United for the AUTISM Educators Act
The bipartisan Autism Understanding and Training in School Methodologies for Educators Act of 2013 (“AUTISM Educators Act”) (H.R. 1509) meets a critical need in our public schools.
The AUTISM Educators Act (H.R. 1509) supports initiatives by local school districts to improve training for teachers working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) who are integrated in general education classrooms. The bill will help develop pilot programs that use best practices and evidence-based approaches for teaching students with ASD effectively. Successful programs will be available to be replicated in interested school districts across the country. Passing the AUTISM Educators Act (H.R. 1509) will improve educational outcomes not only for students with ASD, but for many learners and it will create a better learning environment for everyone. |
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updated data in early 2012 stating that Autism Spectrum Disorders now affects an estimated 1 in 88 children by age 8, including 1 in 54 boys. Educators need support and training to teach the growing number of students with ASD who are in general education classrooms in public schools across the country.
Will Congress Pass H.R. 1509?
The AUTISM Educators Act (H.R. 1509) was re-introduced in the U.S. Congress on April 11, 2013. The bipartisan bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Work Force, which is responsible for considering and advancing any education issues that come before the U.S. Congress. The AUTISM Educators Act (H.R. 1509) was in turn referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education for any hearings and recommendations on the bill.
Procedurally, the AUTISM Educators Act (H.R. 1509) can move forward only after the Subcommittee and full Committee vote in favor of advancing the bill. The vote can be for the bill to move on its own or preferably as an amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA or "No Child Left Behind"), major education legislation that is scheduled for consideration and reauthorization (renewal) in 2013. Politically, it is important to show that the AUTISM Educators Act (H.R. 1509) has significant support from families and school districts across the country so that it rises above other competing initiatives and becomes a priority for the Committee. The most effective way to show that the AUTISM Educators Act (H.R. 1509) matters to constituents, is to build the list of Representatives who co-sponsor the bill and demonstrate the broad constituent and organizational support that exists for this initiative. |
More Information+ Text of the AUTISM Educators Act (H.R. 1509)
+ Is my Representative a Co-Sponsor of H.R. 1509? + Fact Sheet about H.R. 1509 + Press Release about Introduction of the AUTISM Educators Act of 2012 + The Congressional Record on introduction of the AUTISM Educators Act of 2012 + Who is my Representative? + What is the Autism Caucus? |
Join Us. Take Action.
The U.S. Congress needs to know that the AUTISM Educators Act (H.R. 1509) is important and that Representatives are standing together across party lines to support this initiative. That's why we're asking you to:
