Personal Request

Many of my fellow Kinstonians remember Todd Howard who sadly passed away from cancer a few years ago. As many of you also know, his young twin sons, Jackson & Jacob, are autistic. The CAPS (Comprehensive Autism Planning System) program under which they have been getting assistance is undergoing a change which if enacted would CUT their MUCH NEEDED services to HALF of what they have been getting.

I am including a portion of a letter that I received that provides information on legislators we can contact on behalf of this family. Please do your part and CONTACT someone on behalf of these precious boys BEFORE NOVEMBER 1, 2008!!!!

For information on autism, please visit www.autism-society.org

LETTER FROM THE HOWARD FAMILY:
As of November 1, 2008 the current CAP waiver will be expiring, unless otherwise deterred, the new CAP waiver will go into effect. The new waiver places limits on the number of home and community support hours a child may receive per day. On days that school is in operation, a child may only receive 3 hours of home and community supports. The new CAP waiver would cut Jackson and Jacob’s services in half. This cut would directly impact Jackson and Jacob’s individual CAP plans and the amount of one on one training time taken from their routine would be felt immediately on a day to day basis, not to mention the cumulative impact of lost training over an annual basis. The loss of these service hours could ultimately impact Jackson and Jacob through regression in acquired skills.

The primary reasons for sharing this information is to inform and request your urgent plea to the appropriate persons on behalf of Jackson and Jacob. I am aware of the following legislators you can contact (in addition to your legislator) regarding your concerns.
Senator Martin Nesbitt (919) 751-3001 martinn@ncleg.net
Senator Larry Shaw (919) 733-9349 larrys@ncleg.net
Representative Verla Insko (919) 733-7208 verlai@ncleg.net

My personal awareness of these details is recent. This brief time frame only adds to the urgent nature of this request. It is my understanding that all appeals will be given consideration, not only those from persons directly impacted by the new waiver, (i.e. special needs children, immediate family members, CAP employees) but also from those aware of the direct impact that such a waiver would have on the lives Jackson and Jacob.

I am including key points of information that you may want to take into consideration when you appeal on behalf of the twins.

• Jackson and Jacob are two of four children being raised by their widowed mother.

• Jackson and Jacob’s CAP program has consistently utilized the CAP funding for a uniquely individualized and intensive Applied Behavior Analysis/Verbal Behavior program with life changing results.
• As a result of meticulously and appropriately utilizing CAP funding for Jackson and Jacob, profound progress is observable and supported through an evidenced based therapeutic system accompanied with data to substantiate significant progress.
• Jackson and Jacob’s mother has and continues to maximize each and every teachable opportunity that is provided through the source of CAP funding. The ultimate goal being utilizing all that is provided to the ultimate benefit and unique advancement of Jackson and Jacob.