January 3, 2002 - Governor’s Commission on Autism to meet January 9th in Topeka

The Governor’s Commission on Autism will meet on Wednesday, January 9th beginning at 9 a.m. The meeting with be held at the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) Leaning Center, located on the former Topeka State Hospital grounds west of 2nd and MacVicar Street in Topeka.

Among items on the agenda are plans for raising public and legislative awareness of the needs of children with autism and their families, and advocating for an early intervention waiver for children with autism. A waiver from the federal government allows states to make home and community-based services available to individuals who otherwise would qualify for services in an institutional setting.

A public forum during the commission meeting is set for 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. Prior to that, the commission will discuss the current state budget and legislative matters in preparation for the upcoming Kansas Legislative session.

For more information, contact Sean Swindler, a family support worker for the Health Care Policy Division within SRS at (913) 826-7525. His e-mail address is SMZS@srskansas.org Or write Sean at Docking State Office Building, 915 S.W. Harrison Street, 5th floor north, Topeka, Kansas, 66612-1570.