Public policy year in review
by Katy
2010 was a landmark year of public policy achievement. People with autism and other disabilities made significant gains in health care, cultural acceptance, and telecommunications. Here are just a few of our successes:
- Thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, children with disabilities cannot lose their health insurance coverage because of a pre-existing condition. As a result, families no longer have to worry about whether they can afford the services their child needs, whether they have to secure a second mortgage or whether they will have to declare bankruptcy because of medical bills not covered by insurance.
- Thanks to Rosa’s Law, children with intellectual disabilities now live in a world where the term “retarded” is no longer acceptable.
- Thanks to the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, people who are blind will be able to rely on smart phone technology and watch prime time video-described television.
- Congress maintained funding for the majority of federal programs that benefit people with disabilities.
In July we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 35th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As we look forward to next year, our agenda of ensuring equality and opportunity for children and adults with autism and other disabilities continues.
Our efforts will focus first on educating the nearly 100 new members of the House of Representatives and Senate about Easter Seals, the needs of people with disabilities and their families, and the critical role that government plays in their lives. These efforts will be closely coordinated with affiliates. In addition, we will be working with the US Department of Health and Human Services on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and begin planning the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the federal early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
Please accept the very best wishes for the New Year from all of us at the Easter Seals Office of Public Affairs.