HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1155 FILED ON: 1/13/2009
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 156
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the Year Two Thousand 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.