Doors are opening - 5TH Highest Overall Ranked Idea for Change in America

[Guest guest]

Listmembers,

Throughout the last few weeks we have had several what I would

call 'shocking' reports regarding the treatment of children with

disabilities and as well the treatment and retaliation of those who

try to help them. The CNN reports of time out rooms and cells should

concern EVERY parent regardless of whether their child is disabled or

not.. if for you have not looked at this site I believe you should,

however awful it may be it is the horrifying truth for the children in

our schools...regardless of disability or none.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/12/17/seclusion.rooms/index.html

After viewing the article and seeing the video of the father of

the child from GA. that died in one recently, it is not a 'fun'

subject to discuss - but discussion must take place and action after such.

The other very shocking news came to you in a post recently..

Regarding an Arizona Advocate that is facing 150 plus years prison in

a retalitory action against him due to the fact he was a 'winning'

advocate with not only a record of due process wins. The arresting of

him with guns drawn is simply wrong. Haven't we had enough ?

So, many parents and those on the Autism Spectrum have responded

rallying the " Autism Reform Act of 2009 " , And relief for those that

have been or are in Special Education or Disabled " .

This is not a replacement for the ADA but I personally think the " ARA "

should be an ACT that is reauthorized and continued after it has been

made acceptable to the President Elect and the Legislative branch that

will ratify and fund it.

THE ACT IS CURRENTLY IN 5TH PLACE IN THE NATION FOR ALL IDEA'S FOR

CHANGE IN AMERICA. In the 'Education' category it is 1st by almost 600

votes and almost 800 votes over the 3rd place idea that will also make

it to the final round.

We have made a statement as not only parents but also those on the

spectrum or with other disabilities. I believe strongly that the

'force' of the movement of parents must at some point, and I believe

the time is NOW, join together with the large population of those on

the spectrum or disabled that are Adults. This is for them, and if we

are going to speak for them they not only deserve a 'say' in it, they

are needed for input that has already been crucial in revising the

proposal in ways I believe will be more acceptable to the

President-Elect and to the entire community that needs to merge..those

with disabilities on the spectrum or not, and those that are parents

of disabled children and are going through the education process. By

looking at the 'finished product' or person that has gone through

special education we get insight that we could only get from someone

that has actually been in the students chair, been denied something

unfairly as an adult such as SSI, being put on waiting lists for

Medicaid waivers, and so on. How long should we just sit here and say

" I don't like this part " " We can't fund this " (We've funded

bailouts totaling a trillion plus when you include the fannie/freddie

and we've also spent just as much/more on war) " This should be

changed " (well email me or respond with some constructive input for a

change or addition to the the ACT) " I just don't have time to read

this post or concern myself with this

because........ " (Our children and those that are older kids of ours

come first, take the few moments and do what you can to make the

difference.. Please) " I don't think the Aspies and others that are

adults can make these kind of decisions " ( Believe me they can and

already have !)

So lets open our minds to the possibility of real " Change " , the

kind that counts. Regardless of what political party we follow,

regardless of what beliefs we have that are different " I like the

GFCF diet " " I think HBOT is the way to go " " I think chelation is

all that works " " All kids need a 1:1 aide (this may be close to very

true for the younger kids on the spectrum and with other disabilities) " .

REGARDLESS... we must join together and forget about indifferent

feelings on subjects that will result in absolutely NO funding unless

we come together in a strong accord and make something happen.

This is not 'my' act.. as I've said before it belongs to the people,

made by the people, and for the people. I'm just a concerned dad with

a big mouth that types fast (but I can say enough is enough, time for

change NOW) ! No more kids need to die, no more adults on waiting

lists due to underfunding the Medicaid Waiver program, no more kids in

unsafe inappropriate environment pulling out their hair as the one

young girl did in a time out room.... The bottom line is we have an

OPEN DOOR now.. we have attention and need to go after it. Please

email me offlist at Peace4kids@... and let me know your input. It all

counts.. some are major ideas and some are compiled with 'like' ideas,

all of which will appear in some shape or form on the final proposal.

The input I am now getting from the Adults on the spectrum is quite

large. We have several 'groups' ....and in the last 12 years I have

not seen unity at all within them.. lets as parents be patient and

listen to our kids...let them give input..as Adults they have valuable

information..And those on the spectrum or with other disabilities..

try to keep an open mind as far as the possibility we now have as the

5th highest rated idea in America and Number 1 in Education a basic

'given'. Those who haven't supported.. please take the time to

register and support - your input matters.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/accept_and_sign_the_autism_reform_act_o\

f_2009

E. , Sr.

The Office of Advocacy for Autistic Children(soon to be Individuals).