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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

On World Autism Acceptance Day, Advocates Seek More Than Awareness

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Friday, April 2, 2021   

HARTFORD, Conn. - Today is World Autism Acceptance Day, and this year, advocates for people with developmental disabilities are raising awareness about the need for pandemic relief and better health services in the face of COVID-19.

Zoe Gross, advocacy director at the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, or ASAN - said the pandemic has had an outsized impact on neuro-diverse people - from not being prioritized in the vaccine rollout, to adjusting to home services with COVID precautions.

She said organizations that provide home- and community-based services are now struggling with a lack of funding.

"This puts people at risk of being forced to go into institutions," said Gross. "COVID is just spreading kind of uncontrolled through a lot of congregate settings, or places where many people with disabilities live packed together."

ASAN's COVID-19 Tracker of people living with disabilities in congregate settings shows Connecticut has fewer cases than most states.

Gross said she is optimistic the situation will improve with the latest American Rescue Plan, which includes $400 billion to expand Medicaid home services.

Anecdotally, Gross said her organization has heard frustration from the autistic community that some have felt abandoned by society in the last year.

"When people were first talking about the pandemic, they were saying things like, 'Oh, I'm not worried, because it's only people with preexisting conditions who would get really sick and die,'" said Gross. "And people in our community are sort of raising our hands, saying, 'Wait, that's me - it's not okay if I get sick and die!'"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most people with developmental disabilities and without a comorbidity are not at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID - but they might have trouble getting information about the virus, discussing symptoms, or practicing preventive measures.

Sara Taussik, director of programs and training with Autism Services and Resources Connecticut, said she feels adults with developmental disabilities are underserved, and said the need is critical.

She said she's advocating for additional funding to add 50 new slots to the program.

"There's only about 150 spots on that waiver, with 10 new slots coming in each year," said Taussik. "That's what the state is budgeted for. And we have over 1,800 individuals on the waitlist for this waiver. There's a lot of people that need services, and there's very limited funding and services available."

April also marks Autism Acceptance Month. Taussik said she thinks the focus should be on sharing more information about autism, and supporting individuals so they can live independent, constructive lives.


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