The Marin Autism Collaborative supports the work of the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on
Autism. The Blue Ribbon Commission was established by the California Legislature in 2005. Its goal is to have direct
impact on the needs of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. Authored by Senate President Pro Tem Don
Perata (D-Oakland) and supported by Assembly Speaker Fabian N?ez (D-Los Angeles), the resolution (SCR 51), creates a sixteen
member Commission representing parents of children with autism, the public and private sector, educators, physicians, and
public health officials.
The following bills pertain to moving the Blue Ribbon Commission’s work forward:
SB 527 (Early Identification of ASD)
•
Pilot project (three or more counties) established by DDS to establish best practices for the effective identification,
assessment and treatment of children with ASD and other developmental delays
•
DDS will establish an Autism Early Identification Advisory Committee (AEIAC) to implement innovative approaches,
promote collaboration/communication, utilize new telehealth strategies, improve professional development, provide appropriate
compensation, and increase public awareness
•
DDS and AEIAC shall report to the Legislature by July 1, 2011 with an evaluation and recommendations based on
the outcomes of the pilot project
•
Will be funded by non-general fund sources
SB 1175 (Expansion of Housing for Individuals with ASD)
• Expands the existing
authority that has been granted to the Bay Area Housing Consortium Regional Centers to all regional centers throughout the
state
• Authorizes all regional centers to enter
into negotiations and contracts with certain specified entities for the payment of lease or leases on housing for regional
center clients pursuant to the fulfillment of the following stipulations provided for in this act:
* That the housing and services are integrated with individuals
without disabilities
* Approval
of proposed ownership and management by regional center & DDS
* Reasonable costs
* Proposal includes approved transfer of property to non-profit approved by regional center
•
Bill calls for review of contracts by California Housing Finance Agency and the Department of Housing and Community
Development
SB 1364 (Health and Safety Code relating to ASD)
• Legislative intent to declare and establish
that that ASD is a public health crisis within California.
•
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been established to improve access to health care services
•
The Legislature directs the CDPH to establish an Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Council
•
The Legislature directs CDHP to explore and provide recommendations on establishing a pilot project for a voluntary
centralized registry of individuals with ASD
SB 1475 (Pilot on Transitional Services for Early ASD Treatment)
• Pilot project (three or more counties) by DDS to improve the transition of children with ASD as
they transition at three years of age from regional centers to school districts
•
This project shall identify and implement existing
models of excellence and best practices that will establish seamless, coordinated, and integrated programs between regional
centers and local school districts for the. identification, assessment and treatment of children with ASD and other developmental
delays from birth to five years of age
• DDS shall establish an Early Autism Intervention and Transition Advisory Council
that shall advise and assist the department in the pursuance of this legislation
•
DDS and the Advisory Council shall provide a
report and recommendations to the Legislature by June 1, 2012
•
Will be funded by non-general fund sources
SB 1531 (Police Officer Training on ASD)
• The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training shall create and make available on DVD and
electronically a course on how to recognize and interact with people with ASD
•
This course will be made available to peace
officers, firefighters, ambulance attendants and other emergency workers
•
Possible voluntary identification card
• Possible voluntary electronic data base linked to DMV
SB 1563 (Health Insurance Coverage of ASD)
• The Department of Managed Health Care and the Department of Insurance shall review guidelines and
standards on the screening, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders
• The Department of Managed Health Care and the Department of Insurance shall develop recommendations by October 1, 2009,
on ensuring that health plans and insurers provide appropriate and equitable coverage for those illnesses
• These recommendations would be consistent with the protections provided under the existing California Mental Parity
Law, which specifically identifies ASD and PDD.
AB 1872 (Establish State Clearinghouse for the Education of Students with ASD)
• Based on the recommendations of the Superintendent’s Autism Commission, CDE shall establish
the California ASD Clearinghouse in order to provide evidence-based recommendations and practices for the education of pupils
with ASD
• Information provided by the Clearinghouse shall be targeted to a broad range of
audiences and shall include the following goals:
*
Internet web site on evidence-based practices
* Creating a “toolbox” of resources
* Featuring demonstration projects
•
Superintendent of Education shall convene a
Clearinghouse Oversight Committee to represent major stakeholders for the education of pupils with ASD and to perform the
following:
* Establish criteria, guidelines, and processes
* Select anchor documents and resources
*
Provide advice and recommendations
* Develop online rating systems and periodic surveys
AB 2302 (Expanding Credentials for Special Education Teachers to Educate Students with ASD)
• Current law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to report to the legislature and the
Governor on the existing process and requirements for obtaining and special education credential and to recommend modification
to enhance and expedite those procedures.
• Authorizes the holder of a level 1 education specialist credential who is authorized
to provide instruction to individuals with mild and moderate disabilities to provide instruction to pupils with ASD
