Since I wrote my last blog, What’s Speech Got to Do With It?, in 2019, my son, along with the rest of the world, went through a rollercoaster cycle of emotions due to the pandemic, ranging from fear, insecurity, isolation, and utter frustration. His volunteer activities as well as other outside activities came to a…
Medicaid Transformation and Tailored Plan Updates
For additional information about the Medicaid Transformation process in North Carolina, please visit our page of information and resources. New timeline released for Tailored Plan rollout The start of the new Tailored Plans, integrated health Medicaid Benefit Plans for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), as well as those with significant mental health and…
The Samantha R vs. the State of North Carolina Court Decision
In February of 2020 the State was found to be in violation of the Persons with Disabilities Protection Act and that people with disabilities in North Carolina were being unnecessarily institutionalized, or were at risk for being institutionalized, due to a lack of community-based options. The decision reinforced what people with disabilities, their families and…
Camp Royall: A Place for Teens to Connect
Camp Royall is a special place for campers of all ages, from 4 to 104! In recent years our programming for teenagers has grown, and we’re excited that Camp Royall can be a place for young people to connect and prepare for adulthood. In 2016, we started Teen Tuesday, a monthly group for teens to…
Letter to Legislators from the Autism Society of North Carolina
The following letter was sent in May to thank legislators for increased funding for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The Autism Society of North Carolina will continue to advocate for competitive wages for DSPs in recognition of the work they do improving lives and supporting families. May 18, 2022 To: House and Senate Leadership, Joint…
Parent-to-Parent Support – It Will Change Your Life
What is support? As a verb it means: To bear all or a part of the weight of, hold up. Give approval, comfort, or encouragement. When families first call an Autism Resource Specialist, we encourage them to get involved with a local support group, such as the ASNC Chapters. Why do we do this?…
Join a Family Chapter for Support, Education, and Fun
Now that the kids are settled into the new school year and the holidays are approaching, are you looking for some activities with families that “get it”? Check out our more than 70 Chapters and Support Groups serving families in 73 counties across the state! They are offering many events and meetings – outdoor, online,…
Policy Pulse Update
Federal Actions HR 2373 Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act  (H.R. 2373), a bipartisan bill introduced in Congress on April 6th , phases out the use of subminimum wage certificates for people with disabilities, which many people view as outdated and unfair. The bill authorizes funds to help states transform their employment systems to…