-6200
The mother has also filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education who is looking into the matter.
Please feel free to call and voice your outrage with the Houston County Georgia Board of Education at 1-478-988-6200
Danielle's Law - Help Save Lives!
Please contact your Congresspersons (there is a link on the left for your U.S. Senate and House member look-up) and ask them to cosponsor these bills. They are the Federal version of a NJ law called Danielle's Law.
It could save the life of one of our kids if they ever end up in a group or other facility.
"Danielle's Law requires that staff serving individuals with disabilities call "911" in the event of a life threatening health emergency. Family Alliance members Diane Gruskowski (Danielle's mother) and Robin Turner (Danielle's aunt) worked tirelessly to secure passage of this important bill, which was signed into law by Governor McGreevey on October 26, 2003. Danielle's Law was named after Danielle Gruskowski, a 32-year old woman with Rett Syndrome, who died on November 5, 2002 when staff at her Edison, NJ group home failed to call "911" in response to a high fever she had developed the previous evening."
http://www.thefamilyalliance.net/
S.1420 Title: A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require staff working with developmentally disabled individuals to call emergency services in the event of a life-threatening situation. Sponsor: Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12] (introduced 5/17/2007)
Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
OFFICIAL TITLE AS INTRODUCED: To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require staff working with developmentally disabled individuals to call emergency services in the event of a life-threatening situation.
It could save the life of one of our kids if they ever end up in a group or other facility.
"Danielle's Law requires that staff serving individuals with disabilities call "911" in the event of a life threatening health emergency. Family Alliance members Diane Gruskowski (Danielle's mother) and Robin Turner (Danielle's aunt) worked tirelessly to secure passage of this important bill, which was signed into law by Governor McGreevey on October 26, 2003. Danielle's Law was named after Danielle Gruskowski, a 32-year old woman with Rett Syndrome, who died on November 5, 2002 when staff at her Edison, NJ group home failed to call "911" in response to a high fever she had developed the previous evening."
http://www.thefamilyalliance.net/
S.1420 Title: A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require staff working with developmentally disabled individuals to call emergency services in the event of a life-threatening situation. Sponsor: Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12] (introduced 5/17/2007)
Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
OFFICIAL TITLE AS INTRODUCED: To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require staff working with developmentally disabled individuals to call emergency services in the event of a life-threatening situation.
Call for Action: Severe Discrimination of Autistic Student
Call for Immediate Action:
Below is a letter from a mother regarding an egregious example of mistreatment of her daughter, a member of our special needs community. Brigid, a girl with autism and a serious physical injury, will not be graduating with her class, and will lose out on a scholarship that she has earned to Cornell College because her school district has refused to accommodate her special needs!
We cannot let this stand. As individuals, family members and friends of specials needs, and people who believe in justice, we must immediately voice our support for Brigid and demand that she be given credit for her work and be allowed to graduate with her class! Our children with special needs within the public and private school system depend upon our taking a stand in situations like this, so that other children do not suffer what Brigid has been forced to endure.
Please join with me to demand justice for Brigid, who has worked so hard to appease a school system that has refused to provide her with appropriate accommodations, discriminated against her and publicly humiliated her! Below are the email addresses of officials of the Catholic Diocese of Portland, the Principal of Catherine McAuley High school where Brigid attended and Department of Education officials from the state of Maine.
Please inundate their email inboxes and telephone with a voice of support for Brigid. We must show her and the rest of the world that the special needs community supports its own and stands together against discrimination and abuse of this sort!
Here are the email addresses and phone numbers to contact:
Bill Wood, Parish Services Coordinator
Disability Services
bwood@ccmaine.org
1-877-621-8520
Bishop Richard Malone, Th.D.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
1-207-773-6471
1-207-773-0182 – fax
http://www.portlanddiocese.net/contact_submit.php
Principal of Catherine McAuley Highschool
Mary Kelleher
sredwardmary@mcauleyhs.org
1-207-797-3802
1-207-797-3804 – fax
David Noble Stockford
Policy Director and Team Leader, Special Services
Maine Department of Education
david.stockford@maine.gov
1-207-624-6650
1-207-624-6651 – fax
Pam Rosen
Maine Advisory Council on Education of Children with Disabilities
Maine Department of Education
Pam.rosen@main.gov
1-207-624-6650
1-207-624-6651 - fax
Sincerely,
Rhonda J. Greenhaw Wood
WOARN - Wisconsin Organizing for Autism Rights Now
Here is the letter her mother wrote the Catholic Diocese of Portland:
Dear Mr. W,
I am contacting you because of your role in Disability Services for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. My daughter has attended Catherine McAuley High school for 4 years. She is a wonderful young woman, who works very hard, and has suffered greatly from the misunderstandings, intolerance, and most importantly, from the code of silence surrounding disabilities at McAuley High School.
Brigid is a student with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. In addition, she sustained a closed head injury in March, 2005. This injury resulted in her spending the remainder of her sophomore year at the outpatient clinic of New England Rehabilitation Hospital. Brigid strove hard to regain lost skills and to relearn new skills. She completed the coursework for her sophomore year 2 days before her junior year started.
Since that time, Brigid has been absent from school for extended periods of time, due to a seizure disorder resulting from the closed head injury. She has also missed school due to unrelated surgeries. The Principal has always been informed of absences and concerns by Brigid's physicians and myself. Brigid was, on several occasions, under physician's orders to refrain from attending school.
Throughout this time, the Administration of the High School has consistently prevented staff from pertinent knowledge regarding Brigid's absences. The school nurse was not given copies of physician's notes, letters or recommendations. The Guidance staff was unaware of many challenges this child faces until the middle of this academic year.
As a result, Brigid has been repeatedly academically penalized for physician ordered absences. This is discrimination. She has been humiliated in public. She has been afforded few accommodations, and little, or no, understanding or compassion. Silence and withholding of information by the Administration have been tools of abuse.
The stress of this constant abuse to a young disabled girl led her to a suicide attempt this academic year. With full knowledge of this, the Administration made no changes in the code of silence. Teachers were left to believe that Brigid was truant, lazy, unwilling to work, when, in fact, the opposite was true. Brigid received a failing grade for an assignment involving small motor control, strength, and coordination. She was unable to do this assignment to the teacher's expectations because of a documented disability. Brigid received class participation grades of 0% for physician ordered absences. Work delayed due to seizures were graded as late assignments.
On her return to school following a month of seizures, Brigid completed 3 weeks of work within one week, while keeping up with her current assignments. She did this in order to participate in an extra curricular activity. My daughter made a Herculean effort to complete work, as if she were not disabled, and succeeded. Her reward was cruel. She was pulled off of the bus in front of her peers and informed that she may not attend the extracurricular activity she worked so hard for.
This is just one example.
This Spring, Brigid's counselor and Sweetser Case management and her Neurologist determined that attending Catherine McAuley High School was adverse to Brigid's health. Brigid continued to work at home on her assignments, I continued to deliver these to staff as I was able. Some staff were not notified that Brigid would not be in school or that assignments were to be delivered to the office for me to pick up. Consequently, the assignments were withheld.
It took several weeks for Brigid to regain the strength and courage to enter school again. Two weeks ago, the Principal informed Brigid's counselor that this effort would ensure that Brigid could graduate with her class. With help, Brigid managed to attend school every day. She made a concentrated effort to complete all work to the best of her ability, communicate with staff, and do well on her tests.
Today was the last day of classes. Brigid had work completed. Quizzes, tests, final exams complete. Brigid turned in her essay for English class. Brigid had been one of the few students who had read the assigned text. She received one of the highest grades in the quiz about the book. She had a 30 minute conversation with the teacher about the book in early April. Following this conversation, the teacher reported at a meeting with Administration, myself, and Sweetser that Brigid knew the material well. She later requested that Brigid write an additional essay about the book.
Today, when Brigid gave this essay to the teacher, the teacher informed Brigid that she had decided not to accept the work. Brigid will receive a zero, and fail.
A similar occurrence took place last term. Although the Principal told myself, staff, and Brigid, that work outstanding (due to medical concerns) would be accepted until a stated date, one teacher capriciously decided to ignore the Principal's decision. Brigid received a failing grade for doing all of her work very well and giving it to the teacher on time.
The Principal's responses have been that teachers make their own decisions for their own classes and that this matter is not in her control.
Again, Brigid has learned that some people are not true to their word and that this is considered acceptable by an educational leader and a spiritual leader.
This most recent decision on the part of one staff member, if left uncheked, will compromise Brigid's future. Brigid will be unable to attend Cornell College, or take advantage of their generous offer of a four year academic scholarship as well as financial aide.
The code of silence at McAuley which surrounds disabilities, combined with the lack of acceptance, accommodation, charity, or decency has damaged my daughter's educational experience, spiritual experience, sense of trust, and quality of life.
I would have notified you of these egregious events during the past 3 years, but I did not know of the existence of your office and ministry. During the past year, I have notified the Bishop, as well as leaders of Catholic Education in Maine. I have attempted to work constructively with the Disability Rights Center, Sweetser Case Management, Family Crisis Services, physicians, social workers, counselors and the Administration of McAuley High School. My daughter has suffered. She has learned some very hard lessons of loss from the individuals entrusted with her spiritual, moral and academic education.
I do not know if you can help my daughter in any way. I appreciate the time you have taken to read this.
Respectfully,
Gayle Fitzpatrick
Below is a letter from a mother regarding an egregious example of mistreatment of her daughter, a member of our special needs community. Brigid, a girl with autism and a serious physical injury, will not be graduating with her class, and will lose out on a scholarship that she has earned to Cornell College because her school district has refused to accommodate her special needs!
We cannot let this stand. As individuals, family members and friends of specials needs, and people who believe in justice, we must immediately voice our support for Brigid and demand that she be given credit for her work and be allowed to graduate with her class! Our children with special needs within the public and private school system depend upon our taking a stand in situations like this, so that other children do not suffer what Brigid has been forced to endure.
Please join with me to demand justice for Brigid, who has worked so hard to appease a school system that has refused to provide her with appropriate accommodations, discriminated against her and publicly humiliated her! Below are the email addresses of officials of the Catholic Diocese of Portland, the Principal of Catherine McAuley High school where Brigid attended and Department of Education officials from the state of Maine.
Please inundate their email inboxes and telephone with a voice of support for Brigid. We must show her and the rest of the world that the special needs community supports its own and stands together against discrimination and abuse of this sort!
Here are the email addresses and phone numbers to contact:
Bill Wood, Parish Services Coordinator
Disability Services
bwood@ccmaine.org
1-877-621-8520
Bishop Richard Malone, Th.D.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
1-207-773-6471
1-207-773-0182 – fax
http://www.portlanddiocese.net/contact_submit.php
Principal of Catherine McAuley Highschool
Mary Kelleher
sredwardmary@mcauleyhs.org
1-207-797-3802
1-207-797-3804 – fax
David Noble Stockford
Policy Director and Team Leader, Special Services
Maine Department of Education
david.stockford@maine.gov
1-207-624-6650
1-207-624-6651 – fax
Pam Rosen
Maine Advisory Council on Education of Children with Disabilities
Maine Department of Education
Pam.rosen@main.gov
1-207-624-6650
1-207-624-6651 - fax
Sincerely,
Rhonda J. Greenhaw Wood
WOARN - Wisconsin Organizing for Autism Rights Now
Here is the letter her mother wrote the Catholic Diocese of Portland:
Dear Mr. W,
I am contacting you because of your role in Disability Services for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. My daughter has attended Catherine McAuley High school for 4 years. She is a wonderful young woman, who works very hard, and has suffered greatly from the misunderstandings, intolerance, and most importantly, from the code of silence surrounding disabilities at McAuley High School.
Brigid is a student with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. In addition, she sustained a closed head injury in March, 2005. This injury resulted in her spending the remainder of her sophomore year at the outpatient clinic of New England Rehabilitation Hospital. Brigid strove hard to regain lost skills and to relearn new skills. She completed the coursework for her sophomore year 2 days before her junior year started.
Since that time, Brigid has been absent from school for extended periods of time, due to a seizure disorder resulting from the closed head injury. She has also missed school due to unrelated surgeries. The Principal has always been informed of absences and concerns by Brigid's physicians and myself. Brigid was, on several occasions, under physician's orders to refrain from attending school.
Throughout this time, the Administration of the High School has consistently prevented staff from pertinent knowledge regarding Brigid's absences. The school nurse was not given copies of physician's notes, letters or recommendations. The Guidance staff was unaware of many challenges this child faces until the middle of this academic year.
As a result, Brigid has been repeatedly academically penalized for physician ordered absences. This is discrimination. She has been humiliated in public. She has been afforded few accommodations, and little, or no, understanding or compassion. Silence and withholding of information by the Administration have been tools of abuse.
The stress of this constant abuse to a young disabled girl led her to a suicide attempt this academic year. With full knowledge of this, the Administration made no changes in the code of silence. Teachers were left to believe that Brigid was truant, lazy, unwilling to work, when, in fact, the opposite was true. Brigid received a failing grade for an assignment involving small motor control, strength, and coordination. She was unable to do this assignment to the teacher's expectations because of a documented disability. Brigid received class participation grades of 0% for physician ordered absences. Work delayed due to seizures were graded as late assignments.
On her return to school following a month of seizures, Brigid completed 3 weeks of work within one week, while keeping up with her current assignments. She did this in order to participate in an extra curricular activity. My daughter made a Herculean effort to complete work, as if she were not disabled, and succeeded. Her reward was cruel. She was pulled off of the bus in front of her peers and informed that she may not attend the extracurricular activity she worked so hard for.
This is just one example.
This Spring, Brigid's counselor and Sweetser Case management and her Neurologist determined that attending Catherine McAuley High School was adverse to Brigid's health. Brigid continued to work at home on her assignments, I continued to deliver these to staff as I was able. Some staff were not notified that Brigid would not be in school or that assignments were to be delivered to the office for me to pick up. Consequently, the assignments were withheld.
It took several weeks for Brigid to regain the strength and courage to enter school again. Two weeks ago, the Principal informed Brigid's counselor that this effort would ensure that Brigid could graduate with her class. With help, Brigid managed to attend school every day. She made a concentrated effort to complete all work to the best of her ability, communicate with staff, and do well on her tests.
Today was the last day of classes. Brigid had work completed. Quizzes, tests, final exams complete. Brigid turned in her essay for English class. Brigid had been one of the few students who had read the assigned text. She received one of the highest grades in the quiz about the book. She had a 30 minute conversation with the teacher about the book in early April. Following this conversation, the teacher reported at a meeting with Administration, myself, and Sweetser that Brigid knew the material well. She later requested that Brigid write an additional essay about the book.
Today, when Brigid gave this essay to the teacher, the teacher informed Brigid that she had decided not to accept the work. Brigid will receive a zero, and fail.
A similar occurrence took place last term. Although the Principal told myself, staff, and Brigid, that work outstanding (due to medical concerns) would be accepted until a stated date, one teacher capriciously decided to ignore the Principal's decision. Brigid received a failing grade for doing all of her work very well and giving it to the teacher on time.
The Principal's responses have been that teachers make their own decisions for their own classes and that this matter is not in her control.
Again, Brigid has learned that some people are not true to their word and that this is considered acceptable by an educational leader and a spiritual leader.
This most recent decision on the part of one staff member, if left uncheked, will compromise Brigid's future. Brigid will be unable to attend Cornell College, or take advantage of their generous offer of a four year academic scholarship as well as financial aide.
The code of silence at McAuley which surrounds disabilities, combined with the lack of acceptance, accommodation, charity, or decency has damaged my daughter's educational experience, spiritual experience, sense of trust, and quality of life.
I would have notified you of these egregious events during the past 3 years, but I did not know of the existence of your office and ministry. During the past year, I have notified the Bishop, as well as leaders of Catholic Education in Maine. I have attempted to work constructively with the Disability Rights Center, Sweetser Case Management, Family Crisis Services, physicians, social workers, counselors and the Administration of McAuley High School. My daughter has suffered. She has learned some very hard lessons of loss from the individuals entrusted with her spiritual, moral and academic education.
I do not know if you can help my daughter in any way. I appreciate the time you have taken to read this.
Respectfully,
Gayle Fitzpatrick
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Legislative Breakfast - Vision for EQuality, Inc.
Invites you to a Continental Breakfast on Friday, June 1, 2007 with Elected Officials and Dignitaries Who Represent the Citizens of Philadelphia.
Dennis M. O’Brien, Speaker of the House, Arthur C. Evans, Jr., Ph.D., Director of the Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services and our Elected Officials Will Discuss the Pennsylvania State Budget as it Relates to Support for:
The Emergency Waiting List for Mental Retardation Services
The Autism Budget
The COLA for Direct Support Professionals
It is of the Utmost Importance that YOU AttendThe State Budget, as proposed, is in jeopardy of not being passed by the Legislature
If You Would Like to Speak and Tell Your Story About Waiting for Services, Please Let Us Know When You Register for the Breakfast
When: Friday, June 1, 20079:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: The Down Town Club The Ledger Building
50 S. Independence Hall West, 11th floor At 6th & Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Contact: Kathy Foy
Phone: 215-923-3349 x112
E-mail: rsvp@visionforequality.org
Please Respond by May 25, 2007
To locate and invite your legislators and representatives to attend, visit http://www.legis.state.pa.us/
or Call the Committee of 70 for their contact information at 215-557-3600
The Parking Garage is located at 7th & Ranstead Streets (between Market & Chestnut Streets). When you exit the elevators to the street, you will be on Chestnut Street between 6th & 7th. Turn to the left and walk toward 6th & Chestnut Streets.
The Down Town Club is located on the southwest corner of 6th & Chestnut Streets in the Public Ledger Building. Use the 6th Street entrance to the building. The Club is on the 11th Floor.I-95
NORTH FROM DELAWARE
1. Take I-95 to exit 22 (Independence Mall, Callowhill St, Center City)
2. Exit ramp is on the left; while exiting, stay in the right lane
3. Follow sign to Independence Mall
4. Ramp exits onto Third & Callowhill Sts; there will be a light
5. Stay on Callowhill St.; go three more lights; at 6th Street, go left
6. Get in lane for Independence Mall
7. Go three lights to Market Street
8. Cross Market and turn right at the first street (Ranstead St.)
9. Parking Garage is at the end of the block on the left (One Independence Mall)
FROM NEW JERSEY via THE BEN FRANKLIN BRIDGE
1. Exit the bridge bearing right and go over the overpass
2. Follow signs for 6th Street and the Historical District
3. Continue on exit (it loops around); at the end of the ramp,you will be on 6th Street; always bearing right:
4. Follow steps 6 through 9 as listed above
FROM THE SCHUYKILL EXPRESSWAY
1. Exit 76 at the Center City/676 East exit which is located on the left side of the highway
2. 676 (Also call The Vine Street Expressway) cuts straight through the city towards the Delaware River
3. Exit at Independence Mall/6th Street (the sign reads: The Ben Franklin Bridge) turn right onto 6th Street
4. Follow steps 6 through 9 as listed aboveI-95
SOUTH FROM POINTS NORTH
1. I-95 South to Exit 22/Callowhill Street
2. Stay right and go down ramp to light
3. Turn right at light onto Callowhill Street
4. Stay left and turn left onto 6th Street
5. Follow steps 6 through 9 as listed above
Dennis M. O’Brien, Speaker of the House, Arthur C. Evans, Jr., Ph.D., Director of the Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services and our Elected Officials Will Discuss the Pennsylvania State Budget as it Relates to Support for:
The Emergency Waiting List for Mental Retardation Services
The Autism Budget
The COLA for Direct Support Professionals
It is of the Utmost Importance that YOU AttendThe State Budget, as proposed, is in jeopardy of not being passed by the Legislature
If You Would Like to Speak and Tell Your Story About Waiting for Services, Please Let Us Know When You Register for the Breakfast
When: Friday, June 1, 20079:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: The Down Town Club The Ledger Building
50 S. Independence Hall West, 11th floor At 6th & Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Contact: Kathy Foy
Phone: 215-923-3349 x112
E-mail: rsvp@visionforequality.org
Please Respond by May 25, 2007
To locate and invite your legislators and representatives to attend, visit http://www.legis.state.pa.us/
or Call the Committee of 70 for their contact information at 215-557-3600
The Parking Garage is located at 7th & Ranstead Streets (between Market & Chestnut Streets). When you exit the elevators to the street, you will be on Chestnut Street between 6th & 7th. Turn to the left and walk toward 6th & Chestnut Streets.
The Down Town Club is located on the southwest corner of 6th & Chestnut Streets in the Public Ledger Building. Use the 6th Street entrance to the building. The Club is on the 11th Floor.I-95
NORTH FROM DELAWARE
1. Take I-95 to exit 22 (Independence Mall, Callowhill St, Center City)
2. Exit ramp is on the left; while exiting, stay in the right lane
3. Follow sign to Independence Mall
4. Ramp exits onto Third & Callowhill Sts; there will be a light
5. Stay on Callowhill St.; go three more lights; at 6th Street, go left
6. Get in lane for Independence Mall
7. Go three lights to Market Street
8. Cross Market and turn right at the first street (Ranstead St.)
9. Parking Garage is at the end of the block on the left (One Independence Mall)
FROM NEW JERSEY via THE BEN FRANKLIN BRIDGE
1. Exit the bridge bearing right and go over the overpass
2. Follow signs for 6th Street and the Historical District
3. Continue on exit (it loops around); at the end of the ramp,you will be on 6th Street; always bearing right:
4. Follow steps 6 through 9 as listed above
FROM THE SCHUYKILL EXPRESSWAY
1. Exit 76 at the Center City/676 East exit which is located on the left side of the highway
2. 676 (Also call The Vine Street Expressway) cuts straight through the city towards the Delaware River
3. Exit at Independence Mall/6th Street (the sign reads: The Ben Franklin Bridge) turn right onto 6th Street
4. Follow steps 6 through 9 as listed aboveI-95
SOUTH FROM POINTS NORTH
1. I-95 South to Exit 22/Callowhill Street
2. Stay right and go down ramp to light
3. Turn right at light onto Callowhill Street
4. Stay left and turn left onto 6th Street
5. Follow steps 6 through 9 as listed above
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Keep Calling!
To mark the introduction of the insurance mandate legislation into the senate today, let's all make a few phone calls to our assembly people, and at least 3 other assembly members! We can make calls that go something like this:
Today, Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson is introducing legislation in the Senate that would require insurance companies to pay for autism treatment.
This piece of legislation is having a lot of support from both the senate, where 17 members have co-sponsored, and also from the assembly, where 32 members have co-sponsored.
I am calling today to express how important this piece of legislation is to __________(my family, my child, society, etc. - whatever fits for you). Can we count on your support when the bill gets to the assembly?
Once you make the calls, it would be helpful if you could please post your results to the group!
Thanks,
Today, Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson is introducing legislation in the Senate that would require insurance companies to pay for autism treatment.
This piece of legislation is having a lot of support from both the senate, where 17 members have co-sponsored, and also from the assembly, where 32 members have co-sponsored.
I am calling today to express how important this piece of legislation is to __________(my family, my child, society, etc. - whatever fits for you). Can we count on your support when the bill gets to the assembly?
Once you make the calls, it would be helpful if you could please post your results to the group!
Thanks,
Monday, May 7, 2007
Insurance Mandate Introduced Tomorrow! Stong Co-Sponsorship!
Our efforts are paying off!
The synopsis is, co-sponsors:
32 - Assembly
17 - Senate
This is very, very strong showing" -Nadine Gratz, Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson's Health Policy Analyst.
It will likely be assigned to the Senate Public Health Committee by the President of the Senate, Fred Risser. This committee is chaired by Senator Tim Carpenter.
How soon the chair of the committee holds a public hearing is dependent upon the committee's public schedule. If the bill passes the committee, it will go onto the Senate floor for a vote, which is also schedule dependent and may or may not take place prior to the summer recess.
Once the bill is voted on and passes the Senate, the process begins all over in the Assembly.
When the bill is in committee, it is most likely to get a public hearing. At that time, members of the public may register their support or opposition, and may also register to speak at that hearing.
Although the bill has a strong co-sponsorship, staying in contact with your elected representatives will let them know that this is a priority for you, their constituents.
The synopsis is, co-sponsors:
32 - Assembly
17 - Senate
This is very, very strong showing" -Nadine Gratz, Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson's Health Policy Analyst.
It will likely be assigned to the Senate Public Health Committee by the President of the Senate, Fred Risser. This committee is chaired by Senator Tim Carpenter.
How soon the chair of the committee holds a public hearing is dependent upon the committee's public schedule. If the bill passes the committee, it will go onto the Senate floor for a vote, which is also schedule dependent and may or may not take place prior to the summer recess.
Once the bill is voted on and passes the Senate, the process begins all over in the Assembly.
When the bill is in committee, it is most likely to get a public hearing. At that time, members of the public may register their support or opposition, and may also register to speak at that hearing.
Although the bill has a strong co-sponsorship, staying in contact with your elected representatives will let them know that this is a priority for you, their constituents.
Texas School Districts Want to Charge Parents to Get Kid's Records
Dear friends:
Our freedoms never disappear in a single fell swoop; it's bit by bit by bit. A harmless tea tax here, SB 889 there.
Remember SB 889? The bill which if it passes in the House will enable our school districts to start levying the-moon-and- the-stars public records charges of their own determination after 100 pages per month? So all of their records will suddenly be in another building*?
The hearing for SB 889 is scheduled for 8 a.m. Monday morning, May 7, before the House State Affairs Committee. Because of the early hour -- even though it may not be heard until midnight -- there will be no time for us to safely wait and visit these folks on the State Affairs committee that day. When they start the hearing for SB 889, we must be there, so we have to arrive on time and sit and wait, wait, wait.
I spent time yesterday afternoon visiting with State Affairs representatives and their staffs and was told again and again that they've already heard from us, in person.
You can send letters and faxes; those are important. You can make phone calls; those are important also. You can contact your own representative, that will count ultimately if it reaches the House floor.
But what will count most will be your physical presence Monday at the hearing. Over and over I heard yesterday in the State Affairs committee offices about the fact that folks had visited their offices. They didn't tell me about the phone calls and letters and faxes. It was the physically showing up.
They're paid government employees/lobbyists ** and we're volunteers
It's not fair that paid government employees and paid lobbyists, for whom this is a normal workday, will be there in droves with all of their time and expenses paid -- ultimately by us.
By contrast, all of us who come must put aside our jobs -- the jobs that pay the property taxes that pay the government employees' and lobbyists' salaries -- do so at our own expense in wear and tear on our cars, parking, etc. -- in order to come and be counted also. If the government employees give the committee members a handout, they have paid staffers to take care of it. Where we pay for the copies for the committee out of our own pockets, the government employees' copies are paid for at a machine funded one way or another by our tax dollars. The government employees have had PR training -- ultimately paid for by us -- whereas we're moms and dads and grandparents and taxpayers.
It really is not fair.
It's not going to be easy and we're being granted no special favors.
When SB 889 was heard in committee in the Senate, although the called time was 8 a.m., SB 889 was not heard -- I have been told -- until 8:30 pm that night. On the record, only one person was physically present to oppose: God bless him, David Lowery of the Austin American-Statesman.
This is why I'm spending Monday, on my own dime and time, to talk to folks at the Lege***. Please call me/email if you can find it in your heart and schedule to come, too. If there is anything I can do to help you come, please let me know.
Sending blessings and gratitude to all of you for all you do in this important work.
Peyton Wolcott
P.O. Box 9068
Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
www.peytonwolcott. com
Our freedoms never disappear in a single fell swoop; it's bit by bit by bit. A harmless tea tax here, SB 889 there.
Remember SB 889? The bill which if it passes in the House will enable our school districts to start levying the-moon-and- the-stars public records charges of their own determination after 100 pages per month? So all of their records will suddenly be in another building*?
The hearing for SB 889 is scheduled for 8 a.m. Monday morning, May 7, before the House State Affairs Committee. Because of the early hour -- even though it may not be heard until midnight -- there will be no time for us to safely wait and visit these folks on the State Affairs committee that day. When they start the hearing for SB 889, we must be there, so we have to arrive on time and sit and wait, wait, wait.
I spent time yesterday afternoon visiting with State Affairs representatives and their staffs and was told again and again that they've already heard from us, in person.
You can send letters and faxes; those are important. You can make phone calls; those are important also. You can contact your own representative, that will count ultimately if it reaches the House floor.
But what will count most will be your physical presence Monday at the hearing. Over and over I heard yesterday in the State Affairs committee offices about the fact that folks had visited their offices. They didn't tell me about the phone calls and letters and faxes. It was the physically showing up.
They're paid government employees/lobbyists ** and we're volunteers
It's not fair that paid government employees and paid lobbyists, for whom this is a normal workday, will be there in droves with all of their time and expenses paid -- ultimately by us.
By contrast, all of us who come must put aside our jobs -- the jobs that pay the property taxes that pay the government employees' and lobbyists' salaries -- do so at our own expense in wear and tear on our cars, parking, etc. -- in order to come and be counted also. If the government employees give the committee members a handout, they have paid staffers to take care of it. Where we pay for the copies for the committee out of our own pockets, the government employees' copies are paid for at a machine funded one way or another by our tax dollars. The government employees have had PR training -- ultimately paid for by us -- whereas we're moms and dads and grandparents and taxpayers.
It really is not fair.
It's not going to be easy and we're being granted no special favors.
When SB 889 was heard in committee in the Senate, although the called time was 8 a.m., SB 889 was not heard -- I have been told -- until 8:30 pm that night. On the record, only one person was physically present to oppose: God bless him, David Lowery of the Austin American-Statesman.
This is why I'm spending Monday, on my own dime and time, to talk to folks at the Lege***. Please call me/email if you can find it in your heart and schedule to come, too. If there is anything I can do to help you come, please let me know.
Sending blessings and gratitude to all of you for all you do in this important work.
Peyton Wolcott
P.O. Box 9068
Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
www.peytonwolcott. com
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Autism and The Conflict Between Treatment and Respect: A Parent's Manifesto
I've been immersed in the world of autism as much as anyone can be who isn't autistic (although there are many "non-typical" similarities I and my husband both believe we share with my daughter).
When my daughter was first displaying autistic traits when she was a year and a half, until we received her diagnosis, my husband and I had many conversations of our belief that she was actually more evolved than we. The way she could implicitly pick up knowledge. The quickness of her mind in so many ways. She could count to 50 and knew all the alphabet and their sounds before a year old! She picked up so much knowledge it was astounding.
When our daughter started to lose her language, at around 1 ½ - 2, and would get frustrated by not being able to "find" a word that we knew she knew, it scared us because we were afraid that some disintegrative issue was happening. It wasn't the "right path" of development. Children didn't develop this way. People began noticing and commenting on Alana's differences. She needed assessments and special help, we were urged to get testing. This, coupled with our own fears that grew the more we read and the more we compared her to "typical" kids of our friends, compelled us to our school where she was tested and diagnosed "autistic." It compelled us to neurologists where she was tested and diagnosed "autistic." We signed up on state lists to get help and assistance. Her IQ was a 35! Quite a scary situation for parents.
I began reading and joining internet groups and feeling the desperate need to find a cure. Searching for answers. Examining her. Getting her therapy.
My husband and I had, from the beginning, determined that we would not "medicalize" her childhood. We wanted to maintain her "uniqueness" that we adored. But I was getting sucked in and panicky, and Alana was getting more angry and aggressive because she could not access her language. She never looked at us in the eyes, and that frightened me.
All the sources I had access to really indicated that this was the crucial time to act. Alana would be lost without early intervention. She needed to be "cured."
Alana was also "bumping into" society. I had to "explain" her differences to a public that expected certain behavior from children. People yelled at us for things like Alana playing with their keys while we were standing in line behind them. Alana would just walk on kids at play groups if they were in her pathway, and I was frightened for my beautiful daughter; someday she would be hurt by one of these people who were angry with her differentness.
Getting more and more into the internet’s autism organizations and searching for clues and cures, I nearly forgot my pledge to appreciate her uniqueness and not medicalize her life. To our credit, we did balk at any treatment that seemed too invasive. We tried the GFCF diet, and yet told her teachers that if it was a kid’s birthday, they should let her eat cake!
I tried a lot of herbals and vitamins and supplements, but anything that she didn't like, I never made her take. Today she is only taking multi-vitamins, acidophilus, fish oil and melatonin (because she has had many sleepless nights). I only give her things that I think are beneficial for all of us.
Further, now that Alana has worked her way through Wisconsin's wait list, and is participating in ABA, and after just having read Michelle Dawson's stance on ABA, and writing a blog on autism power and advocating for autism power, and advocating for parents to have the resources for ABA, I have to address this issue: is ABA unethical? Am I trying to "change" Alana?
The answer is much more complex than a simple yes and no.
After going through panic and trepidation regarding Alana having autism, I finally found some websites of adults with autism. They reaffirmed my and my husband’s first inclination (he never worried the way I did, however, because he never really got into the online autism world), that Alana doesn't need to be "cured." That over medicalizing a child's life is horrifying and degrading. That people with autism should be appreciated for their uniqueness and that the whole person must be accepted.
Now, with that being said, I have to defend the stance of the parents as well. I know the fear of raising a child who is extremely intelligent, but who will put things into their mouth that could hurt them, or who would walk into on coming traffic because they are so engrossed in whatever is engaging them. I know the anguish of worrying about your child being attacked for being different. But most importantly, I knew I had to do something about Alana's frustration at not being able to access "our" language. It wasn't that she didn't want to communicate. On the contrary, I could see her getting very frustrated when she wanted something and couldn't tell me what it was!
ABA, for all its horrible history, enabled Alana to communicate her needs. Will it reshape who she is? Not at all! I would never tolerate that. Alana loves her ABA therapists (from WEAP). She enjoys her therapy sessions. They make it fun for her.
I think the real danger here, the point that Michelle Dawson and others are trying to make about autism, which I believe is a valid commentary about our society in general, is the danger inherent in the rush to push our children into conforming to a narrow definition of what is acceptable. When parents and practioners deviate from the understandable concerns regarding safety issues and the child’s inability to communicate, and enters the realm of “curing” the child from his or her uniqueness, that, I believe is where they cross the line.
When Oprah did her show recently on autism, I was very excited for the national attention autism might receive. After the show I was disappointed. How sad, I thought, that Oprah didn't have anyone with autism on to speak for themselves!
Like all social movements, the striving for rights for autism or power for autism will only succeed when the people we are fighting for participate in the movement. Fully.
Any organization that is working for goals related to autism should seek out people with autism to help define those goals. Further, all parents who are looking into treatment for their children with autism should seek out adults with autism to get their perspective on their plans.
I know from a personal stand point, when I finally accessed the websites of the autists themselves it was revelatory, it was confirming and it was important. I want to validate my daughter’s unique place in this world and use therapy to provide her with the tools to communicate, not crush her individuality. That is something towards which good parents, parents of all children should strive.
Whether autism is the result of genetics, evolution, environment toxicity, vaccinations or a combination of the above, whatever causes “it” doesn’t negate the right of those with “it” to exist, authentically. The right to self determination still applies, and our children’s uniqueness must always be appreciated and never quashed in order to “fit in.” Our treatments, whether they be ABA or biomedical, must always have the consideration that our children are individuals, with certain unalienable rights.
When my daughter was first displaying autistic traits when she was a year and a half, until we received her diagnosis, my husband and I had many conversations of our belief that she was actually more evolved than we. The way she could implicitly pick up knowledge. The quickness of her mind in so many ways. She could count to 50 and knew all the alphabet and their sounds before a year old! She picked up so much knowledge it was astounding.
When our daughter started to lose her language, at around 1 ½ - 2, and would get frustrated by not being able to "find" a word that we knew she knew, it scared us because we were afraid that some disintegrative issue was happening. It wasn't the "right path" of development. Children didn't develop this way. People began noticing and commenting on Alana's differences. She needed assessments and special help, we were urged to get testing. This, coupled with our own fears that grew the more we read and the more we compared her to "typical" kids of our friends, compelled us to our school where she was tested and diagnosed "autistic." It compelled us to neurologists where she was tested and diagnosed "autistic." We signed up on state lists to get help and assistance. Her IQ was a 35! Quite a scary situation for parents.
I began reading and joining internet groups and feeling the desperate need to find a cure. Searching for answers. Examining her. Getting her therapy.
My husband and I had, from the beginning, determined that we would not "medicalize" her childhood. We wanted to maintain her "uniqueness" that we adored. But I was getting sucked in and panicky, and Alana was getting more angry and aggressive because she could not access her language. She never looked at us in the eyes, and that frightened me.
All the sources I had access to really indicated that this was the crucial time to act. Alana would be lost without early intervention. She needed to be "cured."
Alana was also "bumping into" society. I had to "explain" her differences to a public that expected certain behavior from children. People yelled at us for things like Alana playing with their keys while we were standing in line behind them. Alana would just walk on kids at play groups if they were in her pathway, and I was frightened for my beautiful daughter; someday she would be hurt by one of these people who were angry with her differentness.
Getting more and more into the internet’s autism organizations and searching for clues and cures, I nearly forgot my pledge to appreciate her uniqueness and not medicalize her life. To our credit, we did balk at any treatment that seemed too invasive. We tried the GFCF diet, and yet told her teachers that if it was a kid’s birthday, they should let her eat cake!
I tried a lot of herbals and vitamins and supplements, but anything that she didn't like, I never made her take. Today she is only taking multi-vitamins, acidophilus, fish oil and melatonin (because she has had many sleepless nights). I only give her things that I think are beneficial for all of us.
Further, now that Alana has worked her way through Wisconsin's wait list, and is participating in ABA, and after just having read Michelle Dawson's stance on ABA, and writing a blog on autism power and advocating for autism power, and advocating for parents to have the resources for ABA, I have to address this issue: is ABA unethical? Am I trying to "change" Alana?
The answer is much more complex than a simple yes and no.
After going through panic and trepidation regarding Alana having autism, I finally found some websites of adults with autism. They reaffirmed my and my husband’s first inclination (he never worried the way I did, however, because he never really got into the online autism world), that Alana doesn't need to be "cured." That over medicalizing a child's life is horrifying and degrading. That people with autism should be appreciated for their uniqueness and that the whole person must be accepted.
Now, with that being said, I have to defend the stance of the parents as well. I know the fear of raising a child who is extremely intelligent, but who will put things into their mouth that could hurt them, or who would walk into on coming traffic because they are so engrossed in whatever is engaging them. I know the anguish of worrying about your child being attacked for being different. But most importantly, I knew I had to do something about Alana's frustration at not being able to access "our" language. It wasn't that she didn't want to communicate. On the contrary, I could see her getting very frustrated when she wanted something and couldn't tell me what it was!
ABA, for all its horrible history, enabled Alana to communicate her needs. Will it reshape who she is? Not at all! I would never tolerate that. Alana loves her ABA therapists (from WEAP). She enjoys her therapy sessions. They make it fun for her.
I think the real danger here, the point that Michelle Dawson and others are trying to make about autism, which I believe is a valid commentary about our society in general, is the danger inherent in the rush to push our children into conforming to a narrow definition of what is acceptable. When parents and practioners deviate from the understandable concerns regarding safety issues and the child’s inability to communicate, and enters the realm of “curing” the child from his or her uniqueness, that, I believe is where they cross the line.
When Oprah did her show recently on autism, I was very excited for the national attention autism might receive. After the show I was disappointed. How sad, I thought, that Oprah didn't have anyone with autism on to speak for themselves!
Like all social movements, the striving for rights for autism or power for autism will only succeed when the people we are fighting for participate in the movement. Fully.
Any organization that is working for goals related to autism should seek out people with autism to help define those goals. Further, all parents who are looking into treatment for their children with autism should seek out adults with autism to get their perspective on their plans.
I know from a personal stand point, when I finally accessed the websites of the autists themselves it was revelatory, it was confirming and it was important. I want to validate my daughter’s unique place in this world and use therapy to provide her with the tools to communicate, not crush her individuality. That is something towards which good parents, parents of all children should strive.
Whether autism is the result of genetics, evolution, environment toxicity, vaccinations or a combination of the above, whatever causes “it” doesn’t negate the right of those with “it” to exist, authentically. The right to self determination still applies, and our children’s uniqueness must always be appreciated and never quashed in order to “fit in.” Our treatments, whether they be ABA or biomedical, must always have the consideration that our children are individuals, with certain unalienable rights.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Our Representatives are Supposed to Represent Us!
The important thing we have to remember is that our representatives are supposed to represent us, the citizens of Wisconsin, not the insurance companies. We elect them. Our system was designed that way so that power is distributed to the people, not moneyed interests. But we have to hold our representatives to this trust because money can buy influence. Believe me, though, these people in Madison want to get re-elected, and they don't want to tangle with special needs parents. We are tenacious and will fight like angry mother bears to get what we need for our kids. Many of these politicians, Assembly members especially, have been elected by very small margins of people (someone was telling me today that their representative was elected by around 100 votes). That tells us it would be a very small matter to swing an election if we are organized and demand attention to our needs. And that is what special need parents are best at, all these IEP meetings, filling out forms, fighting bureaucracy to get our kids help are a fine training ground for political organizing. And we are not alone. If people are concerned about insurance companies leaving Wisconsin, don't be. There are parent activists organizing all over the country to get help for their kids. There are laws in 17 states demanding this coverage. Minnesota and Indiana just recently added coverage in their states. And Texas just passed this through their assembly!
The insurance companies won't have any place to hide. They put profits before people for long enough, and we are going to get the legislation passed and get coverage for our kids. We'll make the calls, make the visits, and in the end, we will win, because we are right!
The insurance companies won't have any place to hide. They put profits before people for long enough, and we are going to get the legislation passed and get coverage for our kids. We'll make the calls, make the visits, and in the end, we will win, because we are right!
Assembly Members that Need Contacting
Here is a list of the Wisconsin State Assembly Members that need contacting so that we may find out their stance on the issue. Can you make five phone calls tomorrow? Just take five names from the list and call their offices in Madison. Then report back to me, and I'll fill in the spreadsheet I've created with the vote count!
Sheryl Albers (R)
Joan Ballweg (R)
Garey Bies (R)
Pedro Colon (D)
Brett Davis (R)
Jeff Fitzgerald (R)
Donald Friske (R)
Mark Gottlieb (R)
Scott Gunderson (R)
Mark Gundrum (R)
Eugene Hahn (R)
Steve Hilgenberg (D)
Jake Hines (R)
Gordon Hintz (D)
Mark Honadel (R)
Ann Hraychuck (D)
Michael Huebsch (R)
Suzanne Jeskewitz (R)
Dean Kaufert (R)
Samantha Kerkman (R)
Frederick Kessler (D)
Steve Kestell (R)
Joel Kleefisch (R)
Bill Kramer (R)
Frank Lasee (R)
Daniel LeMahieu (R)
Thomas Lothian (R)
Dan Meyer (R)
Louis Molepske, Jr. (D)
Phil Montgomery (R)
Terry Moulton (R)
Jeffrey Mursau (R)
John Murtha (R)
Terry Musser (R)
Stephen Nass (R)
Lee Nerison (R)
Scott Newcomer (R)
John Nygren (R)
Jim Ott (R)
Carol Owens (R)
Kevin Petersen (R)
Jerry Petrowski (R)
Don Pridemore (R)
Kitty Rhoades (R)
Roger Roth (R)
Marlin Schneider (D)
Gary Sherman (D)
Jeff Smith (D)
Tony Staskunas (D)
John Steinbrink (D)
Jeffrey Stone (R)
Pat Strachota (R)
Scott Suder (R)
Gary Tauchen (R)
Barbara Toles (D)
John Townsend (R)
Karl Van Roy (R)
Robin Vos (R)
Amy Sue Vruwink (D)
Leah Vukmir (R)
Sheldon Wasserman (D)
Steve Wieckert (R)
Mary Williams (R)
Annette Williams (D)
Jeffrey Wood (R)
Josh Zepnick (D)
Bob Ziegelbauer (D)
Rich Zipperer (R)
Sheryl Albers (R)
Joan Ballweg (R)
Garey Bies (R)
Pedro Colon (D)
Brett Davis (R)
Jeff Fitzgerald (R)
Donald Friske (R)
Mark Gottlieb (R)
Scott Gunderson (R)
Mark Gundrum (R)
Eugene Hahn (R)
Steve Hilgenberg (D)
Jake Hines (R)
Gordon Hintz (D)
Mark Honadel (R)
Ann Hraychuck (D)
Michael Huebsch (R)
Suzanne Jeskewitz (R)
Dean Kaufert (R)
Samantha Kerkman (R)
Frederick Kessler (D)
Steve Kestell (R)
Joel Kleefisch (R)
Bill Kramer (R)
Frank Lasee (R)
Daniel LeMahieu (R)
Thomas Lothian (R)
Dan Meyer (R)
Louis Molepske, Jr. (D)
Phil Montgomery (R)
Terry Moulton (R)
Jeffrey Mursau (R)
John Murtha (R)
Terry Musser (R)
Stephen Nass (R)
Lee Nerison (R)
Scott Newcomer (R)
John Nygren (R)
Jim Ott (R)
Carol Owens (R)
Kevin Petersen (R)
Jerry Petrowski (R)
Don Pridemore (R)
Kitty Rhoades (R)
Roger Roth (R)
Marlin Schneider (D)
Gary Sherman (D)
Jeff Smith (D)
Tony Staskunas (D)
John Steinbrink (D)
Jeffrey Stone (R)
Pat Strachota (R)
Scott Suder (R)
Gary Tauchen (R)
Barbara Toles (D)
John Townsend (R)
Karl Van Roy (R)
Robin Vos (R)
Amy Sue Vruwink (D)
Leah Vukmir (R)
Sheldon Wasserman (D)
Steve Wieckert (R)
Mary Williams (R)
Annette Williams (D)
Jeffrey Wood (R)
Josh Zepnick (D)
Bob Ziegelbauer (D)
Rich Zipperer (R)
Health Care for All - What a Concept!
Dear Rhonda,
As I travel around Wisconsin, and the country, the number one domestic issue raised is the mounting cost of health care coverage. I support health care for all Americans and last week I was proud to announce bipartisan legislation toward that end.
Senator Graham and I have introduced the State-Based Health Care Reform Act - bipartisan legislation that would create five-year pilot programs in states across the nation, allowing them to work toward maximum coverage by whatever means they deem appropriate. By examining different programs in different states, clearer solutions will emerge for solving the health care crisis nationally.
Competing programs of various designs will provide customized solutions for different states. Although participating states will have great leeway in constructing their programs, they must provide matching funds and reach certain benchmarks including meeting coverage standards, improving efficiency, and lowering administrative costs. To monitor the pilot programs, our legislation establishes the Health Care Coverage Task Force, which will approve grants and review the progress of each program.
Click here to learn more about this important legislation.
Senator Graham and I worked together with the Heritage Foundation and the Brookings Institution to develop this promising new bipartisan approach. If adopted, the State-Based Health Care Reform Act will provide coverage for thousands of Americans who lack adequate, if any, health insurance. This is not a "left" or "right" problem. It's an American problem, and it's going to take a strong national effort to fix it.
Write your elected officials and ask them to support this important legislation.
Health care coverage is the major issue facing the United States domestically, and one that demands a multi-faceted solution. This is an important first step towards ensuring that all Americans have adequate health care coverage, and I am proud to be a part of it.
I look forward to working with you, now and in the future, as we confront this challenge. Thank you for all that you do.
Sincerely,
Russ Feingold
United States Senator
Honorary Chair, Progressive Patriots Fund
As I travel around Wisconsin, and the country, the number one domestic issue raised is the mounting cost of health care coverage. I support health care for all Americans and last week I was proud to announce bipartisan legislation toward that end.
Senator Graham and I have introduced the State-Based Health Care Reform Act - bipartisan legislation that would create five-year pilot programs in states across the nation, allowing them to work toward maximum coverage by whatever means they deem appropriate. By examining different programs in different states, clearer solutions will emerge for solving the health care crisis nationally.
Competing programs of various designs will provide customized solutions for different states. Although participating states will have great leeway in constructing their programs, they must provide matching funds and reach certain benchmarks including meeting coverage standards, improving efficiency, and lowering administrative costs. To monitor the pilot programs, our legislation establishes the Health Care Coverage Task Force, which will approve grants and review the progress of each program.
Click here to learn more about this important legislation.
Senator Graham and I worked together with the Heritage Foundation and the Brookings Institution to develop this promising new bipartisan approach. If adopted, the State-Based Health Care Reform Act will provide coverage for thousands of Americans who lack adequate, if any, health insurance. This is not a "left" or "right" problem. It's an American problem, and it's going to take a strong national effort to fix it.
Write your elected officials and ask them to support this important legislation.
Health care coverage is the major issue facing the United States domestically, and one that demands a multi-faceted solution. This is an important first step towards ensuring that all Americans have adequate health care coverage, and I am proud to be a part of it.
I look forward to working with you, now and in the future, as we confront this challenge. Thank you for all that you do.
Sincerely,
Russ Feingold
United States Senator
Honorary Chair, Progressive Patriots Fund
Weldon, Maloney Introduce Vaccine Safety Bill
Measure Removes CDC’s Conflict of Interest; Helps Preserve Public Confidence in Vaccine Safety Research
Weldon Introduces Vaccine Safety Legislation
Washington, Apr 19 - At a press conference Thursday, U.S. Reps. Dave Weldon, M.D. (R-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) introduced a bill that would give responsibility for the nation’s vaccine safety to an independent agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, removing most vaccine safety research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Currently, the CDC has responsibility for both vaccine safety and promotion, which is an inherent conflict of interest increasingly garnering public criticism.
“There’s an enormous inherent conflict of interest within the CDC, and if we fail to move vaccine safety to a separate independent office, safety issues will remain a low priority and public confidence in vaccines will continue to erode,” said Weldon, noting that across the federal government similar conflicts of interests have been remedied, but with regard to mandatory childhood vaccines the conflict continues to persist unchecked. “This bill will provide the independence necessary to ensure that vaccine safety research is robust, unbiased, free from conflict of interest criticism, and broadly accepted by the public at large.”
To underscore the bill’s importance, Weldon highlighted the fact that a top CDC official urged the journal Pediatrics to publish a Danish study on the link between thimerosal and autism despite the CDC’s knowledge that this very same study was previously rejected by the highly acclaimed journals, JAMA and Lancet. The official urged the editor of Pediatrics to give the study, which he characterized as a “powerful epidemiology” study, an “expedited review.”
“The public has begun to question whether our government is doing all it can to ensure vaccine safety—and they are absolutely right to do so,” said Congresswoman Maloney. "When we in government require children to be vaccinated, we must make every possible effort to ensure that
vaccines are safe. I believe that this legislation will benefit nearly every child in America. I look forward to working with Dr. Weldon and our colleagues in the House to pass this incredibly important bill.”
Specifically, the Vaccine Safety and Public Confidence Assurance Act of 2007 would create and equip an independent office to address, investigate, and head off potential vaccine safety problems—like the use of mercury in vaccines—in an objective and non-conflicted office whose sole purpose is vaccine safety and evaluation. Additionally, it provides $80 million in funding to conduct vaccine safety research and analysis.
Weldon and Maloney were joined by several groups advocating vaccine safety reform, including the National Autism Association, A-Champs, and SafeMINDS.
Weldon Introduces Vaccine Safety Legislation
Washington, Apr 19 - At a press conference Thursday, U.S. Reps. Dave Weldon, M.D. (R-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) introduced a bill that would give responsibility for the nation’s vaccine safety to an independent agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, removing most vaccine safety research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Currently, the CDC has responsibility for both vaccine safety and promotion, which is an inherent conflict of interest increasingly garnering public criticism.
“There’s an enormous inherent conflict of interest within the CDC, and if we fail to move vaccine safety to a separate independent office, safety issues will remain a low priority and public confidence in vaccines will continue to erode,” said Weldon, noting that across the federal government similar conflicts of interests have been remedied, but with regard to mandatory childhood vaccines the conflict continues to persist unchecked. “This bill will provide the independence necessary to ensure that vaccine safety research is robust, unbiased, free from conflict of interest criticism, and broadly accepted by the public at large.”
To underscore the bill’s importance, Weldon highlighted the fact that a top CDC official urged the journal Pediatrics to publish a Danish study on the link between thimerosal and autism despite the CDC’s knowledge that this very same study was previously rejected by the highly acclaimed journals, JAMA and Lancet. The official urged the editor of Pediatrics to give the study, which he characterized as a “powerful epidemiology” study, an “expedited review.”
“The public has begun to question whether our government is doing all it can to ensure vaccine safety—and they are absolutely right to do so,” said Congresswoman Maloney. "When we in government require children to be vaccinated, we must make every possible effort to ensure that
vaccines are safe. I believe that this legislation will benefit nearly every child in America. I look forward to working with Dr. Weldon and our colleagues in the House to pass this incredibly important bill.”
Specifically, the Vaccine Safety and Public Confidence Assurance Act of 2007 would create and equip an independent office to address, investigate, and head off potential vaccine safety problems—like the use of mercury in vaccines—in an objective and non-conflicted office whose sole purpose is vaccine safety and evaluation. Additionally, it provides $80 million in funding to conduct vaccine safety research and analysis.
Weldon and Maloney were joined by several groups advocating vaccine safety reform, including the National Autism Association, A-Champs, and SafeMINDS.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Coalition of Autism Organizations Express Concern About Legislation to Restrict/Eliminate Access to Medicines
WASHINGTON, May 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A coalition of autism organizations today expressed concerns regarding draft legislation that would restrict or eliminate access to compounded medicines doctors prescribe to treat children with autism. The organizations -- A-CHAMP, Autism One, the Autism Research Institute, Defeat Autism Now!, Generation Rescue, Moms Against Mercury, the National Autism Association, NoMercury, REAACH, SafeMinds, SOAR Autism Network, TACA - Talk About Curing Autism, US Autism and Asperger Association and Unlocking Autism -- issued a position paper outlining their concerns with the so-called Safe Drug Compounding Act of 2007. The organizations' position statement can be found at http://www.nationalautismassociation.org
"As a mother and advocate for children with Autism, I am committed to ensuring our children have access to safe and effective treatments," said Wendy Fournier, president of the National Autism Association. "This legislation would have unintended consequences that would severely limit or completely deny access to the custom compounded medications that so many children rely on."
The organizations' concerns with the legislation center on the expanded authority it would give the Food and Drug Administration, which would restrict the availability of many commonly compounded medicines, some of which are prescribed to treat children with autism.
"Giving the FDA this kind of broad, unchecked authority is bad for patients," said Robert J. Krakow, president of A-CHAMP. "The FDA's current track record on food and safety overall is deplorable. Its track record on protecting children with autism is even worse. The FDA needs to do a better job protecting patients and consumers under existing authority before it can be trusted to take on more."
"We have an absolute epidemic of autism in this country," said Representative Dan Burton (news, bio, voting record) (R-Indiana). "Parents and doctors are struggling to find appropriate treatments options; and I personally believe that Congress has a responsibility to make sure that children with autism and their families receive the help that they need. Any legislation that unnecessarily limits medical treatment options is, in my opinion, deeply troubling, and potentially dangerous and should be opposed."
The groups will hold a conference call for reporters on Tuesday, May 1 at 11:00 AM EST. To participate, dial 800-351-4895, passcode: Autism.
For more information, visit http://www.nationalautismassociation.org.
CONTACT: Wendy Fournier of National Autism Association, +1-877-622-2884
"As a mother and advocate for children with Autism, I am committed to ensuring our children have access to safe and effective treatments," said Wendy Fournier, president of the National Autism Association. "This legislation would have unintended consequences that would severely limit or completely deny access to the custom compounded medications that so many children rely on."
The organizations' concerns with the legislation center on the expanded authority it would give the Food and Drug Administration, which would restrict the availability of many commonly compounded medicines, some of which are prescribed to treat children with autism.
"Giving the FDA this kind of broad, unchecked authority is bad for patients," said Robert J. Krakow, president of A-CHAMP. "The FDA's current track record on food and safety overall is deplorable. Its track record on protecting children with autism is even worse. The FDA needs to do a better job protecting patients and consumers under existing authority before it can be trusted to take on more."
"We have an absolute epidemic of autism in this country," said Representative Dan Burton (news, bio, voting record) (R-Indiana). "Parents and doctors are struggling to find appropriate treatments options; and I personally believe that Congress has a responsibility to make sure that children with autism and their families receive the help that they need. Any legislation that unnecessarily limits medical treatment options is, in my opinion, deeply troubling, and potentially dangerous and should be opposed."
The groups will hold a conference call for reporters on Tuesday, May 1 at 11:00 AM EST. To participate, dial 800-351-4895, passcode: Autism.
For more information, visit http://www.nationalautismassociation.org.
CONTACT: Wendy Fournier of National Autism Association, +1-877-622-2884
List of Co-Sponsors for Autism Insurance Mandate Bill Introduced by Judy Robson
Here is a list of Senators and Representatives that have signed onto the insurance mandate legislation introduced by Judy Robson. If your representative is not on this list you need to call their office and really ask them why they are opposed to helping our kids. Also, if your legislator IS on there, call and thank them. You can look up your Wisconsin legislator at the side under my picture.
There has been some rumors up at the hill that this legislation is a "democratic" issue. We HAVE to let them know that our kids are not republicans or democrats they are kids who need the legislature to act on this issue.
According to Senator Robson's Health Policy Analyst, Nadine Gratz, we can expect the insurance industry to lobby intensely to defeat this bill. In order to win, we have to be VOCAL!
Senators
Judy Robson
Bob Wirch
Dave Hansen
Lena Taylor
Jon Erpenbach
Mark Miller
Julie Lassa
John Lehman
Fred Risser
Jim Sullivan
Pat Kreitlow
Kathleen Vinehout
Bob Jauch
Representatives
Mike Sheridan
Andy Jorgenson
Terry Van Akkeren
Chuck Benedict
Kim Hixson
Bob Turner
Dave Travis
Dave Cullen
Spencer Black
Bobby Gronemus
Frank Boyle
Christine Sinicki
Tom Nelson
Sondra Pope-Roberts
Bob Turner
Tamara Grigsby
Cory Mason
Al Ott
Mark Pocan
Leon Young
Gary Hebl
Joe Parisi
Donna Seidel
John Richards
Jen Shilling
Terese Berceau
Mary Hubler
Jaosn Fields
Jim Kreuser
There has been some rumors up at the hill that this legislation is a "democratic" issue. We HAVE to let them know that our kids are not republicans or democrats they are kids who need the legislature to act on this issue.
According to Senator Robson's Health Policy Analyst, Nadine Gratz, we can expect the insurance industry to lobby intensely to defeat this bill. In order to win, we have to be VOCAL!
Senators
Judy Robson
Bob Wirch
Dave Hansen
Lena Taylor
Jon Erpenbach
Mark Miller
Julie Lassa
John Lehman
Fred Risser
Jim Sullivan
Pat Kreitlow
Kathleen Vinehout
Bob Jauch
Representatives
Mike Sheridan
Andy Jorgenson
Terry Van Akkeren
Chuck Benedict
Kim Hixson
Bob Turner
Dave Travis
Dave Cullen
Spencer Black
Bobby Gronemus
Frank Boyle
Christine Sinicki
Tom Nelson
Sondra Pope-Roberts
Bob Turner
Tamara Grigsby
Cory Mason
Al Ott
Mark Pocan
Leon Young
Gary Hebl
Joe Parisi
Donna Seidel
John Richards
Jen Shilling
Terese Berceau
Mary Hubler
Jaosn Fields
Jim Kreuser
Texans - Open Record Legislation Needs YOUR Help!
I strongly urge everyone to contact all Representatives on the State Affairs Committee regarding House Bill 3013 to oppose this legislation. This legislation will have a chilling impact on the ability of parents to acquire Open Records.
The Members of the State Affairs committee are:
Rep. David Swinford 512-463-0470
Rep. Ken Paxton 512-463-0356
Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale 512-463-0661
Rep. Wayne Christian 512-463-0556
Rep. Byron Cook 512-463-0730
Rep. Jessica Farrar 512-463-0620
Rep. Dan Flynn (800) 734-9515
Rep. Tan Parker (512) 463-0688
Rep. Marc Veasey (512) 463-0716
Louis Geigerman
The Members of the State Affairs committee are:
Rep. David Swinford 512-463-0470
Rep. Ken Paxton 512-463-0356
Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale 512-463-0661
Rep. Wayne Christian 512-463-0556
Rep. Byron Cook 512-463-0730
Rep. Jessica Farrar 512-463-0620
Rep. Dan Flynn (800) 734-9515
Rep. Tan Parker (512) 463-0688
Rep. Marc Veasey (512) 463-0716
Louis Geigerman
Gavin’s 2nd Annual Benefit Concert for Autism
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Shoreland Lutheran High School
9026 12th Street (Hwys. E & H)
Somers, WI. 53171
Silent Auction and food 4:00-6:00 pm
A FREE WILL OFFERING WILL BE TAKEN AT THE DOOR
Please give generously.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will match funds.
Shoreland Lutheran High School
9026 12th Street (Hwys. E & H)
Somers, WI. 53171
Silent Auction and food 4:00-6:00 pm
A FREE WILL OFFERING WILL BE TAKEN AT THE DOOR
Please give generously.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will match funds.
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