Nebraska Act Early State Autism Team Educates Nebraska Legislators
December 10, 2013
The Nebraska Act Early State Autism Team, in partnership with the Autism Society of Nebraska (ASN), sponsored two events at the State Capitol in Lincoln, NE to enhance ASD awareness among members of the 2012 and 2013 Nebraska State Legislatures and their legislative aides and staff. During the 2012 legislative session, a Lunch and Learn was sponsored by State Team member, Senator Colby Coash. Members of the State Team, as well as several family members from ASN hosted the event. A powerpoint presentation providing information and data about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in Nebraska and nationally was shared. The Legislative Lunch was an excellent opportunity for State Team members and parents to talk about ASDs and to answer questions related to services and resources available in the state with over 60 Legislators and Legislative Aides attending the lunch. Additionally, each legislator in the Nebraska Unicameral was given a folder of information about ASD and the Nebraska Act Early State Autism Team.
An "Ice Cream Social" reception for members and staff of the 2013 legislature was another opportunity for members of the State Team to disseminate information about ASD with legislative aides and staff and to share the new materials and resources that were developed through AMCHP grant funding. Following the reception, State Team members distributed an Infographics and other Nebraska-specific information as well as the LTSAE materials to each of the 49 State Legislators' offices.
The 2014 legislative session begins on January 8, 2014 and additional ASD awareness activities are being planned.