THIS IS TOO IMPORTANT TO IGNORE:

As an advocate for families of members with disabilities, I received this notice today and it is one that we cannot possibly ignore: Please take action immediately and pass this information on.

Dear Massachusetts Autism Advocate:

With the stamp of his veto this past week, Governor Deval Patrick has once again told low-income children with Autism Spectrum Disorders that they would not be able to receive the intensive home-based services (including ABA and Floor Time) provided under the Autism Waiver program. Governor Patrick cut $1 million in funding from this critical program, even though our children are already underserved by this program! During the initial eleven day enrollment period in November 2007 the families of more than 1,100 Massachusetts children with ASD applied for just 80 slots available under the Waiver. Hundreds of low-income children continue to languish on the waiting list!
It is time speak on behalf of low-income children with ASD living in Massachusetts!

Our state legislature recognized the critical need for funding of this program and budgeted $4 million for Fiscal Year 2009. This would double the number of available slots in the program to 160!!

Governor Patrick needs to be aware that this already underserved population simply cannot afford to be shortchanged again. Every child with autism deserves the opportunity to have appropriate intensive intervention. Their future quality of life depends on it.
How Can YOU Help?

1. Immediately CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND STATE SENATOR at 617-722-2000 and urge them to support an override of Governor Patrick’s veto of $1 million in funding for the Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver (Line Item 5920-3010). If you are not sure who your representative and senator are you can find out HERE

2. CALL Speaker of the House Salvatore DiMasi at 617-722-2500 and Senate President Therese Murray at 617-722- 1500 and ask them to support an override of Governor Patrick’s veto of $1 million in funding for the Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver (Line Item 5920-3010).

3. Forward this email to everyone you know and ask them to MAKE THE CALL too!!

The override CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED, but we all have to get on the phones to our legislators immediately. Today is the day that you can truly make a difference for a child with ASD.

Thank You,

Judith Ursitti
Massachusetts Chapter Advocacy Chair
Autism Speaks