We (Somali Autism Parents) started autism advocacy and awareness years ago, as far back as 2008. And we have led many horses to water. We are very proud of our accomplishments.
We have asked, begged and sometimes demanded many school districts, counties, UMN and state agencies to hire and train people from our community so that our kids can get professionals that reflect them. It was not always easy, in fact – often it was very difficult to convince others the need and the urgency. We spent many hours, days and even years to plan strategically with often raw emotional human data.
We have not always succeeded and still have so much more to go, but we are very grateful to many leadership folks in many areas for hiring, training, funding and so much more. We also hope that those we worked so hard to be hired and positions created remember why they are there and who they are there for. In other words, we led many horses to water of opportunities and we hope they drink it and give back to Somali Autism families, children and community.
Below is the a list of places that now have Somali staff for autism as a result of our advocacy:
Minnesota Department of Health hired two Somalis to help with Autism.
Minnesota Department of Human Services hired one Somali to help with Autism. In additions, DHS created a team of folks led by Anne H for Autism. It is worth noting, when I started with DHS with previous Gov Pawlenty administration, there was zero person or staff for autism at DHS. In fact, autism was housed at mental health, health care and disability. DHS was confused and overwhelmed by autism. Now, I am so proud of their accomplishments and how far they have come. Awesome job started by Edwall & Sulik and continued by Jesson, Barry, Colman and Alex!!!
This probably is our biggest accomplishment because DHS (state Medicaid agency) oversees many autism providers and therapy clinics. Now our parents have someone to help them through the very complex and confusing DHS system. This will also help with training autism providers with culturally and linguistically appropriate services so that no more minority autism child or family is discriminated or put on an endless wait-list since early intervention is the key to better outcome.
Arc hired one Somali to help with Somali autism.
Hennepin County hired two Somali social workers in adult disability area. And, I must say Henn county was the hardest of all to advocate. They are soooooo resistant to any change or equity which is very sad because they have the highest minority autism families in Minnesota.
Ramsey County hired One Somali social DD worker to help with autism. Ramsey also promoted a Somali social worker to a mainstream planner. Think about this for a minute, Ramsey made a good history of not just hiring minorities to outreach, to talk to us, etc – but hired her on the content of character and expertise for a mainstream position. How amazing is that!! I am so grateful to Robert, Meghan, Andrea and Dawn over there. They are authentic and sincere.
UMN ICI (University of Minnesota – Institute on Community Integration) department hired one Somali and has admitted over 10 Somalis into their LEND fellowship program who hopefully will become social workers, speech therapist and policy advisers. Thanks to Denise & Wendy at HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) for this. HRSA is the Federal agency that funds the LEND programs. Yes, sometimes – most of the time actually – we had to go to the Federal government to tilt a small needle of equity in Minnesota.
Many school districts too long to list have also hired Somalis to help with autism – check with your local school district for Somali staff in their autism program.
Again, what does this all mean? Well – it means many of us parents worked hard and relentlessly for many Somalis to be in a position to help our autism community. All we can hope now is they remember that, help all autism families, have compassion and passion for all kids and adults with autism in MN and beyond. It means the burden and responsibility is now in your shoulders of assuring kids get screened, diagnosed and receive intervention early and on time. We hope you take your position and its responsibilities very seriously by helping our families bridge the gap of diagnoses and intervention. It also means at least for me that I am done asking (ok harassing) anymore agency, county or school district to hire those that reflect our community. I think the seeds have started and hopefully others can just apply on their own and be interested in becoming an autism therapist or professional.
We led you all to water, we now hope you drink it with compassion, gratefulness and eagerness. Finally, I would like to recognize and thank all of the Somali autism parents and community leaders behind the scenes who had a big hand in this – Hodan, Istahil, A/Hakin, Nuur, Cascase, Jama, Farah, A/Wali, Kaltun, Deqo, A/Qadir K, A/Qadir D, Dr. Fahia, M.Jibrell, A/Salaan Caato, A/Saaq, Halimo, A/Rahman, Hussein, Said, & Safia. I hope I listed the original group and did not forget anyone. Thanks all very much!
Above words do not represent any agency, candidate or committee.
Thanks!
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate