Our advocacy team and volunteers have been hard at work to make our voices heard regarding issues that directly impact our community! We invite you to join us in contacting your representatives to expand our reach. To identify your representative and their contact information, visit https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder

Current initiatives include:

• Work requirements for Medicaid eligibility putting benefits at risk for individuals with complex support needs who are not “medically frail,” a term used in federal requirements.
• The lack of a mechanism in place to fund Multi-System Navigation and how challenging it is for individuals and families to navigate these complex systems, even for the most experienced advocates.
• The importance of accountability and appropriate funding for IDEA.
• The need for Enhanced Behavioral Support Housing for people with complex needs.

Email Template

Make sure to fill in all fields before sending the email! You are welcome to include additional details about your relationship with the autism community and why these issues matter to you.

Dear (Representative’s Name),

My name is (NAME), and I am a constituent of the (DISTRICT NUMBER) district. I am also (RELATIONSHIP TO THE AUTISM COMMUNITY).

I am writing because access to effective resources and services is vital for people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive. There are significant gaps in the accessibility of these resources, including:

(PICK 1-4 TOPICS)

• Work requirements for Medicaid eligibility putting benefits at risk for individuals with complex support needs who are not “medically frail,” a term used in federal requirements.
• The lack of a mechanism in place to fund Multi-System Navigation and how challenging it is for individuals and families to navigate these complex systems, even for the most experienced advocates.
• The importance of accountability and appropriate funding for IDEA.
• The need for Enhanced Behavioral Support Housing for people with complex needs.

(OPTIONAL) I would be grateful for the opportunity to connect with you further to discuss these important issues. Would you or a member of your team be willing to join Arzu Forough (President of the Washington Autism Alliance) and me for a brief Zoom conversation?

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(YOUR FULL NAME)