Archive for March, 2010
As a parent of an autistic child you have certain basic rights and you are expected to know what they are. American constitution protects every one of its citizens and there are special laws to protect autistic persons and those with other disabilities. There special laws protect you and you can live and enjoy better opportunities irrespective of your disability, race, gender and ethnicity. This is the first step towards creating a more tolerant world.
The first law you should be acquainted with is IDEA or The Individuals with Disabilities Act. This act covers children of age 3 to 21 and provides them special educational programs they require. I.D.E.A entitles the parents to involve themselves with education decisions about their children made by the school. I.D.E.A assesses the child in the best way through a private professional. The child, finally, has the lawful right of free education according to his/her skill level. If your school has no such program it should be found or created for you at no cost to you.
Be familiar with the American Disabilities Act which prohibits discrimination under disability in the workforce and with stat and local government, public accommodations, the United States Congress, Public Transportation, and telecommunications. In other words, if you are autistic but posses the skills to do a particular job, you cannot be refused simply because you are autistic.
Other laws for autism provide people with constitutional equality to others. One law allows them the right to vote and insists on the provision of accommodation for them. Another law prohibits people to deny housing on the basis of autism. There are other laws that provide equal rights in all other aspects of life and you should know all about these if your autistic child is in a health care institution.
Knowledge of the laws and its application for you and the autistic child ensures the upholding of justice. Any of your questions should be answered by the local law officials and supply material to answer your own questions. Don’t forget that ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse for any one and you have to advocate your own cause and that of the autistic person o that mistreatment is avoided.
