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
# # #