A Letter From AuSM’s Policy Director

Greetings from the Policy Committee! We have so much to celebrate from the 2024 legislative session. This year, our Policy Team, in collaboration with community partners, made history by passing legislation that recommends Ableism and Disability Justice training for teachers. This marks the first time the word “Ableism” appears in Minnesota statute and only the second time it has been included in state law nationwide. In an era where legislative language often defines individuals by diagnosis and need level, officially acknowledging systemic disability discrimination is a significant step toward dismantling systemic ableism.

AuSM, alongside Senator Liz Boldon and Representative Kim Hicks, also spearheaded legislation that establishes a DHS study focused on making disability services more accessible. Additionally, we led efforts to reduce annual paperwork requirements for MA-EPD recipients by 50%, a meaningful step toward ensuring that essential services remain accessible and not hindered by bureaucratic barriers.

Working in collaboration with multiple coalitions, AuSM celebrates several additional victories for the disability community:

• Increased Transparency in CDCS Budgets: New legislation requires that any changes to waiver language—whether increases or decreases—must be explained in an accessible format. Additionally, lead agencies (such as counties) are now prohibited from creating or implementing policies inconsistent with those set by the commissioner, federal, or state law. This ensures that unnecessary administrative barriers do not prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing essential assistive technology.
• Guardianship Reform: A newly established task force will work to improve the effectiveness of Minnesota’s guardianship laws.
• Fair Pay for Family PCAs: Spouses of individuals with disabilities can now work as PCAs and receive income for up to 40 hours per week while providing essential care for their partners.
• Higher Education Access – The RISE Act: This groundbreaking legislation will ease the process for students with disabilities to obtain accommodations in postsecondary education. Schools must now provide accommodations without requiring an IEP, and if a request is denied, educators must justify how the accommodation would fundamentally alter the course. Disagreements will go through a formal grievance process, ensuring students have greater access and equitable support in both public and private institutions.

We proudly celebrate these legislative achievements, knowing that our work is far from over. AuSM remains steadfast in advocating for the autism community, both here in Minnesota and in Washington, D.C. As we continue to push for greater equity and access, we invite all who share our vision to join us in this vital work.

In Solidarity,
Jillian Nelson
Policy Director