The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Adults with autism have the human and civil rights to live, work, socialize, recreate, learn, love and worship in the settings and manner they choose for themselves, with the support and guidance of parents, families and caregivers. This presentation will provide the tools to exercise informed choice and self determination. Participants who attend this presentation will be able to:

• Identify and evaluate the community living and employment options that are most appropriate to their needs or the needs of the adult son or daughter with autism.
• Document their informed choices about the community living and employment options they choose in their Person-Centered Plans and Individual Service Plans.
• Cite the state and federal regulations that provide the protection under the law for their rights to choice and self determination.

This presentation will draw upon:

• Resources and information developed for California’s self-determination program by the Autism Society of Los Angeles, Disability Rights California, and the CA State Council on Developmental Disabilities
• Information developed by the Coalition for Community Choice, a national alliance of organizations, businesses, and housing professionals that strive to meet the housing and employment demand for an array of life options for those with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD).
• Autism Speaks National Housing and Residential Supports Survey, the first ever survey designed to measure and define the physical housing needs as well as the types of support services needed by young adults and adults with autism.
• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Final Rule CMS-2296-F and associated guidance
• State of Nevada Five-Year Strategic Plan for Autism submitted to Governor Sandoval in January 2015

The sessions contributes to best practices and advances the field of ASD by 1) promoting and defending the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism to choose their residential and employment settings from the broadest range of options; 2) educating federal and state governments on innovative Olmstead-compliant housing alternatives to “one-size fits all” approaches; and 3) preserving access to essential, publicly-funded services and supports in these settings.

Learning Objectives: