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FXo"XXFXXo"XXFXo"  _       X,X(n,nw%w%(8o"XXdd8)2    K7' / 7?G"$XK&ݚ%XXo"5&f%%&ݚN рIntroduction '    &ݚ%%5&fOnJune(%&ݚ26&ݚ%(,(%&ݚ2003&ݚ%(ԀGovernorTaftsignedintolaw  HouseBill(%&ݚ95&ݚ%(,biennialbudgetlegislation.Included  withinthebudgetbillwereprovisionsprovidingfor y R thecreationoftheOhioAutismTaskforce((%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(). L % Thebillrequiredthe(%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(Ԁtoinvestigatethe   increasingincidenceofautisminOhioandto   determinewhat,ifany,gapsexistinthedeliveryof   servicestoindividualswithautisminOhio.The  q  (%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(Ԁwaschargedwithpresentingasetof kD  recommendationsbaseduponitsfindingstothe >  Governor,SpeakeroftheHouse,andPresidentofthe   Senate.The(%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(Ԁconsistedoftwentytwomembers,   eighteenmembersappointedbytheGovernorand   fourmembersoftheOhioGeneralAssembly.The c  Governorsappointmentsincludedanindividualwith ]6  autism,parentsofindividualswithautism,providers, 0  educators,pediatricians,membersoftheGovernors  cabinetandothersinterestedinandconnectedtothe  issueofautism.    TheincidenceofautisminOhioisincreasingatan O( alarmingrate.Itisestimatedthatasmanyas(%&ݚ1&ݚ%(Ԁoutof " (%&ݚ250&ݚ%(Ԁchildrenarebornwiththisdisability.Thecause  ofautismisunknownandthereisnocure.Autismis  acomplexandseveredevelopmentaldisorderthat t affectsapersonsabilitytocommunicate,form nG relationshipswithothers,andrespondappropriately A totheenvironment.Thoseaffectedmayavoid  makingeyecontactandlacktheabilitytoreadfaces  forsignsofemotionorothercues.        If(%&ݚ1&ݚ%(Ԁoutof(%&ݚ250&ݚ%(Ԁchildreninthisstatewerebeing `!9! kidnapped,wewoulddeclareastatewideemergency. 3" " Theincreaseinthenumberofindividualsdiagnosed ## withautismmaybetheresultofimproveddiagnosis, #$ arealincreaseintheprevalence,oracombinationof $% otherfactors.Theincidenceofautismisgrowingto %X& epidemicproportions.Itisthisincreasethat R&+ ' promptedthecreationofthe(%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(. %' (   The(%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(Ԁmeteachmonthforayearandwasdivided ("* intofiveseparatecommitteeswiththefollowing )w#+ responsibilities;toinvestigatehowtoproperly q*J$, identifyanddiagnosethedisability;todeterminethe D+%- appropriateservicesforindividualswithautism;to ,%. recommendappropriatefundingfortheseservices;to ,&/ identifyservicesoverthelifespanofanindividual -'0 Їwithautism;andtodevelopaMedicaidwaiver '0 proposalforservicesforindividualswithautismin 1 Ohio. 2 Inadditiontomonthlymeetings,the(%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(Ԁconducted s L4 aseriesofeightregionalforumsthroughoutthestate F 5 ofOhiotoheartestimonyfromparents,service  6 providers,educatorsandothersdirectlyimpactedby  7 autism.Theseregionalforumsprovidedaunique  8 opportunitytogetdirectlyinvolvedwiththeworkof  k9 thetaskforce.Thepersonaltestimonyofpersons e>: impactedbyautismwasvitaltothequalityof 8 ; taskforcerecommendations.   < Theworkofthe(%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(Ԁwasfacilitatedbythe  > dedicationofmanyindividuals.Theworkof(%&ݚOAT&ݚ%( ] ? memberswascomplimentedbyanAdvisory W0 @ Committeeofover(%&ݚ30&ݚ%(Ԁmembersofthepublicwho *A volunteeredtheirtimeandtalentstoadvancethe B workofthetaskforce.Twoindividualsworkingwith C the(%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(Ԁdeservespecialmentionhere. |D JosephDunn,formerlegislativeaideto I"F RepresentativeJonPetersonprovidedinvaluable G administrativeandlogisticalsupport.Theefficient H andeffectivefunctioningof(%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(Ԁproceedingswas I directlyattributabletoMr.Dunnsefforts.His nJ passionforthe(%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(Ԁmissionandhistirelessefforts hAK werenotableandfacilitatedthesmoothoperationof ;L thetaskforce. M BillShacklefordisaSeniorPolicyAdvisorforthe O OhioDepartmentofMentalRetardationand  `P DevelopmentalDisabilities.Mr.Shacklefords Z!3Q insightintotheissuesdiscussedbythe(%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(Ԁandhis -"R thoughtfulpresentationofdiverseperspectiveswas #S extremelyhelpful.Hiscontributionswere #T measurableandsignificant. $U Listedbelowarerecommendationsapprovedbythe L&% W (%&ݚOAT&ݚ%(.Somerecommendationswillrequireactionby ' X theOhioGeneralAssembly.Othersmaybe '!Y accomplishedbyadministrativeaction.Whilethese ("Z recommendationswillnotbeaccomplished )q#[ immediatelyandarebestviewedasanextended k*D$\ actionplan,itiscriticallyimportantthatactionbe >+%] takenbydecisionmakerstomakethevisionofthe ,%^ OhioAutismTaskforcearealityinOhio.Xo"X%&ݚ5X XXXo" ,&_       N4' / 7?G"$XNӀIdentificationandDiagnosis -'`     N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN X_XX5X      H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  X X_ID1  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce   thatOhiodevelop,implement,andmaintain  theFirstSignsorequivalentpublic d awarenessandtrainingmodeltoscreen J # childrenforautisminOhioandthattheOhio   GeneralAssemblyprovideanappropriation   forthispurpose.  `   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ  6 (03K""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  X$2 3      (8Thereisnoconsistentmethodofscreeningfor    autisminthemedicalcommunityorbyaffiliated    agencies.TheAmericanAcademyofPediatricians \  andNeurologistsrecommendstheuseofspecific B  screeningtoolsbuttheynotemployedinany   consistentmannerinOhio.Amodeltoscreenfor   autismneedstobedevelopedinOhiotobeutilized X  bypediatricians,childcareproviders,schooldistricts, >  andotherstoidentifyatriskindividuals.Effective   screeningwillpromoteearlyidentificationandresult   inaccesstoearlierappropriateinterventions.X$j%݌ {T Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN  (  H4' / 7?G"$wwXH ID2  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce X1 thatOhioestablishastandardpracticeof  autismdiagnosis.    ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  l+2 3      (8Thereisenormousvariabilitythroughoutthestate T- andwithinthemedicalcommunityregardingthe  diagnosticprocessrelatedtoindividualssuspectedas  havingautism.Inconsistenciesanddelaysin j completingadiagnosisandinreceivingthediagnosis P) leadtoadelayinprovidingservices.l+~,݌  Ќ ,'X'X'   Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ( (    ,N4' / 7?G"$XN  ( ID3  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce L%" thatOhioimprovetheregionalcapacityto  # provideatimelymedicaldiagnosisof  $ autism. !b%   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  d12 3      (8Timelyandaccuratediagnosisofautismspectrum #' disordersiscriticaltoensurethatchildrenareableto #( accessearlyinterventionandtherapeuticservices. $^) Waitinglistsfordiagnosticservicesrangefrom6to D%* 15monthsacrossOhio,delayingthetimewhen &+ behavioralinterventionscanbegin.Theseextensive & , waitinglistsreflectalackofprofessionalswith 'Z!- trainingandexperienceindiagnosingchildrenwith @(". autismandtheincreaseddemandfortheseservices ("/ asaresultofincreasedprevalenceandawarenessof )#0 autismspectrumdisorders.Asscreeningefforts }*V$1 improve,theneedforappropriatediagnosticservices <+%2 iscertaintoincrease.d1v2݌ +%3 Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN   pH4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( ID4  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforceto y-R'5 developacomprehensivestatewidesystem '5 toaccuratelyidentifythenumberof 6 individualswithautisminOhio. ~7   , pQ7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  992 3      (8TheAutismSocietyofAmericaestimatesthatthe # 9 prevalenceofindividualsinthepopulationwith  : autismmaybeashighas1in#(250(#,basedonstudies  z; intwolocationsconductedbytheCentersfor ` 9< DiseaseControl.Thereisnocomprehensive  = statewidesystemforaccuratelycalculatingthe  > numberofindividualswithautisminOhio.Thereis  v? muchevidencetosupportaconclusionthatthe \5@ prevalenceofautismisincreasinginthisstate, A particularlytheincreasednumbersservedthrough  B publicschoolspecialeducationandcountyboardsof r C mentalretardationanddevelopmentaldisabilities. X1 D Accurateprevalencedataareessentialtoplanand  E provideresourcesforservicesthatareneededfor  F individualswithautism.99K:݌ n G Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN  H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( ID5  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce I thatOhiodevelopandimplementguidelines J tofacilitatethetimelyeducational jK identificationofstudentswithautism. P)L   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  A2 3      (8Schooldistrictsarerequiredtocompletea N multifactoredevaluationforstudentssuspectedas fO havingadisability.Thereisvariabilitythroughout L%P Ohioseducationalcommunityregardingthe  Q identificationofstudentswithautism.Inconsistent R identificationproceduresoftenleadtosignificant bS discrepanciesinthelevelofservicesprovidedand H!T inappropriateinterventionstrategiesdesignedtohelp U thestudent.Faultyidentificationalsoleadstopoor, V inaccurateprevalencedata.AB݌ ^W Ќ ,'X'X'   X,N4' / 7?G"$XN  XK4' / 7?G"$XK  ( ID6  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce !Y thatastatewideregistryofindividualswith !Z autisminOhiobecreatedandmaintained. "Z[   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  ^H2 3      (8Thereismuchevidencetosupportthatthe #] prevalenceofautismisincreasing.Aconfidential $^ statewideregistrywillprovideamechanismto }%V_ accuratelyidentifythenumberofindividualswith <& ` autisminOhio,theageatwhichtheywere & a diagnosed,andtheservicestheyreceive.Aregistry '!b willfacilitateprovidingappropriateservicesto y(R"c individualswithautisminOhio.^HpI݌ 8)#d Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN  H4' / 7?G"$wwXHXo"X(5X XXXo" u+N%g  4, &h ЀTreatmentServices -&i   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN5X5X (5  H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( TS1  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce  thatanOhioAutismCenterbegiven ~ responsibilityforcoordinatingservicesin d= Ohioforindividualswithautism.Thisbody #  shallseekinputfromanAutismAdvisory   Committee.  z   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  P2 3      (8TheOhioAutismCenterwillsupporttheregional   servicedeliverysystemandberesponsiblefor    coordinatingservicesinOhioforindividualswith  v  autism.TheDirectoroftheAutismCenterwill \5  facilitatecommunicationsandrelationswithstate   andlocalagenciesprovidingservicestoindividuals   withautism,withinstitutionsofhighereducation, r  withtheOhioGeneralAssembly,parentand X1  professionalorganizationsandsuchothergroupsas   necessary.AnAutismAdvisoryCommitteewill   supportthefunctionsoftheOhioAutismCenterby n  providingprofessional,technicalandpolicyadvice T- totheDirectoroftheAutismCenter.PQ݌  Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN  H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( TS2  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce j thatOhiodeveloparegionalservicedelivery P) systemservingindividualswithautism.    ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  AX2 3      (8Treatmentservicesforindividualswithautism f involvetheparticipationofmanydifferentpublic L% andprivateagencies.Thereisaseriouslackof   coordinationofservicesbetweenandamongthese  entities.Aregionalservicedeliveryplanwill b addressthislackofcoordinationofservicesandthe H! regionaldisparitiesandinconsistenciesthatexist   throughoutthestateofOhio.  (AXSY݌ ! Ќ ,'X'X'   X,N4' / 7?G"$XN XK4' / 7?G"$XK(  Itisthebeliefofthetaskforcethattheestablishment D # ofastatewideautismleadershippositionanda !$ regionalservicedeliverysysteminOhiowill !% facilitatecoordinationandmorefullyutilizeexisting "Z& programsandservicesandwilladdressthedisparity @#' ofavailableservicesthroughoutthestateofOhio. #( Regionaloperationswillfocusonbuildingthe $) capacityoflocalcommunities,organizations, }%V* agencies,andfamiliestosupportchildrenandadults <& + acrosstheautismspectrumintypicalwork,school, & , homeandcommunitysettings. '!-  , y(R".  ,  ( TS3  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce 8)#/ thataregionaldisparityofservicesprovided )#0 toindividualswithautismshouldbe *$1 eliminated. u+N%2   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  a2 3      (8ArecentarticleintheWallStreetJournal(October ,&4 #(19(#,#(2004(#)stated, InOhio,thedisparitiesareeven -'5 morepronounced,varyingfromonecountyto '5 another.Unlikemoststates,eachofOhios88 6 countieshastopassitsownspeciallevytofundmost ~7 communityservicesforthedevelopmentally d=8 disabled.Thetaskforcefoundtheseregional # 9 disparitiesespeciallypronouncedinregardto  : servicesforindividualswithautism.Aregional  z; servicedeliverysystemwillpositivelyimpactthis ` 9< situation.Manyrecommendationsofthetaskforce  = addresstheseregionaldifferences.  (ab݌  > Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN(    H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( TS4  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce \5@ thattheOhioBoardofRegentsandtheOhio A DepartmentofEducationcreateanOhio  B credentialforstudentspreparingtoteach r C individualswithautism. X1 D   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ " "  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  :j2 3      (8Thetaskforcerecommendsthecreationofacollege  F anduniversitylevelautismteachingcredentialfor n G teacherswhowillbeworkingwithindividualswith T-H autism.Thisteachingcredentialshouldbeatthe I graduatelevelandattachedasan J endorsement/validationtoamild/moderateor jK moderate/intensiveinterventionspecialistlicense. P)L Thetaskforcereceivedsignificanttestimonyfrom M professorsinteacherpreparationprogramsinOhio N suggestingthataseparateOhiocredentialfor fO teacherswhoworkwithstudentswithautismshould L%P becreated.  (:jLk݌  Q Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN(    H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( TS5  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce bS thattheOhioDepartmentofEducation H!T reviewandmodifyrulesforlocalschool U districtsprovidingExtendedSchoolYear V (ESY)servicestostudentswithautism. ^W   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ " "  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  q2 3      (8AreportfromtheNationalResearchCouncil !Y (EducatingChildrenwithAutism)recommendsthat !Z educationprogramsforyoungchildrenwithautism "Z[ operatethroughouttheyear.Thisisnecessaryto @#\ ensurethesechildrendonotlosetheprogressmade #] duringtheregularschoolyear.Currently,the $^ extendedschoolyear(#(ESY(#)optionistheonlymeans }%V_ ofincorporatingsummerbasedprogramsintoa <& ` childsIndividualizedEducationProgram(#(IEP(#). & a ConsistentwiththeNationalResearchCouncils '!b recommendations,theOhioDepartmentof y(R"c EducationsOfficeforExceptionalChildrenshould 8)#d reviewOhios#(ESY(#Ԁprogramandmodifytheprogram )#e asneededtoappropriatelyaddresstheuniqueneeds *$f ofstudentswithautism.  (qs݌ u+N%g Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN  H4' / 7?G"$wwXH TS6  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce R-+'j thatanOhioAutismCenterprovidetechnical .'k andeducationalsupporttochildandadult ' carecenterstoassistinprovidingquality  careforindividualswithautism. ~   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ " "  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  T{2 3      (8Testimonyprovidedatregionalautismforums #  indicatedacriticallackofadequatedaycare   programsforbothchildrenandadultswithautism.  z Parentsindicatedtheirinability,inmanycases,to ` 9 obtaindaycareservicesfortheirchildren.Thisis   especiallycriticalinsingleparenthouseholds.Lack    ofcaresignificantlyimpactsthequalityoflifeofa  v  familywithachildoradultwithautism.  (T{f|݌ \5  Ќ ,'X'X'   X,N4' / 7?G"$XN XK4' / 7?G"$XK(  Itisapparenttothetaskforcethatmanydaycare   programprovidershaveagenerallackoftrainingor r  anadequatelevelofstafftomeettheneedsof X1  individualswithautism.Daycareprovidersoften   turnawayindividualswithautismbecauseofthese   factors. n     ( TS7  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce  thattheOhioDepartmentofEducation  developaprotocolforsocialskillstraining j forstudentswithautism. P)   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN " "  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  r2 3      (8Thereport,EducatingChildrenwithAutismstates;   Moreover,ordinarysocialexchangesbetweenpeers f donotusuallyoccurwithoutdeliberateplanningand L% ongoingstructuringbytheadultsinthechilds   environment.Theabsenceoftypicalfriendshipsand  peerrelationshipsaffectschildrensmotivation b systemsandthemeaningofexperiences. H! Appropriatesocialinteractionsmaybesomeofthe   mostdifficultandimportantlessonsachildwith ! autisticspectrumdisorderswilllearn.TheOffice ^" forExceptionalChildren,workingtogetherwith D # parentandprofessionalgroups,willreviewthe !$ currentpracticesofteachingsocialskillstochildren !% withautismandmakeappropriaterecommendations "Z& fordevelopingaprotocol.  (r~݌ @#' Ќ ! wwX'X!   (    H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( TS8  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce $) thattheOhioAutismServiceGuidelinesbe }%V* reviewedperiodicallyandexpandedto <& + includeservicesforindividualswithautism & , ofallagesandtorecommendadoptionof '!- theguidelinesbyserviceproviders. y(R".   8)#/  " "  ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  ̋2 3      (8ThenewOhioAutismServiceGuidelineswere )#0 designedundertheauspicesoftheOhio *$1 DevelopmentalDisabilitiesCounciltoimprovethe u+N%2 qualityofservicesbeingprovidedbypublicschools 4, &3 andotherserviceprovidersinOhio.The ,&4 developmentofguidelinesisasignificant -'5 accomplishment.Thetaskforcerecommendsthe '5 guidelinesbeexpandedtoaddressservicesfor 6 individualsovertheageof#(22(#Ԁandshouldbe ~7 reviewedandupdatedonaregularbasis.The d=8 taskforcerecommendsthattheOhioAutismService # 9 Guidelines,asamended,beformallyadoptedand  : implementedbyallpublicandprivateprograms  z; servingindividualswithautisminOhio.̋ތ݌ ` 9< Ќ ''X'X'   N4' / 7?G"$'XN  (   =   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN(    H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( TS9  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce  u? thattheOhioDepartmentofEducation [4@ developanautismendorsementtobe A obtainedbyschoolpersonnelwho  B demonstrateaspecializedlevelof q C competencyinprovidingeducational W0 D serviceswithautism.  E   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  &2 3      (8Therearelimitedopportunitiesforeffectivestaff m G developmentorprofessionaldevelopmentprograms S,H foreducatorsworkingwithstudentswithautism. I Ohioshouldworktoimprovetheawarenessand J expertiseofschoolpersonnelbydevelopingongoing iK trainingasrecommendedintheOhioAutismService O(L Guidelines.Staffworkingwithindividualswith M autismshouldhavethenecessaryandappropriate N leveloftrainingandshouldmaintaincredentials eO throughouttheiryearsofserviceaccordingtobest K$P practiceguidelines. &8݌  Q Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN  H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( TS10  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce aS thatanytransportationbarrierstoreceiving G T servicesbyindividualswithautismshould U beremoved. V   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  :2 3      (8Thelackoftransportationisabarriertoalimited C X numberoffamiliesseekingappropriateservices.It !Y wasapparentthatsomefamiliesdidnothave !Z resourcesavailabletotraveltolocationswhere "Y[ servicesareavailable.Itwasnotcleartothe ?#\ taskforcetheextenttowhichthisobstacletoservices #] isevidentinOhio.Theextenttowhich $^ transportationbarriersexistshouldbestudied |%U_ further.  (:L݌ ;& ` Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN(    H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( TS11  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce '!b thattheOhioBoardofRegentsencourage x(Q"c collegesanduniversitiestodevelop 7)#d curriculumforstudentspreparingtopractice )#e inprofessionalfieldsprovidingservicesto *$f individualswithautismandtheirfamilies. t+M%g  3, &h  ""  ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8   2 3      (8Individualswithautismandtheirfamiliesinteract ,&i withmanyprofessionalsrelatedtoservicestheyneed -'j throughouttheirlives.Thereisagenerallackof ' knowledgeandtraininginmanyprofessions  regardingworkingwithindividualswithautismand ~ theirfamilies.TheBoardofRegentsshould d= encouragecollegesanduniversitiestodevelop #  apropriatecurriculumforstudentswishingto   practiceinthesefields.  ( 2݌  z Ќ ''X'X'   N4' / 7?G"$'XN  ` 9   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN  H4' / 7?G"$wwXHTS12  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce    thattheOhioDepartmentofHealthBureau  v  forChildrenwithMedicalHandicaps \5  eliminateanexistingexclusionforservices   withindividualswithautism.     N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN ""  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  N2 3      (8TheBureauforChildrenwithMedicalHandicaps X1  (#(BCMH(#)providesassistancewiththecostsof   medicaldiagnosticandtreatmentservicesforeligible   childrenunderage#(21(#.Diagnosticservicesare n  coveredforchildrensuspectedofhavingautismbut T- treatmentservicesareineligibleasamatterofpolicy.  Childrenwithothertypesofdevelopmental  disabilities(e.g.cerebralpalsy,spinabifida,and j epilepsy)receivetreatmentcoverage.Childrenwith P) autismshouldreceivecomparablecoveragefor  servicessuchasspeechtherapy,occupational  therapyandphysicianvisits.  (NZ݌ f Ќ ! wwX'X!   (    H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( TS13  TheOhioAutismTaskforcesupports   increasedOhioresearchactivitiesforthe  effectivetreatmentofautism. b   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN ""  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  2 3      (8Currentlythereisverylimitedscholarlyresearch   beingdoneinOhiotofindeffectivetreatmentsfor ! autism.Thetaskforcesupportsandadvocatesthat ^" appropriateentitiesapplyforgrantsandother D # fundingtosupportadditionalresearchinthisarea.  ( Ʋ݌ !$ Ќ ! wwX'X!   (    H4' / 7?G"$wwXHXo"X(5X XXXo"򀀀FinancingServices #(   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN5X5X (5  H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( FS1  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce %* thattheAutismScholarshipProgrambe g&@ + continued. &' ,   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN ""  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  d ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  i2 3      (8TheAutismScholarshipProgramwasinstitutedby (}". theOhioGeneralAssemblyasapilotprojectto c)<#/ provideaneducationaloptiontoparentsofchildren "*#0 withautism.TheAutismScholarshipprovides *$1 resourcestoover#(250(#ԀOhiofamilies.Itisthe +y%2 recommendationofthetaskforce,baseduponthe _,8&3 compellingtestimonyofparentsreceivingassistance -&4 underthisprogram,theAutismScholarshipProgram -'5 shouldbecontinued.i݌ '5 Ќ ! wwX'X!   # dd  XH4' / 7?G"$wwXH#  #l݌̌ dd  d  XK4' / 7?G"$XK  ( FS2  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce mF7 thathealthinsuringcorporationsandsuch , 8 otherinsurersasmaybeapplicableinOhio  9 bepreventedfromexcludingcoveragefor  : servicesprovidedtoindividualswithautism. i B;   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  d ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  #2 3      (8ManyhealthinsurersinOhioexcludecoverageof  = servicesforthetreatmentofautism.Thetaskforce  > believesthatthisexclusionisbasedonoutdated e>? notionsofwhatautismisandwhethermanifestations $@ ofautismcanbetreated.Otherstateshavemoved  A proactivelybyprohibitingsuchexclusions.Some { B majorinsuringcorporationshavechangedtheir a: C policiesregardingtheexclusionofautism.Thestate   D ofOhiocanpromptotherhealthinsurerstomodify  E theirpoliciesbyimplementinglegislationwhich w F prohibitsthisexclusion.#K݌ ]6G Ќ ,'X'X'   # dd  ,#   # H݌̌ dd  d  N4' / 7?G"$XN  ( FS3  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce |I thatthespecialeducationweightedformula b;J beexpandedtoprovidefundingfor !K preschoolagechildrenandthattheOhio L GeneralAssemblyprovideanappropriation xM forthispurpose. ^7N   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN ""  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  d ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  2 3      (8Thecurrentweightedsystemoffundingspecial P educationservicesinOhioprovidesfundingfor tQ grades#(K12(#.Researchhasshownthatchildrenwith Z3R autismbenefitsignificantlyfromappropriate S intensivebehavioraleducationalinterventionsatan T earlyage.Therefore,itisrecommendedthatOhio pU expandtheweightedsystemoffundingspecial V /V educationinOhiotoincluderesourcesforservices !W providedtopreschoolagechildren.:݌ !X Ќ ! wwX'X!   # dd  #  #݌̌ dd  d  H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( FS4  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce $Z thataresearchstudybeconductedinOhio $[ todeterminethelongtermfiscalcostsofa %q\ lackofappropriateearlyinterventionsand W&0 ] thattheOhioGeneralAssemblyprovidean ' ^ appropriationforthispurpose. '!_   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN ""  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  2 3      (8Studiesinotherstateshaveestimatedthecostof S),#a providingearlyintensivebehavioralinterventions *#b comparedtothecostofprovidingresidentialand *$c personalcareservicestoadultswithautismwhodo +i%d notreceivetimelyandappropriateearly O,(&e interventions.Theestimatedcostdifferenceis -&f staggering.OhioshouldconductastudyusingOhio -'g datatodeterminethecostsavings,ifany,of ' providingearlyinterventionservices.  (݌  Ќ ! wwX'X!     H4' / 7?G"$wwXH FS5  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce  thattheOhioGeneralAssemblycreatean  [ AutismAwarenesslicenseplateandthatthe A  proceedsfromthesaleofsuchbe   distributedtotheAutismSocietyofOhioto   promoteprogramsbenefitingindividuals ~ W  withautism. =     N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN ""  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  2 3      (8Ohioslicenseplateprogramrequiresthatlegislation   bepassedapprovingaspecificlicenseplate zS  designation.Theproceedsfromthesaleoflicense 9  platesmaybedesignatedforaparticularpurpose.   Thestaterequiresthataminimumnumberofplates   foraspecificpurposebesoldinorderfortheplateto vO  beofferedforsaleinthefuture.  ( ݌ 5  Ќ ! wwX'X!   (    H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( FS6  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce  thattheOhioGeneralAssemblyupdatethe rK specialeducationweightedformulatoreflect 1  currentcostsofprovidingservicesto  individualswithdisabilities.Itisfurther  recommendedtheOhioGeneralAssembly nG provideanappropriationtofundthespecial - educationweightedformulaat   100%   Ԁofcosts.    N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN ""  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  d ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  2 3      (8TheOhioGeneralAssemblyadoptedthecurrent jC weightedsystemoffundingspecialeducation ) servicesinOhioin#(2001(#.Itisbasedonthecostof  providingservicesaccordingtothenatureofthe   studentsdisability.Thetaskforceacknowledges f?! thatthecostsforprovidingtheseserviceshavenot %" beenupdatedsincetheoriginalcostreport.The # costsandtheweightsneedtobeupdated.TheOhio  |$ GeneralAssemblyiscurrentlyfundingthespecial b!;% educationweightsat90%ofcosts.TheOhio !"& GeneralAssemblyshouldfullyfundthespecial "' educationweights.݌ #x( Ќ ! wwX'X!   # dd  XH4' / 7?G"$wwXH#-  #-݌̌ dd  d  XK4' / 7?G"$XK  ( FS7  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce %* thattheOhioGeneralAssemblyincreasethe &} + appropriationforspecialeducation c' OhioGeneralAssemblyprovidean  u? appropriationforthispurpose. [4@   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN ""  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  2 3      (8Parentmentorsareemployedcooperativelyby  B schooldistrictstoassistparentsofchildrenwith q C disabilitiesinworkingaspartnerswithschool W0 D personneltobettermeettheneedsoftheirchildren.  E Parentmentorsprovidetraining,technicalassistance  F onmanyspecialeducationprocedures,mediate m G disputesandconflictsbeforetheyescalate,andother S,H adviceonthedevelopmentofindividualized I educationprograms(#(IEPs(#).Currently,#(60(#Ԁmentor J projectsarefundedatacostnottoexceed#($24,375 iK (#perparentmentor.  (݌ O(L Ќ ! wwX'X!    H4' / 7?G"$wwXHFS9  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce N thatOhioadoptanincentiveprogramto eO retainandattractabroadspectrumof K$P studentspreparingtoserveindividualswith  Q autisminprofessionaldisciplines.The R incentiveprogrammayincludebutnotbe aS limitedtoloanforgiveness,taxcredits,tax G T deductionsandsuchotherappropriate U measuresasdeterminedbytheOhioGeneral V Assembly. ]W   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  d ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  2 3      (8ԀThetaskforcereceivedtestimonyacrossthestate !Y regardinganeedtoprovideincentivesasan !Z attractiontostudentstoteachchildrenwithautism "Y[ andincentivesforcurrentteacherstogainmore ?#\ knowledgeandskillsinthisrapidlychallengingarea #] ofeducation.݌ $^ Ќ ,'X'X'   # dd  ,#0  #0o݌̌ dd  d  N4' / 7?G"$XN  ( FS10  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce ' ` thattheOhioGeneralAssemblyprovide '!a adequateresourcestoenableOhioLegal (Z"b RightsServicestoaccountforanincreasein @)#c casesinvolvingindividualswithautism.(  Ԁ  ( )#d   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN(   H4' / 7?G"$wwXHCaseshandledbyOhioLegalRightsService(#(OLRS(#), ~+W%f increasingly,involveindividualswithautism.In =,&g #(2004(#ԀOLRShandled748specialeducationcases,of ,&h which#(22%(#Ԁinvolvedanindividualwithautism.Ohio -'i LegalRightsServicesshouldbeabletoaccountfor ' thisrapidincreaseandtheorganizationshouldbe  providedwithresourcestoadequatelyhandlecases ~ underitsjurisdiction. d=    ( FS11  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce   thattheOhioGeneralAssemblycreatetax  z incentivesforOhiosemployersproviding ` 9 meaningfulemploymentopportunitiesfor   individualswithautism.      ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  d ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  2 3      (8Thetaskforceunderstandstheimportancefor \5  individualswithautismtoparticipatemeaningfully   intheworkforce.Individualswithautismmayhave   particularattributesconducivetoemploymentbut r  manyalsoconfrontuniqueobstaclesinthe X1  workplace.Thewillingnessofemployerstomake   reasonableaccommodationsofparticularconcerns   (sensitivitytonoise,aninordinatereactiontothe n  disruptionofroutine,environmentalchange)is T- frequentlynecessary.Taxincentivesforemployers  willingtomaketheseaccommodationsandprovide  employmentopportunitiestoindividualswithautism j willincreasethenumberofemployment P) opportunitiesavailabletopersonswithautism.݌  Ќ ,'X'X'   # dd  ,#9  #9x݌̌ dd  d  N4' / 7?G"$XN  ( FS12  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce U. thattheOhioGeneralAssemblyenact  legislationincreasingaccountabilityof  schooldistrictsfordollarsexpendedfor k specialeducationinOhio. Q*   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ/ / ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  F 2 3      (8SchooldistrictsinOhioreceivelocal,stateand   federalresourcestoprovidespecialeducation g! servicestostudentswithdisabilities.Schooldistricts M &" mustbeaccountableforhowthisrevenueis  !# expended.TheOhioGeneralAssemblyshouldenact !$ anylegislationdeemednecessarytoensurean "c% appropriateaccountingofthesepublicfunds.  ( F X ݌ I#"& Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN  H4' / 7?G"$wwXH FS13  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce &%) thatthestateandfederalgovernmentfully %* fundspecialeducationprogramsand &} + services. c' through#(21(#)andinthestateschildrenlivingin  v? povertyinthesameagerange.Itisvitaltocontinue \5@ tourgeCongresstoincreaseitscommitmentto A fundingsoastofullymeetitsobligationtosupport  B theappropriateeducationofstudentswith r C disabilities.  ( i{݌ X1 D Ќ ,'X'X'   X,N4' / 7?G"$XN XK4ww' / 7?G"$XK  H4' / 7?G"$wwXHFS14  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce n G thatOhiomaintainsorincreasesfundingfor T-H programsservingindividualswithautism. I   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  0 2 3      (8Thetaskforcewasmindfuloftheresourcelimitations jK facingalllevelsofgovernment.Nevertheless,the P)L qualityandquantityofservicesprovidedto M individualswithautisminOhioisdependentuponan N adequateamountofresourcessustainingthese fO programs.Itiscriticallyimportantthatthelevelof L%P supportforprogramsprovidingservicesto  Q individualswithautismbemaintainedatcurrent R levelsor,ideally,beexpanded.  ( 0 B!݌ bS Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN  H4' / 7?G"$wwXHFS15  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce V thattheOhioGeneralAssemblyenact ^W mentalhealthparitylegislation. D X   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN ""  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  &2 3      (8Autismisnotamentalhealthdisorder.However, !Z significantportionsofindividualswithautismhave "Z[ severebehaviorproblems.Parentsofchildrenwith @#\ autismexperienceunusualandongoingstress. #] Mentalhealthparitylegislationwillmakemental $^ healthservicesmoreaccessibletoindividualswith }%V_ autismandtheirfamilies.Keepingfamiliestogether <& ` andavoidingcostlyresidentialorpsychiatric & a treatmentaremorelikelyifmentalhealthservices '!b areavailable.  (&'݌ y(R"c Ќ ! wwX'X!     H4' / 7?G"$wwXH FS16  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce V*/$f thattheOhioGeneralAssemblyenact +$g MedicaidBuyinlegislation. +%h   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN ""  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  ,2 3      (8AsnotedinThinkingAboutMedicaidBuyin R-+'j EnrollmentProjectionsforOhio:Lessonsfrom .'k OtherStates,MedicaidBuyinlegislationis"widely ' viewedasoneofthemostcriticallyimportant  reformstohelppeoplewithseveredisabilitiesgain ~ andkeepemploymentthatwillenablethemto d= contributetotheirwellbeing."UnderMedicaid #  Buyinprovisions,individualswillpayapremiumto   receiveMedicaidbenefits.Manyindividualswith  z autismhavetheintellectualcapacitytowork,but ` 9 havesocialandbehavioralproblemsthatlimittheir   capacityforgainfulemployment.Inaddition,many    relyuponMedicaidforexpensiveservicesnot  v  reimbursedthroughothermechanisms.Withthe \5  availabilityofMedicaid,forwhichtheywouldpaya   premium,theywillcontinuetobenefitfromthe   servicesandsupportsavailabletothemwith r  Medicaidandwillcontributetothetaxbase.  (,-݌ X1  Ќ ! wwX'X!   (    H4' / 7?G"$wwXHXo"X(5X XXXo"򀀀AcrosstheLifespan T-   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN5X5X (5  H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( AL1  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce  thatOhiodevelopanAutismResource  Manualwhichwillincluderegionalservices {T availableandregionalserviceproviders. : Themanualshouldbeavailableonline,for  publicdistribution,andatpubliclibraries  throughoutOhio. wP   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  72 3      (8AnAutismResourceManualwillprovide  informationregardingmedical,social,educational,  andotherresourcesavailabletoparentsinOhio. sL Inputreceivedfromparentsatmanyoftheregional 2   forumsclearlyindicatesaneedforparentstohave ! readyaccesstocomprehensiveinformationabout " servicesandresourcesavailablefortheirchildren o H# withautism.79݌ .!$ Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN  H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( AL2  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce "& thattherebecreatedastatewidestandard k#D' andprotocolfortheeffectivetransitionof *$( individualswithautismfromoneservice $) systemtoanother. %*   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  [>2 3      (8Thereisnocoordinatedsystemtoguideparents &' , throughdifficultperiodsofservicetransition. '!- Individualswithautismmusttransitionfromearly (}". interventionservices,toaservicesystemoperatedby c)<#/ localschooldistricts,andtoasystemwhichprovides "*#0 servicestoadultswithautism.Manyparentstestified *$1 tothetaskforcethatthesetransitionswerevery +y%2 difficulttonavigate.Toaddresstheseconcernsa _,8&3 statewidestandardandprotocolfortransitioning -&4 individualsandtheirfamiliesshouldbeestablished -'5 andpromoted.[>m?݌ '5 Ќ ,'X'X'   $%(  ,$*C  (%$*CrC݌̌((   N4' / 7?G"$XN  ( AL3  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce ~7 thatthequalityandquantityoffamily d=8 supportservicesavailableinOhioshouldbe # 9 increased.Thesefamilydrivenserviceswill  : include,butnotbelimitedtohome  z; modifications,respitecare,advocacy,care ` 9< giving,transportation,andfamilytraining.  =   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  d ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  F2 3      (8Manyparentstestifyingbeforethetaskforce  v? highlightedthefinancialandemotionalstrains \5@ causedbyalackofadequatesupportservices.The A needforsupportservicesacknowledgestheimpact  B ofthedisabilityupontheentirefamily.Many r C testifiedtotheneedofrespiteassistancesothatthe X1 D restofthefamilycouldattendchurchoractivitiesof  E otherchildren.FG݌  F Ќ ,'X'X'   # dd  ,#J  #JJ݌̌ dd  d  N4' / 7?G"$XN  ( AL4  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce H thatanOhioAutismCenterprovide I continuingeducationtoprofessionsand sJ occupationsintheStateofOhioinregardto Y2K theattributesandcharacteristicsof L individualswithautismandtoassistin M servingindividualswithautism.Thisshall oN includebutnotbelimitedtocontinuing U.O educationforemployeesofstateandlocal P agenciesprovidingservicestoindividuals Q withautism. kR   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ ""  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  O2 3      (8Thereisagenerallackoftrainingopportunitiesfor T professionalscomingincontactorworkingwith U individualswithautism.Thishascreateda gV significantgapinservices.Testimonyfromparents M &W providednumerousinstancesinwhichpublicagency  !X staff,withwhomtheywereworking,simplydidnot !Y havesufficientknowledgeregardingindividualswith "cZ thisdisability.Thereisawidespectrumof I#"[ professionalorservicepersonnelwhoperiodically $\ comeincontactwithindividualswithautismwho $] needtobeawareoftheparticularcharacteristicsof %_^ thispopulation.  (OP݌ E& _ Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN(    H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( AL5  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce '!a thatastatewideanalysisbeperformedto (["b determinewhetherindividualswithautismin A)#c Ohioareinadequatelyservedwith *#d vocational,adultdaycare,residentialand *$e supportedlivingservices. ~+W%f   ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ " "  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  d ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  W2 3      (8Communityawarenessofautism,untilrecently,was ,&h notwidespread.Accordingly,individualswith -'i autismwhouseorneedparticularservicesmaynot ' havebeenappropriatelyidentified.Oneindicatorof  theneedforspecializedresidentialcareisthe ~ reportedlylongwaitinglistsatresidentialfacilities d= servingindividualswithautism(e.g.Bittersweet #  FarmsandArdmore).Astatewideanalysiswill   determinetheextenttowhichtheseservicesare  z beingprovidedinOhioandwhethertheparticular ` 9 needsofindividualswithautismarebeingmet.W8X݌   Ќ ,'X'X'   # dd  X,N4' / 7?G"$XN#\  #\\݌̌ dd  d  XK4' / 7?G"$XK  ( AL6  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce e>  thattheOhioRehabilitationServices $  CommissionandtheOhioDepartmentof   Developmentpromoteappropriate {  employmentopportunitiesforadultswith a:  autism.      ,Q7' / 7?G"$'XQ " "  ,,Q7' / 7?G"$XQ  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  `_2 3      (8TheOhioRehabilitationServicesCommissionand   theBureauofVocationalRehabilitationprovide  assistancetoindividualswithdisabilities,including {T autism,andhelptoprepareindividualsfor : employment.TheOhioRehabilitationServices  Commission,partneringwiththeOhioDepartment  ofDevelopment,shoulddevelopastrategyfocusing wP ontheuniquestrengths,skillsandneedsof 6 individualswithautisminordertomaximize  employmentopportunities.  (`_`݌  Ќ ,'X'X'   ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN(    H4' / 7?G"$wwXHXo"X(5X XXXo"򀀀WaiverServices oH    N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN5X5X (5  H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( WS1  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce  " thataMedicaidhomeandcommunitybased  # waiverforindividualswithautismbe !o$ submittedtotheCentersforMedicareand U".% MedicaidServices(CMS)andimplemented #& uponapproval. #'   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN " "  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  ih2 3      (8Statedepartmentsweregiventheauthorityinthe Q%*) StateFiscalYear(#(SFY(#)#(20042005(#Ԁbudgettoapplyto &* thefederalgovernmentforahomeandcommunity & + basedwaiverforeitherearlyinterventionservicesor 'g!, autismservices,orboth.TheGovernorsAccess M(&"- Report#(2004(#ԀrecommendstheOhioAutismTaskforce  )". workwithstatedepartmentstodevelopasimilar )#/ budgetprovisionforinclusioninthe#(SFY(#Ԁ#(20062007(# *c$0 budget.Medicaidwaiversrepresentanimportant '0 fundingalternativeinresourcelimitedfiscal 1 environmentssuchasthatcurrentlyexperiencedby ~2 stategovernments.TheStateofOhioshouldapply d=3 forawaiver(s)inthenearfuture.  (ihui݌ # 4 Ќ ! wwX'X!   (    H4' / 7?G"$wwXH  ( WS2  Itistherecommendationofthetaskforce  z6 thattheOhioDepartmentofMental ` 97 RetardationandDevelopmentalDisabilities  8 allowthereallocationofpermissiontoserve  9 childrenonawaiveramongcountiesin  v: orderthatwaiveropportunitiesforchildren \5; withintensiveneedsdonotgounutilized. <   N4ww' / 7?G"$'XN " "  ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK  ,K1' / 7?G"$XK8  q2 3      (8TheMedicaidredesignofmentalretardationand r > developmentaldisabilityservicesbeguninHouse X1 ? Bill#(94(#Ԁ#((124th(#GeneralAssembly)established  @ prioritiesforenrollmentonMedicaidwaiver  A services.OnepriorityaCountyBoardofMental n B RetardationandDevelopmentalDisabilities T-C #((CBMRDD(#)couldidentifywaschildrenwith D intensiveneeds.Astatewidelimitationof#(400(#Ԁduring E thebienniumwasplacedonthenumberofchildren jF whocouldreceivepriorityenrollmentforthe P)G IndividualOptionsorLevelOnewaiverscreatedby H thislegislation.DuetotheOhioDepartmentof I MentalRetardationandDevelopmentalDisabilitys fJ (#(ODMR/DD(#)allocationformulatocountyboards,the L%K statewidenumberhasnotbeenreached.The  L taskforcerecommendsthat#(ODMR/DD(#Ԁshould M reallocateanyunusedpermissionsforpriority bN enrollmenttocountyboardswhohavetheresources H!O andchoosetousewaiverslotstoservethisgroup.  ( qr݌ P Ќ ! wwX'X!   # d  #jz  (  #jzz݌̌ d    (# d  #4{  (  #4{e{݌̌ d    ($%    ${  (%${7|݌̌  (     X_X  Xo"XX X_ ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK X_XXXo" ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN ,K7' / 7?G"$wwXK ,N4ww' / 7?G"$XN Xo"XX X_ *#_ (n,nww(# d  #O  #O݌ +%_ Ќ d  # d  d  #  (XXo"#S݌̌   # d  d#̀  #̀݌ -'a N  NXX,,8o"XXdXXd8<)@2 N  ь   # d  d#6    (RepresentativeJonPeterson,Chair#6}݌ ' Ќ   # d  d#,  OhioHouseofRepresentatives#,s݌  Ќ   # d  d#  #E݌̌   # d  d#  DeniseCaruso,ViceChair#݌ d= Ќ   # d  d#m  AutismSocietyofOhio#m݌ #  Ќ   # d  d#8  #8݌̌   # d  d#ن  #ن ݌̌   A(Xw%w%(# d  d#  #݌̌   # d  d#T  #T݌̌   # d  d#  #<݌̌   # d  d#  MikeArmstrong#݉݌  v  Ќ   # d  d#Y  Superintendentsdesignee,DepartmentofEducation#Y݌ \5  Ќ   # d  d#C  #C݌̌   # d  d#  #+݌̌   # d  d#  GeorgiaBackus#̌݌ r  Ќ   # d  d#H  ݀RichCenter#H݌ X1  Ќ   # d  d#   # Q݌̌   # d  d#  #݌̌   # d  d#L  Dr.JamesBryant#L݌ n  Ќ