Advocacy and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Second from Left, NB Premier and Woodstock MLA David Alward  PHOTO BY MICHAEL MACDONALD/NBCC WOODSTOCK On January 4 2012 I emailed New Brunswick Premier David Alward and relevant cabinet ministers the following inquiry which asked simply whether his government was considering helping autistic adults and is working on a modern, reality based model. I also asked if such an undertaking was not being considered to please say so straight up. Health Minister Madeleine Dubé's office was the only...Read Full Story

The Bricks and Mortar Office of the Ombudsman 548 York Street,Fredericton,New Brunswick, at the Staying Connected consultations,in which I participated, Ombudsman Bernard Richard and NBACLPresident Clarence Box both dismissed Long Term ResidentialCare and Treatment Facilities for Autistic Youth and Adults as "Bricks andMortar Solutions" The Centre of Excellence which the Ombudsman'soffice has promoted so heavily is not an actual center, it is abureaucratic fantasy which will not provide a...Read Full Story

The New Brunswick provincial election is just underway with  Election Day set for September 27, 2010.    Unofficial campaigning has been under way for several months although the official campaign start date was earlier this week and resulted in several complaints that candidates had jumped the gun in erecting election signs.  (For those from outside New Brunswick, a few shots I took  of the New Brunswick legislature follow).  There are five parties contesting the election including the...Read Full Story

"For those parents who say they are too broke and too tired...you need to take your heart in your teeth and go on...and go on...."  Stefan Marinoiu, Medicare's OrphansDavid Marley, Simon Marinoiu, Jean Lewis, 2008The above comment by Stefan Marinoiu, father of a severely autistic son, Simon Marinoiu,  is great advice for parents of autistic children.  It is the advice of a man who has literally walked that path and knows of what he speaks. As the parent of a severely autistic son I do not...Read Full Story

I am very worried that the gains made for autistic children and students and work done towards a modern, decent residential care and treatment system for autistic youths and adults will be lost if the Conservatives are elected.   On his facebook page Jody Carr, who will have a prominent role on disability issues if the Conservatives are elected,  has made it very clear that the Conservative era of community cliches will replace evidence based, reality based, services and accommodations for...Read Full Story