I would like to believe that those who were responsible for making decisions about how the United States is governed would be able to see past the fog of corruption that has caused so many problems. Such magical thinking is convenient if nothing else, but it's something that we can no longer afford.
This post represents is a bad deal. This thinking is how the rights of autistic people get sold out with loudest, most crass commercialism.
There are two distinct opposing patterns which are both being represented as autism advocacy. The ideal of these two entities with opposing goals coming together for a common goal has the potential to be as corrupt as any other political movement has ever been.
When a soup line waters down beef stew and coffee in order to help an unexpected crowd it may be for altruistic reasons. When you dilute the purpose of needed advocacy such as the advocacy rights movement for autistic people with the corruption that accompanies all unstructured and unbridled political agendas, you are feeding a beast with an insatiable appetite.... Chasing a Dragon.... Entertaining fantasies.... Encouraging the illusion of virtue where there is none.... And selling your independence, your vote, and the value your beliefs have for making positive change.
This is a document that describes.... well, the description is like a bridge to nowhere. It's like a road with no shoulders that circles around to include the misinterpretations that have caused the mistakes of the past. It's as sweet as saccharine at drugstore sale. It's like high school prom that old people still dream about and wait for. It's like discount dime store art. It's like champagne in a can or wine that comes in a carton. It's a frozen dinner with lobster. It's the holindaze sauce on Egg McMuffin. It's a refurbished AMC Gremlin. It's a mortgage of a double wide trailer on wheels. The Mona Lisa adorned with bling. A velvet Elvis hanging on the walls the Library of Congress. It commercializes autism along with autistics....basically it SUCKS!
O.K. this is the source of these demands;
and here they are;
1.) There must not just be one person but an ENTIRE U.S. OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE.
2.) The use of Time Out Rooms, Corporal punishments, uncalled for Restraint(unauthorized by parent)must be STOPPED NOW with severe fines and convictions.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/12/17/seclusion.rooms/index.html
http://www.autismvox.com/boy-dies-wrapped-in-weighted-blanket/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8RlcIRkBkw
3.) States must each have an "A.R.A. compliance office" or forfiet funds made available through this ACT.
(4) Due Process Hearing Officers shall be employed by the Federal Government ONLY.
(5) Insurance companies and School Districts must collaberate to provide the Early Interventions at no cost to parents.(6)Speech/Language, O.T., Sensory Integration, and other therapies must be made available.
(7) Protection and Advocacy MUST be funded properly.
(8) Grants must be made for Education, Research, and Non Profits re; A.S.D.'s. (9) Relief for parents who have paid out of pocket to educate their children must be made swiftly with 100% reimbursement. (10) Behavior Intervention Plans must accompany all Individual Education Plans even if it is to state " No Behaviors ". (11) Testing at parent or adult discretion re: toxins that may affect an individuals ability to learn or live functionally. (12) Insurance companies must make available all resources for children and adults with A.S.D.'s deemed necessary by their physician.(13) Non Attorney Advocates and Self Advocates are recognized.(14) This Reform Act must be 'open' for additions as needed and create a panel of 15 Indiduals - Adults w/Autism, Parents, and Specialists. We May Not agree on all of this BUT, ONE THING WE MUST ALL AGREE ON - AUTISM REFORM !
