Bill Text: MA H156 | 2009-2010 | 186th General Court | Introduced

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Bill Title: Establishing a pilot program for adults with Asperger syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2009-09-08 - Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the House Committee On Ways and Means [H156 Detail]

Download: Massachusetts-2009-H156-Introduced.html

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Barbara A. L'Italien

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
                Court assembled:

                The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the passage of the accompanying bill:

An Act establishing a pilot program for adults with Asperger Syndrome and Autism.

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PETITION OF:

 

Name:	District/Address:
Barbara A. L'Italien	18th Essex
Stephen L. DiNatale	3rd Worcester
Robert L. Rice, Jr.	2nd Worcester
Ellen Story	3rd Hampshire
Brian A. Joyce	Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth
William N. Brownsberger	24th Middlesex
Todd M. Smola	1st Hampden
John J. Binienda	17th Worcester
Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr.	12th Hampden
Christine E. Canavan	10th Plymouth
David B. Sullivan	6th Bristol
Stephen R. Canessa	12th Bristol
Carlo P. Basile	1st Suffolk
Cheryl A. Coakley-Rivera	10th Hampden
Thomas M. Stanley	9th Middlesex
Anne M. Gobi	5th Worcester
Robert S. Hargraves	1st Middlesex
Robert L. Rice, Jr.	2nd Worcester
Brian P. Wallace	4th Suffolk
John V. Fernandes	10th Worcester
Thomas P. Conroy	13th Middlesex
Allen J. McCarthy	7th Plymouth
Jennifer M. Callahan	18th Worcester
David P. Linsky	5th Middlesex
Colleen M. Garry	36th Middlesex
Thomas P. Kennedy	Second Plymouth and Bristol
Michael F. Rush	10th Suffolk
Richard J. Ross	9th Norfolk
Steven A. Tolman	Second Suffolk and Middlesex
Robert F. Fennell	10th Essex
Sarah K. Peake	4th Barnstable
Kevin G. Honan	17th Suffolk

 

[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE HOUSE, NO. 3838 OF 2007-2008.]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand and Nine

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An Act establishing a pilot program for adults with Asperger Syndrome and Autism.

                Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 6 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2006 Official Edition, is hereby amended, by inserting after section 78A, the following section:-

Section 78B.  The commissioner of the Massachusetts rehabilitation commission shall establish a 2 year pilot program for 25 adults with Asperger’s syndrome or other autism spectrum disorders without mental retardation.

The commission will establish an advisory board of community professionals, including a consumer with Asperger’s syndrome, a representative from the Asperger’s Association of New England, a state representative, a state senator and commission staff to advise and evaluate and provide technical assistance to the project.  The advisory board shall meet quarterly.

The program shall provide services which lead to paid, customized, sustainable employment. Services will include post-employment and re-employment support as needed.  The program will supplement existing commission funding for individuals with Asperger’s syndrome.  These supports may include but are not limited to: career assessment and counseling; job development; job placement; job coaching; employment training; on-the-job support; case management and funding to purchase adjunct supports and services.

A request for proposals for this program shall be issued within 60 days of the enactment.  Within one year of the program start a preliminary outcome report with future recommendations shall be presented to the clerk of the House of Representatives.  A final report at the end of the 2 year pilot shall be submitted with recommendations for sustainability, replication and modifications.