ACTION Federal: The Autism Treatment Acceleration Act(s) of 2009

Recently, Autismvotes put out a shout out for action on the U.S. Senate and House versions of the Autism Treatment Acceleration Acts of 2009 (See below for status of the Resolutions and the text), and this is a reminder to any interested that to progress this Congressional session, these (and any other bills of interest) need phone calls, emails, and, if it can be done, visits to state delegations either in D.C., or in the district offices. Both resolutions allow expansion of ERISA, allow for evidenced treatments for autism, including behavior analytic, and support grants and pilot programs for coordination and expansion of transition and adult services.

Some "how to kits" for advocacy, which can be used for any policy issue or legislative matter:

Legistlative Advocacy Handbook from the ABA-I Governmental Affairs Committee

Legistlative Advocacy PowerPoint from the ABA-I Governmental Affairs Committee

And a resource not produced by ABA-I, but another good general guide to advocating at the Federal level,
A Psychologists Guide to Participation in Federal Advocacy Process; Abridged version.
The original text for this guide was written by Barbara J. Calkins and revised by the APA Public Policy Office in 1995.
[This is a pretty general run-down on the legislative process and how to advocate, so much of the information can be applicable to anyone and not just Psychologists]

About the Resolutions, from thomas.gov

[111st] S.819 : A bill to provide for enhanced treatment, support, services, and research for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (10)
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

and

[111st] H.R.2413 : To provide for enhanced treatment, support, services, and research for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Sponsor: Rep Doyle, Michael F. [PA-14] (introduced 5/14/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Energy and Commerce; House Education and Labor; House Oversight and Government Reform; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 5/14/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Oversight and Government Reform, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Please see this page at Autismvotes to see summaries and bullet points on the legislation.

Thanks for taking action.

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Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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