News You Can Use!

Self Advocacy Workshop


NACDD is hosting a Self-Advocacy Workshop cosponsored by The Autism Society, to be held on January 25, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. ET. 


The topic of this workshop is Internet Safety. This self-advocacy workshop will focus on how to stay safe on the internet. We will learn from an expert on best practices and common errors that result in individuals getting into negative situations.


You will need to register in advance.

Register 


Important Information from DHHS about Nebraska Medicaid





Parents and guardians with children on Medicaid please make sure the information is up to date with ACCESSNebraska. This will help DHHS be able to reach you if they have questions while completing a renewal.


DHHS is aware that parents and guardians believe their family is no longer eligible for Medicaid. Because of this, some families are not updating their information with ACCESSNebraska. These families and their children may still be eligible for Medicaid but DHHS can't renew their coverage if they don't have the most updated information.


DHHS is reaching out to ensure that Nebraskans do not lose their Medicaid if they still qualify.


Parents and guardians can update their information and get answers about their family’s Medicaid/CHIP coverage by contacting ACCESSNebraska at:



Over the phone by calling:


Additionally, they want to remind Nebraskans that they can apply for Medicaid at any time if:



  • They lost their Medicaid but think they may be eligible; or
  • They have not had Medicaid but think their family may qualify.


Beginning in 2024, children who are newly eligible for Medicaid will be covered for a full year regardless of a change to their eligibility status. This will help ensure that children on Medicaid have access to the healthcare they need.

Agencies and Anxiety: Moving to Adult Life. A Parent/Caregiver Zoom Series


Transition planning for your child can produce anxiety and frustration. Join in these helpful zoom sessions to learn the ins and outs of preparing your child and family for adult living.


Each session will bring in experts to present for 1 hour, followed by 30 minutes of Q & A. You will be registered for 6 sessions. All sessions will be recorded and shared out. Register one time for all sessions. Download the flyer here.

Register

ASN Legislative Connection

National Updates


The Autism Society of America's Capital Connection Newsletter is featuring a new ‘Justice Center Corner’ focusing on criminal justice and civil rights. You can find past posts of the Capital Connection on their Capital Connection Blog. .


The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a report on supportive services for autistic individuals to the House Appropriations Committee, which the committee requested after urging by the Autism Caucus. The report identifies needs and opportunities to strengthen services in key areas and can be used to advocate for gaps in services.


The Kaiser Family Foundation released new data on waiting lists for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and wait lists. They found that from 2016 to 2023 number of individuals on waiting lists has barely changed (~700,000 individuals nationally consistently waiting), and that states that screen individuals before allowing them on wait lists have slightly shorter lists. Nationally the wait time before receiving services shortened from 45 months in 2021 to 36 months in 2022. The waitlist in Nebraska for similar services is substantially longer than this average at about 7-9 years.

Nebraska Updates


The short session of the Nebraska Legislature has begun! This is a 60-workday session for senators and is currently scheduled to end on April 18th, 2024 but is subject to change as the session progresses.



Senators have 10 days to introduce new legislation, with a January 17th, 2024 deadline. The first day saw the introduction of 82 new bills!


In addition to introducing bills, legislators also need to agree on a set of rules of how they will proceed throughout this session along with any changes they want to make from the last session's rules. The proposed public hearing date for rules is tentatively set for January 8th, with a floor debate regarding rules starting on January 10th. While some rules have already been submitted they are not yet available to the public.


Please click the boxes below for more information.

2024 Legislative Session Schedule
Find my Nebraska District & Senator
How Nebraska laws are made

Upcoming Activities

Siblings Connect


January 13th


1:00 to 3:00 PM CST


DSA

10824 Old Mill Road Suite 8, Omaha


What is Siblings Connect? A quarterly event for siblings 1-3p.m. at DSA 10824 Old Mill Road, Suite 8.


In partnership with CRCC and the Autism Society. Siblings Connect is an opportunity for siblings of children who have disabilities to connect with one another.

Siblings 7-12 are welcome to join the group!

Register


Teen and Adult Social


January 13th, 2024


7:00 to 9:00 PM CST


ACN

9012 Q Street, Omaha

upper-level entrance


Activities, Art, Board Games, Video Games, Movie, Food and Fun Building Friendships!



Register


Moms' Night Out


January 28th, 2024


6:00 to 8:00 PM CST


ACN

9012 Q Street, Omaha

upper-level entrance


Join us for a child- free, casual evening out; be prepared to laugh, relax, meet new friends, and eat chocolate!



Register

Ways to Support ASN

Ways to Give
Volunteer

All of our events and activities are either free or at reduced costs. We rely on donations and fundraisers to support Nebraskans living with Autism. Please consider a contribution of time or money to help support.


100% of all funds raised and donated stay in Nebraska!

Autism Society of Nebraska State

https://www.facebook.com/AutismSocietyNebraska/


Autism Society of Nebraska - Omaha

https://www.facebook.com/ASNOmaha


Autism Society of Nebraska - North Platte

https://www.facebook.com/ASNNorthPlatte

Autism Society of Nebraska | 1-800-580-9279 | autismsociety@autismnebraska.org | www.autismnebraska.org