Helping HANDS for Autism
Act Introduced in the House
Bill provides for lifespan autism services and awareness
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a companion to the Helping HANDS for Autism Act this week. The Helping HANDS for Autism Act (HR 6282) is a three-part legislative package designed to support families dealing with autism spectrum disorders, increase awareness among first responders and public safety officials and provide housing options and services for adults with autism. It was introduced by Reps. Kay Granger (R-TX), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Dan Burton (R-IN) and Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX). The bill is a companion to S 2950, introduced in the Senate last April.
What the Bill Does:
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Creates a grant program to provide “autism navigator” services to help families navigate the web of services and care they need. Navigators will help guide families to current health, education, housing and social services that are often available to individuals on the autism spectrum. The program will help connect families to important treatment options soon after diagnosis, help families identify education options, and help coordinate individuals’ care and community support.
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Provides for the development, demonstration and dissemination of a standard curriculum for the training of first responders (police, fire departments, emergency medical technicians and other volunteers) in assisting individuals with autism and other cognitive behavioral disabilities. It provides grants to states and local governments to support training of first responders.
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Creates a HUD task force comprised of appropriate national and state autism advocacy groups, community-based organizations and parents who are charged with developing a housing demonstration grant program for adults with autism. The goal of the grant program is to provide individualized housing and services to adults with autism spectrum disorders.
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First 100 Days Kit
© 2008 Autism Speaks Inc. Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks It's Time To Listen & Design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks
Inc. All rights reserved.
A tool kit to assist families in getting the
critical information they need in the first 100
days after an autism
diagnosis.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/docs/family_services_docs/100_day_kit.pdf
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