On June 13th Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey Jr. introduced the Access to Free Speech for All Act.
“A bill to support national training, technical assistance, and resource centers, to ensure that all individuals with significant disabilities affecting communication have access to augmentative and alternative communication devices, services, and supports the individuals need to interact with others, in order to learn, work, socialize, and take advantage of all aspects of society in the United States.”
This bill aims to make sure individuals get the communication devices and services they need. Three to five training and research centers would be created in order to improve knowledge and awareness of augmentative and alternative communication devices and services available. Teachers, service providers, health professionals, as well as individuals and their family members would be able to receive services.
Access to Free Speech for All Act
The bill is not specifically focused at the ASD/IDD community but WAAA is following this bill as individuals with ASD/IDD can often have related communication concerns.
If you would like to support the bill you can contact your senators about endorsing the bill and let them know about the communication needs that you or your family are affected by and the need for support to allow for independent, productive and healthy quality of life.