The House Human Services Committee examined the current strategies and best practices for diagnosis, availability and attainability of services for persons with autism on June 16th.
It was very clear that the members of the committee had heard from their constituents on the overwhelming unmet needs of your loved ones with autism.
Chairwoman Dickerson requested specific recommendations from the Department of Health member on the panel, who informed them none would be forthcoming. The paenl and Chairwoman Dickerson shared their disappointment with the Department of Health attorneys present for their lack of direction to the legislature on the legislative actions needed.
In attendance, Sue Elliott, Executive Director of the ARC of Washington, pledged her strong support to work with the Autism community towards addressing top priorities and needs in the 2011 legislative session.
Please see contact information for the committee members in attendance as well as contact information for Sue Elliott, Executive Director of the ARC of Washington. Please take a couple of minutes to write to the Representatives as well as Ms. Elliott for thier interest in helping prepare WA to face autism more effectively.
Committee Members in attendance:
| Representative | Phone | |
| Dickerson, Mary Lou (D) Chair - 36th | dickerson.marylou@leg.wa.gov | (206) 545-6513 |
| Orwall, Tina (D) Vice Chair - 33rd | orwall.tina@leg.wa.gov | (206) 824-5097 |
| Darneille, Jeannie (D) - 27th | Representative Jeannie Darneille | (360) 786-7974 |
| Green, Tami (D) - 28th | green.tami@leg.wa.gov | (253) 534-3231 |
| Herrera, Jaime (R) - 18th (very briefly) | herrera.jaime@leg.wa.gov | (360) 687-0489 |
| O'Brien, Al (D) - 1st | obrien.al@leg.wa.gov | (360) 786-7928 |
| Sue Elliott, Executive Director ARC of Washington | sue@arcwa.org |
Thank you very much for your continued support.
With regards,
Arzu Forough
Washington Autism Advocacy Coalition