Blogging for Autism Power

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41275163053177284702012-02-15T23:25:19.902-08:00Blogging for Autism PowerOrganizing for Autism Rights!Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.comBlogger481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-29623645848470736072008-06-18T16:20:00.001-07:002008-06-18T19:50:59.399-07:00Autism, Space and Time Continuum

Wow...I really can't believe that's its been just over a year since I've written in this blog! So much has happened:The legislation we were working on was defeated in the State Assembly.My daughter began and then we pulled her out of an inadequate and inappropriate placement in the Cedarburg School District, and we began battling with the district regarding their infringement of her civil

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-61110081583908027712007-06-14T09:08:00.000-07:002007-06-14T09:09:09.877-07:00MEDICAID AUTISM WAIVERS AND STATE AGENCIES SERVING PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

April 10, 2007 2007-R-0319 By: Saul Spigel, Chief Analyst You asked (1) for a list of states with Medicaid waivers that cover services specifically for people with autism and (2) what agencies other states use to oversee service delivery to this population. SUMMARYFour states—Colorado, Indiana, Maryland, and Wisconsin—are operating Medicaid waivers covering home- and community-based services

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-81745537254222843472007-06-13T08:36:00.000-07:002007-06-13T08:38:13.311-07:00Call NY Gov: School Districts - Not Parents Should Bear the Burden!

PLEASE ACT IMMEDIATELY TO LET GOVERNOR SPITZER KNOW FIRST-HAND WE NEED HIS SUPPORT!PLEASE CALL OR FAX GOVERNOR SPITZER BEFORE 5pm TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAT AT 518-474-8390 / 518-474-1041 or FAX (anytime)474-1513, and say/write:"Governor Spitzer. I am a family member (friend) of a special needs students. Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan and Senator Andrew Lanza have introduced legislation, Assembly bill 5396

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-83560457762541997252007-06-08T07:04:00.000-07:002007-06-08T07:05:00.637-07:00SC Legislature overrides Governor's Veto of Autism Bill

07 June 2007House overrides autism veto; bill now lawThe House easily overrode Gov. Mark Sanford's veto of a bill Thursdayextending insurance coverage to children with autism.The vote was 114-0.After voting, House members turned toward the balcony and gave familiesrepresenting children who have the disorder a standing ovation.Before the vote, Rep. B.R. Skelton, R-Pickens, chastised the

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-82050294835087039942007-06-03T13:58:00.001-07:002007-06-03T13:58:41.512-07:00Texas Gov: Sign Autism Bill!

Gary ScharrerAustin Bureauhttp://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA060307.01B.autism.357329a.htmlSource: mysanantonio.com AUSTIN — Parents of children with autism cheered when Texas lawmakers revived a dead bill they say will give families hope, save some from bankruptcy and reduce long-term costs for taxpayers. But the Texas Association of Business wants Gov. Rick Perry to veto House

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-8727265420000825342007-05-30T09:07:00.000-07:002007-05-30T09:09:48.482-07:00Our Legislation on the Radio!

This from Nadine Gratz in Sen. Robson's office:At 6 am tomorrow morning (Thursday, May 31), Sen. Robson will be the special guest on Wisconsin Public Radio talking about the autism bill. She will be on Joy Cardin's show on the statewide "Ideas Network". Judy will be on from 6-6:30 am. In the 6:30-7 time slot, Joy may have someone representing the insurance companies that oppose the bill as an

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-51653110439616196672007-05-30T07:05:00.001-07:002007-05-30T07:05:33.925-07:00Step It Up 4 Autism Rally Tomorrow!

Prior to the public hearing for SB 178, the bill that would insure thatpeople with autism had the right to treatment, there will be a rally onthe Capitol Steps (the rain location is the Rotunda of the Capitol).Please bring signs and wear t-shirts or Autism pins, etc. as there willbe media present.A strong showing here will allow our representatives to see that we arecommitted and organized,

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-1301039120110458242007-05-30T07:02:00.000-07:002007-05-30T07:04:06.642-07:00South Carolina Joins Push for Insurance Coverage

Governor should support coverage for autistic childrenBill would provide needed therapy for young people up to $50,000 ayearPublished: Tuesday,May 29, 2007 - 2:00 amState lawmakers approved a bill that would require private insuranceto cover treatment for autistic children. Gov. Sanford should sign thebill.A spokesman for the governor on Friday said the bill had not yetreached Sanford for his

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-54731604577412438602007-05-29T07:10:00.000-07:002007-05-30T07:12:44.296-07:00Nadine Gratz Answers Questions re: SB 178 Coverage

Dear Laura: I am writing in answer to your questions to Rhonda about SB 178, authored by Sen. Judy Robson, relating to autism services in health insurance plans. 1. My family has health insurance through Unity, which is based out of Sauk City. We have a PPO. It is a group plan through my husband'sworkplace. Will we have coverage through this proposed legislation? Yes. The bill requires that the

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-15215412970001945582007-05-29T06:45:00.001-07:002007-05-29T06:54:39.014-07:00Epanding the Promise Legislation

Dear Friends of the Autism Community,While we do not know what causes autism, we do know that with early intervention and concentrated treatment, the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can be mitigated, enabling individuals with autism and their families to live less isolated lives. The Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA) will provide additional treatment and support

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-26013735778389633822007-05-25T11:49:00.001-07:002007-05-25T11:49:45.549-07:00California Action Alert

AN ACTION ALERT FROM A PARENT REGARDING ASSEMBLY BILL (AB) 1490. The introduced version of this bill would have corrected a problem in existing state law, which currently endangers many nonpublic nonsectarian schools that deliver special education services. "Nonpublic nonsectarian schools" are the nonpublic placements where disabled students receive much needed interventions, such as ABA !

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-75552097742028090932007-05-22T04:55:00.000-07:002007-05-22T04:56:27.597-07:00WOARN: "STEP IT UP 4 AUTISM, WISCONSIN!"

CONTACT: Rhonda J. Greenhaw Wood Organizer WOARN - Wisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now (608)669-7660 http://www.Bloggin4AutismPower.blogspot.comWisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now (WOARN) tells Wisconsin state legislators to: Step It Up 4 Autism!Madison, Wisconsin -- May 31, 2007 -- Wisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now (WOARN) is organizing a

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-49049981607606020162007-05-22T04:51:00.000-07:002007-05-22T04:55:26.936-07:00Parents of Disabled Child Win Ruling

By Robert BarnesWashington Post Staff WriterTuesday, May 22, 2007; Page A03The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that parents of disabled children do not have to hire lawyers to sue school districts when they attempt to ensure that their children's special needs are adequately met.The court found that the federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees children a "free

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-13480567478909291522007-05-22T04:50:00.000-07:002007-05-22T04:51:04.100-07:00Texas Legislators Hold Up Vote on Insurance Coverage for Autism Bill

NEWS RELEASE Media Inquiries:FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cynthia Singleton713-201-7250Texas Autism Advocacy, Senator Eddie Lucio, andRepresentative John Davis Call on Legislators to AllowFloor Vote on SB 419Bill would allow insurance coverage of treatmentsfor children with autismHouston – May 21, 2007 – The members of Texas Autism Advocacy call uponthe Texas House of Representatives to send schedule

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-71036889478257812952007-05-20T13:15:00.000-07:002007-05-20T13:25:23.927-07:00Houston County Ga. Bd. of Ed. Gone Crazy: Arrests Mom of Boy Abused at School for Not Sending Kid Back!

In what can only be described as government officials drunk on their own power, a mother has been arrested and had to post a $1,000.00 bond in order to obtain her freedom for violating the state's truancy law. Her son, a seven year old boy with autism, was tormented by his school bus driver and other kids on the school bus and was returned home with unexplained bruises. The mother requested

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-18849465562272599292007-05-20T12:43:00.000-07:002007-05-20T12:46:59.116-07:00Danielle's Law - Help Save Lives!

Please contact your Congresspersons (there is a link on the left for your U.S. Senate and House member look-up) and ask them to cosponsor these bills. They are the Federal version of a NJ law called Danielle's Law.It could save the life of one of our kids if they ever end up in a group or other facility."Danielle's Law requires that staff serving individuals with disabilities call "911" in the

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-63469623501062611262007-05-20T11:54:00.000-07:002007-05-20T11:55:15.002-07:00Call for Action: Severe Discrimination of Autistic Student

Call for Immediate Action:Below is a letter from a mother regarding an egregious example of mistreatment of her daughter, a member of our special needs community. Brigid, a girl with autism and a serious physical injury, will not be graduating with her class, and will lose out on a scholarship that she has earned to Cornell College because her school district has refused to accommodate her

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-27180782369245746842007-05-10T20:45:00.000-07:002007-05-10T20:51:43.745-07:00Legislative Breakfast - Vision for EQuality, Inc.

Invites you to a Continental Breakfast on Friday, June 1, 2007 with Elected Officials and Dignitaries Who Represent the Citizens of Philadelphia.Dennis M. O’Brien, Speaker of the House, Arthur C. Evans, Jr., Ph.D., Director of the Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services and our Elected Officials Will Discuss the Pennsylvania State Budget as it Relates to Support for:The

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-37063005551026775422007-05-08T11:05:00.001-07:002007-05-08T11:05:47.977-07:00Keep Calling!

To mark the introduction of the insurance mandate legislation into the senate today, let's all make a few phone calls to our assembly people, and at least 3 other assembly members! We can make calls that go something like this:Today, Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson is introducing legislation in the Senate that would require insurance companies to pay for autism treatment. This piece of

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-3078003952647586242007-05-07T14:57:00.000-07:002007-05-07T14:59:18.553-07:00Insurance Mandate Introduced Tomorrow! Stong Co-Sponsorship!

Our efforts are paying off!The synopsis is, co-sponsors:32 - Assembly17 - SenateThis is very, very strong showing" -Nadine Gratz, Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson's Health Policy Analyst.It will likely be assigned to the Senate Public Health Committee by the President of the Senate, Fred Risser. This committee is chaired by Senator Tim Carpenter.How soon the chair of the committee holds a

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-29778566055668128082007-05-07T09:45:00.000-07:002007-05-07T09:46:40.411-07:00Texas School Districts Want to Charge Parents to Get Kid's Records

Dear friends: Our freedoms never disappear in a single fell swoop; it's bit by bit by bit. A harmless tea tax here, SB 889 there.Remember SB 889? The bill which if it passes in the House will enable our school districts to start levying the-moon-and- the-stars public records charges of their own determination after 100 pages per month? So all of their records will suddenly be in another building*

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-28293657386346626102007-05-03T07:11:00.000-07:002007-06-17T16:59:45.647-07:00Autism and The Conflict Between Treatment and Respect: A Parent's Manifesto

I've been immersed in the world of autism as much as anyone can be who isn't autistic (although there are many "non-typical" similarities I and my husband both believe we share with my daughter).When my daughter was first displaying autistic traits when she was a year and a half, until we received her diagnosis, my husband and I had many conversations of our belief that she was actually more

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-42778791415505935362007-05-02T21:23:00.001-07:002007-05-02T21:23:41.523-07:00Our Representatives are Supposed to Represent Us!

The important thing we have to remember is that our representatives are supposed to represent us, the citizens of Wisconsin, not the insurance companies. We elect them. Our system was designed that way so that power is distributed to the people, not moneyed interests. But we have to hold our representatives to this trust because money can buy influence. Believe me, though, these people in

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-78402908531167976262007-05-02T18:03:00.000-07:002007-05-02T18:04:12.924-07:00Assembly Members that Need Contacting

Here is a list of the Wisconsin State Assembly Members that need contacting so that we may find out their stance on the issue. Can you make five phone calls tomorrow? Just take five names from the list and call their offices in Madison. Then report back to me, and I'll fill in the spreadsheet I've created with the vote count!Sheryl Albers (R)Joan Ballweg (R)Garey Bies (R)Pedro Colon (D)Brett

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-46117059643567848482007-05-02T16:59:00.000-07:002007-05-02T17:00:09.979-07:00Health Care for All - What a Concept!

Dear Rhonda,As I travel around Wisconsin, and the country, the number one domestic issue raised is the mounting cost of health care coverage. I support health care for all Americans and last week I was proud to announce bipartisan legislation toward that end. Senator Graham and I have introduced the State-Based Health Care Reform Act - bipartisan legislation that would create five-year pilot

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-88553143345450132462007-05-02T16:11:00.000-07:002007-05-02T20:15:08.835-07:00Weldon, Maloney Introduce Vaccine Safety Bill

Measure Removes CDC’s Conflict of Interest; Helps Preserve Public Confidence in Vaccine Safety Research Weldon Introduces Vaccine Safety Legislation Washington, Apr 19 - At a press conference Thursday, U.S. Reps. Dave Weldon, M.D. (R-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) introduced a bill that would give responsibility for the nation’s vaccine safety to an independent agency within the Department of

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-11144834841498907742007-05-02T06:31:00.000-07:002007-05-02T06:33:04.562-07:00Capitol Steps for Autism! Thanks to A.N.G.E.L. Inc. for the Photos

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-21295789375891252402007-05-02T06:29:00.000-07:002007-05-02T06:31:15.278-07:00Capitol Steps for Autism - Rallying the Troops!

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-42459444336255131202007-05-01T10:58:00.000-07:002007-05-01T11:03:26.018-07:00Coalition of Autism Organizations Express Concern About Legislation to Restrict/Eliminate Access to Medicines

WASHINGTON, May 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A coalition of autism organizations today expressed concerns regarding draft legislation that would restrict or eliminate access to compounded medicines doctors prescribe to treat children with autism. The organizations -- A-CHAMP, Autism One, the Autism Research Institute, Defeat Autism Now!, Generation Rescue, Moms Against Mercury, the National

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-37879744701901310902007-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:002007-05-01T05:52:27.531-07:00List of Co-Sponsors for Autism Insurance Mandate Bill Introduced by Judy Robson

Here is a list of Senators and Representatives that have signed onto the insurance mandate legislation introduced by Judy Robson. If your representative is not on this list you need to call their office and really ask them why they are opposed to helping our kids. Also, if your legislator IS on there, call and thank them. You can look up your Wisconsin legislator at the side under my picture.

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-76810860317581293542007-05-01T05:45:00.000-07:002007-05-01T05:46:44.270-07:00Texans - Open Record Legislation Needs YOUR Help!

I strongly urge everyone to contact all Representatives on the State Affairs Committee regarding House Bill 3013 to oppose this legislation. This legislation will have a chilling impact on the ability of parents to acquire Open Records.The Members of the State Affairs committee are:Rep. David Swinford 512-463-0470Rep. Ken Paxton 512-463-0356Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale 512-463-0661Rep. Wayne Christian

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-75241602768561989982007-05-01T05:33:00.000-07:002007-05-02T06:35:06.051-07:00Gavin’s 2nd Annual Benefit Concert for Autism

Saturday, May 12, 2007Shoreland Lutheran High School9026 12th Street (Hwys. E & H)Somers, WI. 53171Silent Auction and food 4:00-6:00 pmA FREE WILL OFFERING WILL BE TAKEN AT THE DOORPlease give generously. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will match funds.

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-82707553848170246272007-04-30T14:19:00.000-07:002007-04-30T14:25:25.698-07:00Insurance Mandate: "It's kind of a no-brainer" - Nadine Gratz, Health Policy Analyst, Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson's Office

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Nadine Gratz, Health Policy Analyst for Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson. We talked about Judy Robson’s reasons for introducing the bill that would mandate insurance coverage for autism treatment, and what concerned citizens, parents and advocates can do to help. RJ Wood: What is the status of the bill introduced by Judy Robson mandating insurance

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-27660226101194736042007-04-30T11:42:00.000-07:002007-04-30T11:46:27.658-07:00Senator Hansen Supports Autism Mandate

Jay Wadd, Chief of Staff for Senator David Hansen, member of the Joint Finance Committee, in a conversation I had with him today, expressed that Senator Hansen believed that the proposal by Judith Robsen would be acted on swiftly and sent to the Assembly for a vote. He was unable to cite a specific time-line, but assured me that Senator Hansen was a supporter of this legislation.

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-14180129919705048622007-04-30T11:34:00.000-07:002007-04-30T11:37:11.130-07:00Letter Asking for $15 Million in Defense Budget for Autism Research

The Honorable John P. Murtha, Chairman The Honorable C.W. Bill Young, Ranking MemberAppropriations Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations Subcommittee on DefenseRoom H-149 The Capitol 1016 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515Dear Chairman Murtha and Ranking Member Young:On behalf of the estimated 1.77 million American families affected by autism spectrum

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-86732755531933355152007-04-30T11:31:00.000-07:002007-04-30T11:33:19.169-07:00Letter to WI Own Dave Obey re: Funding for Combating Autism Act

The Honorable David Obey The Honorable Jerry LewisChairman Ranking Minority MemberCommittee on Appropriations Committee on AppropriationsU.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of RepresentativesWashington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515The Honorable James WalshRanking Minority MemberSubcommittee on Labor, HHS, EdCommittee on AppropriationsU.S. House of RepresentativesWashington, DC 20515Dear

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-91931080023604081722007-04-30T11:01:00.000-07:002007-04-30T11:06:21.313-07:00Milwaukee Area Legislative Breakfast

This just in from Emily Levine at ASSEW:If driving to Madison wasn’t an option for you and you live in Milwaukee County, you will have an opportunity to meet with your legislators in Milwaukee on May 18th. Make it Work! Milwaukee is a coalition of groups concerned with services for people with developmental disabilities, people with mental illness, and people who are aging within Milwaukee

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-53405818417541480242007-04-30T10:29:00.000-07:002007-04-30T11:48:00.399-07:00Senator Decker's Staff - Returning Autism Proposal to the Budget Not Possible at this Time

According to Linda Warren, a staffer for Senator Russ Decker of the Joint Finance Committee, Senator Decker is a supporter of the new legislation by Senator Robson, but doesn't believe that returning the insurance mandate to the budget proposal is possible.What are the benefits of returning the language to the budget proposal? Is it more feasible to just pass the legislation seperately as

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-47609004097402861872007-04-27T23:57:00.000-07:002007-04-28T00:02:08.969-07:00Please Take the Poll on Wait List Length!

In order to get a sense of how the wait list policy is impacting Wisconsin residents who need treatment for their children, I have posted a poll at the following web address:http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/WisconsinOrganizing4AutismRightsNow/polls/

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-15040470834125040732007-04-27T16:23:00.000-07:002007-04-27T16:30:33.181-07:00Joint Finance Committee Letter

Simply cut and paste and personalize the letter below and mail it to the members of the Joint Finance Committee that are listed below! If we inundate them with these letters, they may just return it to the budget. I did receive a "tip" from a legislative source that they are considering just this!Dear Senator/Rep. ___________,My name is _______________ and I am writing to you, a member of the

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-91058969617475465162007-04-27T10:25:00.000-07:002007-04-27T10:26:30.301-07:00Autism Act of 2007

US Senate Appropriations Committee Holds Hearing on Autism Funding(From ASA)ASA Member, Staff and Parent TestifiesOn April 17, autism took center stage on Capitol Hill as a new services bill was introduced to the House, and the Senate Appropriations subcommittee, chaired by Senator Harkin, held a hearing on federal coordination and funding for the Combating Autism Act. Congressmen Mike Doyle,

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-45682919351581548232007-04-26T14:09:00.000-07:002007-04-26T18:38:00.201-07:00Joint Finance Committe - Contact Them!

Here are the members of the Joint Finance Committee who have decided to remove the insurance mandate provision from the budget language. Please email, fax and call them and let them know you would like for them to return this language to the budget!Senator Russell DeckerDemocrat - Senate District 29Sen.decker@legis.wisconsin.gov(608) 266-2502(608) 267-9027 - fax(715) 359-8739 - District

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-53592931192766173562007-04-26T08:17:00.000-07:002007-04-26T08:18:39.821-07:00Letter Supporting Our Legislative Goal of Insurance Mandate

I wrote this letter so that people who missed the rally, or friends and family could send a letter to their representatives so that we could keep up the pressure!Dear Senator/Rep. ___________,My name is _______________ and I’m a constituent of yours who lives in __________. I am writing to you today because of concerns I have regarding Autism. My ______(insert relationship here e.g. – neighbor’

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-54565646743810124532007-04-26T08:15:00.000-07:002007-04-26T08:16:50.906-07:00Sample Follow-Up Letter to Keep Up the Pressure

If you got a chance to talk to your representative, don't forget to send them a thank you not following up on your conversation with them, even if they didn't agress with out position! You can reiterate in the message why we believe the coverage is important. By sending this it will remind them about how organized and powerful a constituency we are. Below is my thank you note, which you are

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-67515474887524521102007-04-26T08:14:00.001-07:002007-04-26T08:14:23.467-07:00Lobbying Results!

Yesterday I was thrilled by the turnout and so excited to get to talk to my Assembly person Rep. Mark Gottlieb and my senator, Glenn Grothman, both of whom I had spoken with on the phone previously regarding this issue.Rep. Gottlieb was not in his office when I went in, but his very helpful staff member told me that he was two floors up in Caucus and so I went upstairs and the Sergeant-at-Arms

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-35635574325461223862007-04-26T08:09:00.000-07:002007-04-26T08:12:44.407-07:00Capitol Steps for Autism!

On Tuesday, April 24th we had an AMAZING rally in Madison at the State Capitol and a very successful day of lobbying! I am getting wonderful reports about how impacted our representatives were by the OVER 1,000 people that attended!Let’s keep the ENERGY from going! As the mother of a 5 year old with autism who spent a YEAR on the wait list I was so gratified to see the wonderful turnout in

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-64868101223740451182007-04-26T08:04:00.001-07:002007-04-26T08:04:51.560-07:00Wisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now!

Wisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now, or WOARN is an organization for people with autism, their families, friends and professionals to come together to work towards the following:1. End the wait list so that there is full funding of appropriate levels of treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD)2. Funding for services for individuals with ASD throughout their lifespan at appropriate

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127516305317728470.post-31345418592818275072007-04-26T07:28:00.000-07:002007-04-26T07:36:06.519-07:00Blogging for Autism Power

Welcome to Blogging for Autism Power...this blog will focus on organizing grassroots efforts to benefit people with autism and those who love them! We are starting our focus in Wisconsin and then will branch out to cover more area as the need arises or if emphasis is needed at the federal level!

Rhonda J. Greenhaw Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006772374766440629noreply@blogger.com0