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The $20 million-a-year waiver program, which is expected to serve up to200 individuals 21 years of age and older with autism, was approved by theU.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicare and MedicaidServices. Prior to its approval, no dedicated services existed for adults withautism in Pennsylvania.
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"This landmark program marks the first time that the federal government hasapproved the use of federal Medicaid funds to provide individual and family-based services specific to adults with autism," Governor Rendell said. "Priorto the establishment of this waiver program, there was nothing designed forpeople with autism once they reached the age of 21."
Secretary of Public Welfare Estelle B. Richman, a consistent champion forPennsylvanians with autism, said the new waiver program was one of the fivemain recommendations of Pennsylvania's Autism Task Force. Under Richman'stenure, DPW appointed its first director of autism affairs and established theBureau of Autism Services, which also were major recommendations made by thetask force.
The waiver program will give adults with autism and their families theopportunity to choose a variety of available services designed to addresstheir unique needs and maximize opportunities for independence and communityinclusion.
"Long-term planning is a never-ending concern for the parents and familiesof adults with autism and this waiver will provide many families with peace-of-mind because they will know their loved ones will be supported when theyare unable to support them," said Richman. "We have been working for manyyears to bring a higher level of service to Pennsylvanians with autism andtheir families and I am thrilled that the work of countless individuals willnow be realized."
Individuals who are determined to be eligible for the waiver program willbe able to receive supports and services, including family respite, employmentassessment and supported employment, behavior supports and crisisintervention, and environmental modifications.
For more information on services for people with autism in Pennsylvania,visit www.autisminpa.org. For more information about the Department of PublicWelfare, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us.
The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate publiceducation system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuingeconomic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find outmore about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weeklynewsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.CONTACT: Chuck Ardo 717-783-1116 Anne C. Bale, DPW 717-787-4592
SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
