Last week, the NC Senate passed a budget adjustments bill that proposes cuts to teacherās assistants, other school funds, and Medicaid, including the cutting of so-called āoptional populations,ā such as those eligible for Special Assistance and the medically needy. See our previous post for details on the proposal. In short, these cuts would be devastating…
The Importance of Keeping it Visual during Summer Break
Ā Summer vacation is just about here for many of us, and we are all looking forward to some much-needed sunshine, warmth, and fun activities. Even with a relaxed schedule, and lots of fun on the agenda, our children with autism will continue to need extra visual supports to help guide them through the day….
Senate Approves Budget Adjustments Bill
During the long legislative session last year, the NC General Assembly created a two-year budget for the state. During this yearās short legislative session, lawmakers review the budget and make adjustments based on current spending, revenues, and any new priorities that arose in the past year. The governor released his budget proposal several weeks ago,…
Summer Doesnāt Mean a Break from Learning
This article was contributed by Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Many of us are looking forward to the summer: no early mornings at the bus stop, frantic lunch packing, haggling over bedtimeā¦ you get the picture. Of course a break from the intensity of school is important, but donāt…
Spotlight on the Forsyth County Chapter
Editorās note: For those who have a loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a community of support can be a lifeline. For more than 40 years, ASNC Chapters and Support Groups have provided families who face similar challenges an opportunity to encourage one another, share experiences, find information and resources, and have a place where…
Spotlight on the Onslow County Chapter
Editorās note: For those who have a loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a community of support can be a lifeline. For more than 40 years, ASNC Chapters and Support Groups have provided families who face similar challenges an opportunity to encourage one another, share experiences, find information and resources, and have a place where…
Fight on, Autism Moms!
Autism moms are fighters. Recently, while I was at an autism awareness event, I asked a fellow mom to be in a photo with me. She jokingly remarked that she would have to hide her arms. āOh, are you a chef?ā I asked, thinking I saw burn marks. āNo, Iām an autism mom.ā Her…
Moratorium Would Kill Autism Insurance Reform
The Joint Study Committee on the Affordable Care Act, which is a specially appointed committee that has been meeting for the past few months, plans to make its recommendations to the General Assembly on Tuesday, May 14, including a proposed bill that would place a MORATORIUM ON ANY NEW HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATES. The moratorium is…
NC Legislative Session Starts May 14: What You Need to Know
May 14 begins the āshortā session of the North Carolina General Assembly. The short session takes place in even years and lasts about 6-7 weeks. Typically, legislators will make adjustments to the budget and take up a few pieces of legislation that either were not completed the previous year or are being introduced based on…