The
Minnesota Department of Human Services will host the next in a series of public
meetings to provide information about a benefit available for children and
youth under age 21 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related conditions.
The benefit is available through Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare.
Meetings
for parents, providers, potential providers and staff of county, tribal or
managed care organizations are set for:
- 1:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the Morrison County Government Center, 213 First Ave. SE, Little Falls
- 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, in the Beltrami County Administration Building, 701 Minnesota Ave. NW, Bemidji.
A meeting specifically for parents is set
for:
- 1:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Lakeville Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville. Another meeting for providers in this area will be scheduled at a later date.
“It’s
important that families are aware of Minnesota’s new benefit, which is designed
to improve social interaction, communication and behavioral regulation skills
at a critical time in a child’s development,” said Human Services Commissioner
Emily Piper. “The goal of the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral
Intervention services are to promote fuller participation by children in their
family, schools and community life. Services are based on the family’s values
and culture and include training and support for the family.”
The
meetings are designed for participants to ask questions and get information
about the benefit, tell DHS staff about challenges and successes related to the
benefit and provide input on various topics related to the benefit.
Anyone
who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in these meetings should
email ASD.DHS@state.mn.us by Sept. 18 and say what
type of accommodation you need.
