Advocate

Advocacy Is Critical

The Autism Society of Ohio (ASO) advocates to improve Ohio’s disability system for a better quality of life for individuals with Autism and their families.  ASO is a coalition of the Ohio affiliates of the Autism Society of America and includes the Autism Societies of Central Ohio, Greater Akron, Greater Cleveland, Dayton, Mahoning Valley, and Northwest Ohio. Together, we cover 100% of the state and thousands of individuals and families living with Autism and other developmental disabilities in our communities.

AUTISM CARES ACT PASSED

The Autism CARES Act of 2024 has passed! This major win is the result of years of tireless advocacy by people with disabilities, their families, and allies. Together, we’ve made our stories impossible to ignore.

The Autism Society, and The Arc, alongside other disability rights organizations, have been on the frontlines pushing for change, and now, we celebrate.

Here’s what this law means for the autism community:
– Increased investments in services, research, and training across the lifespan
– Tackling long waits for diagnoses and closing the gaps in adult support
– Affirming the dignity, independence, and opportunities people with autism and other disabilities deserve at every stage of life
This victory shows what’s possible when we unite to make our voices heard. We’ve proven that advocacy works, but the fight isn’t over. While there are still challenges ahead—especially with threats to Medicaid—this proves progress is possible.

ASO’s 2024 work includes the following:

The Autism Society of Ohio (ASO) is a coalition of the Autism Society of America affiliates in Ohio, including Central Ohio, Greater Akron, Dayton, Greater Cleveland, Mahoning Valley, and Northwest Ohio

STATE LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

Support for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy
Letter to Ohio’s legislative Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee calling for a hearing to address a crisis in children’s ability to access ABA therapy due to unaddressed gaps in Ohio’s Medicaid system.  ASO sent a letter of support.

Support for Lauren’s Law
Letter to State Legislators supporting the use of cameras for safety and a new waiver for families to provide services; also makes recommendations for improving the overall system for Home and Community-Based Services.

Support for Mandatory Law Enforcement Training
Letter to Governor DeWine and state legislators after a 19-year-old with Autism died in police custody due to a negative response to misunderstood behaviors.

Support for Creating State-Wide Special Needs Database
House Bill 321 would establish a statewide 911 special needs database, to improve safety outcomes. ASO sent a letter of support.

COALITION ADVOCACY

OPRA letter to Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
Requests the Department to establish a stakeholder group to collaboratively review and enhance the Quality Assurance Rule or add a date certain in rule by when such a group shall be established.

LEGISLATION BEING MONITORED

• SB 176 – This bill is seeking to amend the Ohio Revised Code to allow the continuation of child support past the age of 18 for individuals with disabilities

• HB 427 – This bill seeks to phase out subminimum wage for disabled working individuals.

• SB 213 – This bill seeks to establish supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship.

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