This March, the Autism Society is focused on providing resources surrounding Policy Advocacy, where our efforts, determination, and progress are exemplified at the local, state, and national levels.
2020 brings new and potential legislation surrounding community living, healthcare, housing, and employment, all of which affects the disability community—and with over 5,500 letters sent to congress through the Autism Society Action Center in the last 12 months, we are proud to continue to facilitate advocacy efforts for the extended disability community. Disability rights are human rights, and together we can make our voices heard.
Policy Resources:
- Disability Policy Seminar: Join hundreds of other national disability advocates to learn about current federal legislative issues!
- AAPD Election Resources: Understand why the 2020 Election matters, important dates, and a non-partisan analysis of candidates stance on disability policy issues.
- Employment Policy Toolkit for Self-Advocates: Designed by Nicole LeBlanc (former ASA policy fellow), this toolkit is designed by and for self-advocates to help them advocate for real jobs with real pay.
- SARTAC: Opportunity for self-advocates to develop and grow their skills as leaders in the self-advocacy movement.
- Subscribe to the Autism Society monthly policy newsletter, Ignite!
- Take Action by writing to your Members of Congress.
- Read the Autism Society legislative goals. Print copies to take to the Hill or send to your legislators.
- The Autism Society of America’s Statement on the President’s Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request.
- Autism Society’s detailed analysis of President Trump’s submitted annual budget.
Information & Referral Resources
- Autism Society Public Policy Congressional Agenda 2019/2020
- Autism Society Public Policy Agenda Brochure 2019/2020
- Autism National Committee (AUTCOM): The only autism advocacy organization dedicated to “Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism” through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches.
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement in the world of autism.
- Resource Library | Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Wide variety of resources about self advocacy. From books, toolkits, to videos, and websites that highlight information about advocacy and what it is.
- The ARC: For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities Promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): The largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities students with disabilities and/or the gifted.
Census Resources
Census 2020: By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. You will have three options for responding:
- Online.
- By phone.
- By mail.
- 2020 Census Recruitment Job Opportunities
- 2020 Census Community Benefits Toolkit
- The Arc Census
- Autism Society 2020 Census Information
Affiliates in Action
- Autism Society of California Survey: Every other year, the Autism Society of California surveys members of the California Intellectual and Developmental disability community. In 2018, over 1200 individuals responded to a variety of questions regarding quality of life, service systems and barriers.
- The Autism Societies of Central Virginia, Tidewater Northern Virginia, who work to host a state Developmental Disability advocacy day!
- Autism Society of Northern Virginia’s Candidate Forum Series.
- Autism Society of Florida’s advocacy efforts are especially focused on restraint & seclusion policy, and also host Autism Day at the Capitol.
- Autism Society of Southern Illinois Advocacy Day Event.
The Autism Society and our network of affiliates work hard everyday to advocate alongside self-advocates, and on behalf of the extended autism community to create a better quality of life across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan.
With your support, we can dedicate more time to advocate; $50 provides an hour of advocacy efforts at the national, state and local level. Disability rights are human rights. Donate today.
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