DiCianni takes on Springfield to save Education Funding for Children with Autism In 1997, the rise in Autism prompted the Illinois legislature to start a training program for Illinois public school teachers and parents. Since there is no certification for teachers specific to Autism in Illinois and the ultimate goal of inclusion, where children are educated in their home schools, this was critical. Specialized education outside of most districts can cost between $100,000 to $300,000 per child, while inclusion with positive peers often costs a fraction $15-$25k per child. According to the Illinois Board of Education in 1997 there were roughly 1960 students in Illinois with an Autism diagnosis. Today, according to the Illinois Board of Education (ISBE), there are 19,290 children in Illinois with Autism. DuPage County is home to over 3 thousand children and Elmhurst is home to nearly 200 who have Autism. Children with Autism are the most expensive children to educate, each with individualized needs along with training techniques very specific to the condition. With the knowledge that most children with autism possess an average to above average IQ, the realization that they can be mainstreamed is very possible despite their limited social and communication challenges. That is why the Illinois Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project was created. Based on a national evidenced based model this program has been working successfully reaching children from the inner city of Chicago to Lake, Peoria and DuPage Counties and all around the state. The project offers a variety of training from in person training and coaching to webinars, DVD’s and on-line cutting edge information for educators and parents. The program is funded by a $1 million dollar federal grant and in addition, $100 thousand in Illinois State dollars. In December of 2013, ISBE decided to end IATTAP and to take both State and Federal dollars and roll these dollars into their general fund. School districts throughout the state were issued letters indicating their training program will be ending June 30th, 2014. “I was floored when leaders in my district approached me with this letter. I ran this by our Regional Superintendent of DuPage County Schools, Dr. Darlene Ruscitti and naturally she was outraged,” according to Pete DiCianni, a Member of the DuPage County Board and legislative advocated for children with Autism. DiCianni then called the Governor’s Office immediately to see if the Governor was aware of the situation and would step in as was done back in 2005 when these monies were attempted to be siphoned by a cash strapped State of Illinois. The Governor’s office gave the impression he would step in, but months later and after delays in FOIA requests, there is still have no guarantee and no new plan to save or replace the program. After calling a press conference in Springfield the day of the Governor’s Budget address that assembled over 40 Mayors petitioning in person and in letter form to save the Autism Training Project, CBS-2 Dana Koslov did a story subsequent story on the issue ironically on the day the Center for Disease Control announced a 30% increase in Autism in just 2 years. After the story, advocates were finally given a meeting with the Governor and ISBE Chairman Gerry Chico. On April 22nd, they assembled with advocates from all over the State including Superintendents from various counties, several members of the Illinois Autism Task Force, and Autism Society of Illinois, as well as two educators from Elmhurst District 205. “We assembled stakeholders and advocates from people diagnosing Autism like Dr. Ann Cutler from the University of Illinois to people in the classroom like Kris Bretl who coordinates the Autism program in my home district in Elmhurst. Superintendents like Tom Moline from Lake County, all who question the actions of the state’s desire to end a successful program.” DiCianni has been lobbying legislators who have embraced saving the program and have signed on in letters requesting the Governor step up and save IATTAP. Bi-Partisan leadership including Senate President Pro Temp Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), Senate Education Chairman Willie Delgado (D-Chicago), and House Education Chair Linda ChapaLaVia (D-Aurora), Representatives Brady (R-Bloomington) and Bellock (R-Hinsdale) and dozens of legislators in a bi-partisan fashion are looking to save the Autism Training Project and to protect it’s funding. DiCianni and Cutler who both are Governor Appointees to the Illinois Autism Task Force voted decisively on Tuesday, May 13th to recommend to the Governor and the Illinois Legislator keeping the Autism Training Project. “We have a tremendous amount of momentum and bi-partisan support, the challenge now is we’re running out of time as the legislative session ends in less than two weeks. They need to act now and protect these kids,” said DiCianni. DiCianni, who has penned 3 laws related to Autism, is no stranger to Springfield and it’s challenges. His insurance law which passed in 2008 bears his daughter’s name (Brianna’s Law) and other law’s bear names of people he’s advocated for as Mayor when he authored 911 legislation allowing gps locators for cognitively challenged (James’s Law) for James O’Brien, a local boy with autism who had gone missing. Brianna’s Law, which insures autism as a medical condition, is now law in 33 states and DiCianni is now the Governor appointed, Illinois Lead trying to get Brianna’s Law passed at the federal level. Questions Call: Pete DiCianni, 630.674.5198 (Lead Advocate Saving IATTAP) Dr. Ann Cutler, 312.413.1871 (U of I, Member of IL Autism Task Force) Mary Kay Betz, 630.962.4204 (Director Autism Society of Illinois) CBS 2 Link by Dana Koslov chicago.cbslocal/2014/03/27/autism-activists-oppose-states-plan-to-cut-classroom-program/
Posted on: Wed, 21 May 2014 15:26:25 +0000
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