POLICY
7/8/2014
Clarification of Medicaid Coverage of Services to Children with Autism
A CMS Informational Bulletin
Today The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an informational bulletin with respect to services available under the Medicaid program to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
4/15/2014
Senator Harkin Introduces 'Six By '15 Campaign'
During an evening reception at the Disability Policy Seminar, Senator Harkin officially announced the start of the "6 By '15" campaign - an national effort to work on six national goals by the end of 2015, the year that marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and 40th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
3/23/2013
The ACA Turns 3!
We're wishing a happy birthday to ending discrimination against people with disabilities in health plans, ending yearly and lifetime caps on benefits and ending the exclusion of people with pre-existing conditions!
8/15/2012
AUCD 2012: Registration is Open!
Early Bird Deadline: October 14
Reserve your space now for AUCD 2012. This highly anticipated conference is a unique forum to share innovations and promising practices across a broad array of topics that ultimately impact the quality life for people with disabilities and their families in their communities.
7/30/2012
Dr. Robert Marion and Sheryl Dicker of the Rose F. Kennedy Center (NY UCEDD) Publish Article on ASD and the Juvenile System
Robert Marion, PhD, director of the Rose F. Kennedy UCEDD in the Bronx, NY, and his colleague, Sheryl Dicker, JD, a longstanding advocate for children with disabilities, authored the "Judicial Spectrum Primer: What Judges Need to Know About Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders." This article was published in the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judge's (NCJFCJ) Juvenile & Family Court Journal.
6/28/2012
Health Care Ruling a Victory for All Americans
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) applauds today's United States Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA). "The Affordable Care Act is a landmark law and a victory for all Americans, but especially for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions who often struggle to find quality health coverage," said AUCD President Anthony Antosh, EdD.
6/6/2012
AUCD Statement on the Proposed DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder
AUCD strongly supports the development of diagnostic criteria that accurately and reliably identify individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and provide a foundation for effective intervention and supports.
The comment period for the proposed changes to the DSM is open until June 15. These changes include revisions to criteria for diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders. AUCD strongly supports the development of diagnostic criteria that accurately and reliably identify individuals with ASD and provide a foundation for effective intervention and supports. AUCD submitted comments that includes principles for redefining the criteria and recommendations for the workgroup.
5/21/2012
In Memoriam: Katie Beckett
Katie Beckett, whose disability rights case led to kids with disabilities being allowed to live at home, dies at age 34
Katie Beckett passed away on May 18, 2012. Her struggle and that of her parents led to the Katie Beckett Waiver Program that allowed literally hundreds of thousands children with disabilities and fragile medical conditions to be supported at home rather than in hospitals or nursing homes. Katie grew to be a youth leader in the world of children with special health care needs who, by her example, courage, energy, and spunk, provided a model and was a standard bearer for all those working for full participation and individualized supports for individuals with disabilities and special health care needs and their families. Julie, Katie's mother, has been an unwavering ally and support in Katie's journey to change the health care system in this country. The thoughts and prayers of the entire AUCD network go out to Katie's parents Julie and Mark, as well as all of Katie's family and friends. Katie proved that one person can indeed change an entire system and help countless others. Read more for a statement from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and links to select national articles and tributes to Katie.
4/1/2012
AUCD Celebrates April as Autism Awareness Month
AUCD joins the autism community in celebrating this month focused on raising awareness of the needs of families and individuals affected by autism and the research and training that is underway to address those needs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 88 children in the United States has been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder.
3/26/2012
AUCD 2012 Conference: Invitation to Participate
You are invited to the AUCD 2012 Conference! The conference will feature new types of sessions, allowing attendees to learn more during their time at the conference. Use the "presentation details" information to begin preparing your proposal for one of the new session types; the online submission form will be available in a few weeks.
9/7/2011
Senate Committee Unanimously Passes the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act
Now the full Senate and House of Representatives must act quickly to pass the bill into law. Ask your members of Congress for their support!
8/9/2011
Rylin Rodgers & Family (IN LEND) Participate in White House Meeting on Medicaid
Riley Child Development Center Training Director Rylin Rodgers and her daughter Laura Rodgers visited the White House on July 7th to discuss the importance of Medicaid to families of children with disabilities and special health care needs.
3/24/2010
Health Care Reform Signing Celebration: An Historic Day
George Jesien represented AUCD at the 2010 Health Care Reform Signing Celebration. George heard in-person the President thank the countless thousands who had been working for years on health care reform and describe the challenging journey ahead.
1/28/2010
2010 Disability Policy Seminar
Together, The Arc, UCP, AAIDD, AUCD, NACDD, and SABE annually look to our extensive grassroots networks to advocate in a bipartisan manner for national public policies promoting the full inclusion of people with disabilities in our society. Find out how you can participate in the 2010 Disability Policy Seminar!
11/12/2009
AUCD 2009 Annual Meeting & Conference
The 2009 AUCD Conference was held November 8-11 in Washington, DC. Over 500 network members and friends in attendance deemed this year's event "one of the best ever."