Senate Confirms First Person with Autism to Serve on National Council on Disability

The Senate unanimously confirmed Ari Ne’eman on Tuesday to become the first person with autism to serve on the National Council on Disability. The National Council on Disability makes recommendations to the president and Congress on disability issues.  

In December, President Obama nominated eight new members to join the Council and by early this year, all of the nominations were confirmed except that of Ne’eman, who has autism and is the founder of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network.  Ne’eman is known for a somewhat controversial belief that autism should not be cured, but instead should be accepted and accommodated. This belief is controversial and has been criticized by parents of some individuals who are more adversely affected by the disorder.  Regardless of any controversy, this week Senators voted unanimously to confirm the post along with at least 63 other nominations.

Comments

[Tammy]

I think it is great that a person afflicted by a disability will now have a voice on the council that makes recommendations about disability issues to the president. Who better to give insight than someone who has first hand experiences.

[Jennifer Strauss Lingle, M.Ed.]

This is so wonderful and inspiring to read! My students with Autism and Aspergers are such unique and amazing individuals. It will be so nice to say to my students, "Look at Ari Ne'eman! He has Autism and he serves on the National Council!"

www.autismconsultingandtraining.com

[developmental disabilities]

It is a good leap for autism to be understood by the general public. This is a good example.

[Brenda Lee COSSE']

Thank you National Council on Disability. NCD is vital in informing us of policies, issues and other other interests of people with Disabilities. Comparatively, the Council for Exceptional Children is essential for Parents, Educators, Policymakers and Advocates of Children with various Exceptionalities like my son who endeavors to 'enjoy life on the Autism Spectrum'. Thanks CEC for keeping us active and abreast with Policy Insider and other info.
Developmental conditions ARE disAbilities,too.
As the Disability Community observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month(NDEAM,let's remember to acknowledge the workforce needs and accommodations of Self-Employers, Employees and Jobseekers with Developmental Disabilities.
In light of this NDEAM-Developmental Disabilities recognition, October is also National Sensory Awareness Month. The Sensory Processing Disorder(SPD)online education, advocacy community and social networks provide a plethora of relevant and reliable information for people needing Sensory Diets and Sensory Integration.
Again, congratulations to Mr. Ari Ne'eman, Founder of Autistic Self-Advocacy Network(ASAN) for serving as the first NCD appointee with Autism. Thanks to President Barack Obama and U.S. Congress for a progressive decision.
I will continue to share CEC, NCD, Executive, Legislative and Judicial insights that impact the Developmental disAbilities community via 'EnjoyHi5Autism' social networks and micro-blogs.