With already so few opportunities and scarce funding available to adults on the autism spectrum, why would policymakers create even more hurdles for autistic adults or others with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD)? Policy developed to protect and empower those with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities is creating unintentional barriers. The...
In late 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the CMS Innovation Center’s New Direction Request for Information (RFI). CMS Administrator Seema Verma said, “We recognize that the best ideas don’t come from Washington, so it’s important that we hear from the front lines of our healthcare...
Denny Roger’s daughter, Emily, was at a dead-end. Her family modified their home so she could have her own space, but her frequent meltdowns expressed her dissatisfaction and frustration. She moved into a home in the community with a roommate, but led a very isolated life. Sitting in front of...
By now, many of you have probably seen Brian Bethun’s article The End of Neighbors or coverage by The Today Show, TIME Magazine, or AOL that reported 50% of all Americans do not even know their neighbors' names. Bethun illuminates the notion that we, as a society, need to foster more human connections....