Presidents Day: Still no AUTISM CZAR
President’s Day reminds me again that President Obama seems to have forgotten all about the “Autism Czar”. I realize he probably won’t use the term Czar after people went nutzo on this term. He also refered to this person as a Federal ASD Coordinator in his campaign promise. That’s fine, ASD Coordinator will do fine. He did appoint a special adviser on disability policy and applied over $12B in stimulus money towards IDEA (special education funding via the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act). It is also worth note that stimulus money for IDEA is temporary and does not represent a longer term commitment. IDEA funding has not been raised to full levels.
Still no Autism Czar.
Candidate Obama on Autism …
“Many insurance companies have failed to assume their responsibilities. Individuals with autism are routinely denied insurance benefits for their treatments. As President, I will appoint a Federal ASD Coordinator, an “Autism Czar” to oversee and coordinate a nationwide effort to deal proactively with ASD. This effort will include diverse but credible research, treatment, personal care/assistance and family support and will work with existing national and state organizations and taskforces. We need to ensure that combating autism, once and for all, receives the recognition and priority it deserves at the highest level of government. This appointee will also have a mandate to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles that may be delaying implementation of important measures and will ensure that all federal funds are being spent in a manner that prioritizes results. We need to build effective communication and collaboration among federal, state and local agencies. Right now, our government is just trying to keep up and, as any family who faces autism will tell you, we are not even doing that. What we know and what we have seen is that America can and must do more.”
[Excerpts from Senator Obama's World Autism Awareness Day Speech]
- Obama’s Autism Czar Missing in Action
- As President, I will appoint a Federal ASD Coordinator, an “Autism Czar” …
- Autism Speaks Launches TV Ad Campaign Calling on Congress to End Insurance Discrimination Against Children with Autism
- Obama/Biden on Autism (.pdf)
- G20/World Autism Awareness Day - Brown Obama Must Help
- Progress is slow in the war against autism
- Prime Minister Gordon Brown Responds To Autism Campaigner On World Autism Day
Filed under: Autism NOT in the News, Politics
I wish someone would kick Obama in the buttocks to keep his promise for helping with autism all across the US.