The News in Review
Autistic Calgary artist takes
New York by storm
Shawn Bellanger was diagnosed with
autism at the age of five years old. Until he
was seven no one knew if he could draw.
His art will be displayed in the Agora
gallery in New York from June 10 to July 1
Rise of 8pc in autism within
California public school
students
An increase of 8pc in school children
diagnosed with autism has been recorded
by the Californian Department of
education as reported by the Sacramento
Bee.
3,100 in Sacramento students now have a
diagnosis which is a seven fold increase
since 2000.
Nebraska health insurance
must now cover autism
diagnosis and treatment
A bill requiring health insurance
companies to cover autism diagnosis and
treatment has today been signed and
made legislation. Nebraskan families have
been pushing for a change in legislation for
well over a year and this comes as a relief
to those already living with autism in the
state.
Wilmington and Tewksbury
schools share autism
awareness
The Tewksbury Crier asked Superintendent of
Schools Joanne Benton and Dr. John O’Connor
how Wilmington and Tewksbury, address
educational support and awareness for its
many students.
Romibo the Robot continues
to help children with autism
A new robot has been developed in Pittsburgh
called Romibo. He is a social therapy robot
designed to aid therapists and teachers
working with children with special needs,
including those children with autism.
Rhode Island Settles Case on
“Unnecessary Segregation” of
People with Disabilities
The state of Rhode Island came to a
“landmark settlement” with the Justice
Department earlier this month putting new
regulations on segregated workshops and
adult day programs that exploited individuals
with disabilities and removed them from the
larger community. The settlement is viewed by
many as a template for other states to ensure
the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. ◙