Alright – So, Minnesota Autism Center which has over 300 Autistic kids many of whom are minorities according to public data operates a school. They call it “The MAC School”. Now, in order for a school to be a school – it must be either a private or public school. Or a charter school which functions under the same guidelines as public school.
According to Minnesota Department of Education – the MAC school is not a public school nor a charter school like the Lionsgate. Ms. Marshall who is the executive director told the state education department the MAC school is a private school.
This then begs the question of why are children using medical assistance transportation, such as Care Cabs since they can’t transport students into private schools? Why is the MAC school then billing Medicaid even though they are private school. According to MDE – Medicaid can be billed for specific mental health services, but not for 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week for every kid which is what the MAC school is apparently doing.
In addition, if this is a private school = why are the behavior therapist told to teach the kids academics, but write ABA and medical treatment in their progress notes. And, why is KEPRO who is suppose to only authorize medically necessary skills therapy authorizing thousands of educational hours for a private school.
Finally, if the MAC school is a private school – why isn’t there any diplomas or graduations for these kids?
There are a million confusing questions about the so called MAC school which is run by Ron Carey – the previous chair of Minnesota Republican Party of Minnesota and Ms. Kathryn Marshall a local attorney.
Here is what I think along with many other autism parents and advocates – The MAC school is an ABA center providing educational and academics while billing CTSS under DHS/MA/Medicaid and are calling themselves a private school.
Sound confusing – imagine how autism parents and children feel. I hope that DHS/CMS and MDE assure our autistic kids get what they need and not what the owners of MAC want. Autism without on purpose confusion is challenging – there is no need to add this un-necessary chaos.
In other words, what exactly is “The MAC School”? I ask DHS and MDE to assure they are what they call themselves and KEPRO authorizes only that to assure our autism kids and their parents don’t get the run around.
Here is the list of Minnesota’s public and charter schools as well as nonpublic school and here is the MAC website where they falsely call themselves a school. They are not a public, private nor a charter school, but DHS and MDE must address it.
Above words do not reflect any agency, committee or candidate
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate