Missouri Autism Update
Provided by the Missouri Autism Coalition
Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel for Autism to hold first of statewide hearings on June 29, 2007 at Missouri State Capitol
Jefferson City – The first hearing of the Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism will be held from 10:00am until 4:00 pm on June 29, 2007 in the Missouri State Capitol Senate Lounge.
The panel is scheduling hearings around the state, to hear public testimony on autism –related issues and to hear testimony from the various autism-related fields of expertise. All proceedings are open to the public, with an open forum scheduled to hear testimony from any interested parties. Senator Michael R. Gibbons officially announced the Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism on April 26, 2007.
Senator Scott T. Rupp of Wentzville will serve as the panel chairperson, along with Ron Ashworth of St. Louis as Vice-chairman. The panel’s charge is to determine the “State of Autism” in Missouri including services, teaching, training, and research and to make recommendations for improving the quality of life across the lifespan of individuals with autism and their families.
Interested parties wishing to schedule a time to participate in public testimony may call Senator Rupp’s office in Jefferson City at 573-751-1282 or submit written testimony by email to: mdestefano@senate.mo.gov or by mail to:
Senator Scott T. Rupp
Attn. Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism
State Capitol Building - Room 426
Jefferson City, MO 65101
FAX: 573-526-4766
___________________________
Panel Nominees by Region include:
Senator Scott Rupp, (R-Wentzville) Chairman
Senator Jolie Justus, (D-Kansas City)
St. Louis Region:
Ron Ashworth, Vice Chairman
Julie Roscoe
Randy Sanders
Bill Bolster
Kansas City Region:
Tom Davis
Robin Russell
Mid-Missouri:
Dr. Steve Kanne
Dr. Laurie Fowler
Southeast Missouri:
Mamie Benson
Southwest Missouri:
Shawn Williams
Nikki Straw
Northeast Missouri:
Dr. Cindy Dowis
Missouri-at-Large:
Heidi Atkins Lieberman, DESE
Julia Kauffman, MRDD
All Missourian with an interest in autism-related issues NEED TO PARTICIPATE in the Blue Ribbon panel's hearings. There are opportunities to address the panel directly during the open forums or you can submit written testimony at any time.
GET INVOLVED!
Posted by: Ginger King Luetkemeyer | June 25, 2007 at 07:30 PM
Wow! This is very very cool! Congratulations Missouri Autism Coaltion!
Julie Roscoe
Judevine
Posted by: Julie Roscoe | June 27, 2007 at 07:11 PM
Great opportunity for all of us with kids on the spectrum... Our family will participate, so should yours!
Posted by: parent | June 27, 2007 at 11:10 PM
Great opportunity for all of us with kids on the spectrum... Our family will participate, so should yours!
Posted by: parent | June 27, 2007 at 11:11 PM
Testifying is an empowering experience. You don't need to be a perfect speaker. These folks are just like you and I. It's only 3-5 minutes. You do need to have an opinion which I don't think is a problem for any of the parents in this arena that I have met. Please speak your mind or decisions may be made without your opinion. Also, it is a matter of quantity. We are telling our legislators that there are so many of us but they aren't going to belive that till they see you or hear from you. At the very least submitt written testimony and don't forget to include pictures of your kiddos.
Posted by: Georgia Mueller | July 17, 2007 at 10:26 AM
Missouri's Blue Ribbon Autism Panel is past due for the state. Autism is in a crisis mode right now. I believe this could be the start of something historical. Autism affects the lives of families with children on the spectric dramatically. I know it affects mine. Change is needed in areas of education, insurance and financial assistance. I definately plan on speaking. There is power in numbers.
Posted by: Debbie Shaumeyer | August 05, 2007 at 05:48 PM
If we want improvements in our area PLEASE come testify!! Many parents in our area have struggled with services,schools, etc. If you don't mention it before people who actually WANT to help, then you can't really complain about not getting what your child needs. You have to be willing to speak up and do everything you possibly can. Without larger numbers our area could be left behind as usual.
Posted by: Kim Elliott | September 26, 2007 at 07:53 PM