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.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED NOW!
Starting June 20th ~ Please call or email your state legislator and members of the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee (JMOC)!
1. Send this Message to JMOC
Let Members know that children with Autism are losing important Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) treatment because of gaps in Ohio’s Medicaid system that need to be fixed! Ask members to please hold a hearing to address these barriers families and providers are enduring. You can email the attached fact sheet and letter to Sen. Romanchuk, Chair - romanchuk@ohiosenate.gov.
2. Send this Message to your State Legislator
Applied Behavioral Analysis is an important treatment for children with Autism, but due to Ohio’s patchwork system, children who have Medicaid are losing ABA. Please support changes to the Ohio Medicaid system that remove barriers to ABA, helping children with Autism with educational and behavioral treatments that improve their long-term quality of life.
HOW TO FIND YOUR LEGISLATOR
Step 1: Find your nine-digit zip code for your home, clinic, and work HERE.
Step 2: Find Your Legislator. Enter your nine-digit zip code in the two spots for zip codes (first 5, then the extra 4 digits) at the Ohio House and Senator Lookup Page. You do not need a street address. This is where you find the legislator's name and district number.
Step 3: Email Address to the Legislator. Follow these email formats. Medicaid & Autism: Request hearing in JMOC (Medicaid Oversight)
House of Representative emails are rep##@ohiohouse.gov (## = House district number)
Senate emails start with the legislator's last name, such as root@ohiosenate.gov
ASO’s 2024 work includes the following:
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.