single point of focus helps keep things in perspective. And when considering how to allot travel time or decide which meeting to take, "will this ensure peoples' dignity?" seems to be a good way to help make those decisions. Sure, it would be easy to say "Is this a life or death issue?" But if we wait until things erode to that point, it's most likely too late to make a positive systemic impact,
the fall for public comment) and training for investigators has been uneven since it has not been mandatory. Can we have any dignity without safety for people with disabilities, which this law discusses? Do the regulations for HCBS matter if, when abuse happens and is reported, APS sometimes lacks a coordinated, consistent, and effective response? Shouldn't we work to reduce victimization in a variety of ways, starting with listening to self advocate survivors, so that people don't need victims’ services in the first place? All the signs point in the direction of asking and answering these kinds of questions with action. In total, all of these boards and committees take up about 20 days a year, with a few extra dedicated to studying and asking questions between meetings. I am grateful to all of the statewide advocates and the dedicated government employees who serve on these bodies. It is a very good thing that the Autism Connection of PA finally has seats at all of these tables. Together I hope we can make meaningful and lasting differences. And please believe me when I say, we cannot do this work without your requests that inform our work, and your financial support to help us keep moving forward together.
which is our first strategic planning goal. So we work to improve regulations in Home and Community Based Services (HCBS waivers) on the ISAC. We work to help people access support from Victims Services on the VSAC. And last week I was offered a seat on the Advisory Board for Adult Protective Services (APS). APS is a relatively new law in Pennsylvania (2010) which still does not have finalized regulations, draft regs are said to be due in