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COSAC Implores Members to Support Proposed Autism Legislation on 2/25




COSAC is asking its membership to attend an Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee session on Monday, February 25 at 10 am at the State House in Trenton, during which a second round of autism legislation will be introduced, to show a support of this pending legislation.

Families affected by autism will be present to provide compelling testimony about the needs for improved autism services in New Jersey to NJ Assembly leaders, specifically Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts, Jr. have proposed a second package of bills to support NJ residents affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The six bills would provide individuals with ASDs a government advocate, a procedural safeguard in self-directed living arrangements and insurance coverage for evidence-based treatments
This second wave of autism legislation was proposed by Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden), a sponsor of both packages of bills. The bills would provide:

· Health coverage: The Legislature would direct insurance companies to pay for therapies and the treatment known as Applied Behavioral Analysis.
· Office of the Advocate for Persons with Autism: Staff would connect individuals and families with services, raise awareness and promote initiatives.
· Self-Directed Residential Support Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Rights Act: Program would empower people with developmental disabilities to choose self-directed residential supports with protections.
· Identification: The state would offer ID cards for people with autism, who can have trouble communicating, to use in emergencies and other situations.
· Student partners: School districts would pair students with autism and volunteer peer buddies to foster social interaction among youngsters with disabilities and typical youngsters in Grades 7-12.
· Internet: The NJ Autism Web site would combine input from experts and advocates on screening, support groups and services.

If you are interested in joining the crowd to show your support of the proposed legislation, please arrive at 9:30 on Feb. 25. If you are willing to testify on behalf of the bills, please contact COSAC Director of Public Policy and Systems advocacy Leslie Long at 609.883.8100, extension 48.

The State House is located at 125 West State Street in Trenton, NJ. The zip code is 08625.


Participate in Creating COSAC's Strategic Vision


COSAC's Board of Directors and Executive staff will be engaged in a strategic planning process to collaboratively frame a vibrant vision for the future of COSAC. The process will begin with a strategic planning retreat. During the retreat, we will engage in dialogue around the concerns and issues about which we are most passionate, what we care about most and believe will make a positive difference in the lives of NJ's autism community. WE NEED YOUR INPUT. You are invited to contribute information that will help us help you.

As you provide your responses to the attached survey, please consider COSAC's Mission Statement:

COSAC is a nonprofit agency providing information and advocacy, services, family and professional education and consultation. COSAC encourages responsible basic and applied research that may lessen the effects of, and potentially prevent, autism. COSAC is dedicated to ensuring that all people with autism receive appropriate, effective services to maximize their growth potential and to enhance the general overall awareness of autism.

Please keep in mind, COSAC is not a direct service provider and your responses will remain confidential.

Be a part of creating COSAC's strategic vision for the future.


Your input is vital.



COSAC Needs Your Input For Next Legislation Session




Throughout the legislative session ending January 7, 2008, COSAC has worked with legislators on a number of bills affecting people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This work has addressed bills on special education, insurance coverage for ABA, diagnosis and referrals of children with ASDs, the Adults with Autism Task Force, and many more.   

On January 8, 2008, the new session of the New Jersey Legislature begins. Sixteen of the 40 Senators sworn into office that day will be new, while the Assembly will welcome 27 new faces among the 80 Assembly members taking office.  

We need your help!

As we prepare for the next legislative session, we would like to know what issues affecting people with ASDs you consider most important. This will help COSAC determine its legislative priorities, and where to direct our efforts for the next two years.  Click here to download a survey.  Please complete and return the form to: Leslie Long, Director of the Public Policy & Systems Advocacy COSAC, 1450 Parkside Ave., Ste. 22, Ewing, NJ  08638. Or e-mail Leslie Long, Director of Public Policy & Systems Advocacy, at leslie.long@njcosac.org.

Click here to see the most recent survey results.