http://todayhealth.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/01/10543990-autism-rescue-firefighter-teaches-how-to-help-autistic-people-in-emergencies
A Today Show segment about first responders and autism. Very relevant to police responder - how to handle a panicked autistic person during a fire.
Here is some information about the waiver for autistic adults. I believe Corbett's 2012 budget reduced funding here - still looking for the actual cuts. Also, I'm not sure why this article does not list Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) as a waiver county - but I know my nephew is on this program. He also gets Medicaid and a small amount of social security.
ReplyDeleteAnd one more thing - let's Light It Up Blue in April!
APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH!
Adult Autism Waiver
Community Resources for Independence is a Support Coordinator Provider for the Bureau of Autism’s Adult Autism Waiver Program in 19 counties within Northwestern and Central Pennsylvania. These counties include: Beaver, Blair, Butler, Cameron, Centre, Clinton, Elk, Erie, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Forest, Huntingdon, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, and Warren.
What is the Autism Waiver?
The Autism Waiver is a statewide program of services designed specifically to meet the needs and profile of people 21 years of age and older with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the Autism Waiver individuals need to: • Have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) • Be 21 years of age or older at time of application
• Live in Pennsylvania
• Meet financial and functional eligibility
What are the goals of the Adult Autism Waiver?
• Increase the person’s ability to care for themselves
• Decrease family/caregiver stress
• Increase quality of life for both individual and their family
• Provide specialized support to adults with an ASD based on need • Help adults with ASD reach their employment goals
• Support more involvement in community activities
• Decrease crisis episodes and psychiatric hospitalizations
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Autism affects 1 in 100 births. It is approximated that 1.5 million Americans are believed to have some form of Autism. Early diagnosis can cut down on costs for lifelong care by about two thirds. Please join us in spreading the word about autism. As April is Autism Awareness month, we ask you to show your support of the cause by “going blue.”
Community Resources for Independence currently has 4 trained Support Coordinators located out of the Erie, Bradford, Altoona, and Hermitage offices. There are presently 14 participants within this program and they are actively pursuing the Bureau of Autism’s values that entail “improving their quality of life and increasing their independence and self-sufficiency” with the right supports. For real life testimonials from 3 of CRI’s Adult Autism Waiver Participants meet Kevin, Jonathan, and Kevin as they share the experience that CRI has created for them.
Kevin Meyer
“The Adult Autism Waiver has helped me in many ways. These ways include: better navigation on the roads in Erie, keeping track of income and expenses by using money management software and a check register, keeping active and fit by going to the YMCA on a regular basis, practice having responsibilities through the use of a ‘chore list’, keeping track of upcoming appointments or events by using a calendar/planner, and being introduced to a plethura of social opportunities. All of these activities have been crucial to my transition into an independent lifestyle.”
Please call today at 814-838-7222 or visit us on the web for more information at www.crinet.org

What you can do to Light It Up Blue!
• Wear blue clothing or a blue ribbon, and encourage your coworkers to do the same.
• Light your house or business up blue by putting blue light bulbs in any outdoor fixtures.
• Raise awareness for Autism online or spread the word about Light It Up Blue!

Children with Autism... Become Adults with Autism!
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www.crinet.org
Information about Corbett's proposed and adopted budgets for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.budget.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/current_and_proposed_commonwealth_budgets/4566
Here is a glossary of mental health terms. Note the "active listener." This would not apply in Bolton's case as he is non-verbal, but it demonstrates that an officer following procedure would try very hard to make sure the person receiving a 302 understands and can communicate his/her needs, etc.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mhaging.org/help/glossary.html
Here is a link about (teen) siblings gaining custody of other siblings;
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ehow.com/info_8308172_can-teen-granted-custody-siblings.html
Information about Medicaid and the costs of autism and the reasons for and extent of Medicaid coverage and waivers for autistic children. This is a house bill and I'm still checking to see how much of this is now in effect and what the adjusted numbers are. But you can see that it is expensive to care for a child/adult with autism. Here's the link: http://www.house.state.pa.us/SpkrJournal/documents/8/v8_a6.pdf
ReplyDeleteCheck out 'THE POOP PAGE."
ReplyDeletehttp://autismwow.wordpress.com/
ReplyDeleteDid we talk about this? I feel like someone shared this, but either way it's been really interesting to read. The sensitivity that this woman carries is very revealing.