Help Military Retirees Affected by Autism

Autism Society of America President and CEO Lee Grossman joined Congressmen Jim Moran (D-VA) and Jeff Miller (R-FL) last week as they announced new bipartisan legislation that would help military retirees get health care coverage for autism therapy at a Capitol Hill press conference.

“The Autism Society of America strongly supports H.R. 6930, the Military Family Autism Equality Act, which would provide quality care to families that have made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Grossman. “It also sets an example for insurance companies in the private sector, an important step toward getting all families and individuals affected by autism the appropriate, medically necessary care they need.”

As you know, ABA therapy has been shown to be effective in treating individuals with autism, and reducing overall lifetime costs. Unfortunately, the military retiree health program does not provide coverage for ABA. This policy leaves approximately 8,800 children with autism of military retirees without access to needed care.

The Military Family Autism Equality Act would correct this problem by allowing military retirees to receive coverage under the Department of Defense’s Extended Care health Option (ECHO). The ECHO benefit provides up to $2,500 per month with a maximum of $30,000 per year for this important therapy.

We need your help to get this important legislation passed. Send a letter to your representative asking him or her to cosponsor H.R. 6930, the Military Family Autism Equality Act.

Sincerely,
The Autism Society of America

GRACE Weekly Update

THE GRACE FOUNDATION

 264 WATCHOGUE ROAD

 STATEN ISLAND, NY 10314

TEL NO: 718-983-3800

FAX NO: 718-983-3858

 

GRACE FOUNDATION PICNIC

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008

12:00pm-5:00pm.  Goodhue Center, 304 Prospect Ave (Entrance on Lafayette Ave)

See attached flyers for details.

 

If you would like information on the

Grace Foundation Shared Raffle

please call 718-983-3800.

The drawing will take place at the Grace Foundation Annual Picnic.

Winner need not be present.

 FATHER’S NIGHT OUT - October 20th, 8:00pm.  Jimmy Max $25.00 per person.  Please call the Grace Office at 718-983-3800 to register

 

PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS -  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  The second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 10:00am at 264 Watchogue Road, Staten Island.  Please call the Grace Office at 718-983-3800 to register. 

The Impact of Traumatic Experiences in Children / El Impacto de las Experiencias Traumáticas en Los Niños

Wednesday, October 1 – Noon to 1:00 pm / Miercoles, 1 de Octubre – 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Topic/Tema: The Impact of Traumatic Experiences in Children / El Impacto de las Experiencias Traumáticas en Los Niños
Presenter/Conferencista invitado: Ellen Datner, Psy.D. Psychologist Child Protection and Development Center Bellevue Hospital / Psicóloga, Centro de Protección y Desarrollo de Niños en el Hospital Bellevue

To participate in any Your Child’s Mental Health conference call: Dial toll free 1.866.228.9900, then enter passcode 884742. You will be prompted for your name, but if you wish to be anonymous just say: “parent of a child under 18,” “provider,” or “other.” The call-in number and passcode are the same every month.

Para poder participar de manera gratuita en esta conferencia siga los sigientes pasos: marque el siguiente numero telefónico:1.866.228.9900, seguido por el código 884742; Inmediatamente le pedirán su nombre.  Pero, si desea participar de manera anónima sólo diga: “padre,”"proveedor,” u “otro.” Este número telefónico y código será el mismo siempre que haya una conferencia.