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Alright – so, the MN state legislature session has started, yay! Not really. The dflers are in complete control. You know what that means. More disparity, more Minnesota nice racism, and more inequalities. Ugh.

Let’s dig in and see who is chairing what committee and what that all means for autism and our community.

The House:

Human services policy is chaired by Rep. Fischer 

Human services finance is chaired by a Somali this year. Does this mean DHS will finally do the right thing. Nope, let’s not hold our breath. Hell would have to freeze first. It is sooooo frustrating when they look like us but do not address our community’s needs.

Senate: It is even worse in the Senate. First, crying that Sen. Abeler is not in charge. Second, Sen. Melissa W is chairing the health and human main one. She is by far one of the worse elected officials I have ever met in Minnesota. She is your typical Minnesota nice grass snake. She represents Bloomington, you know the area with some of the worst racial disparities in the state, including the school district. Sen. Melissa will not do anything good for autism at all – period. Can’t we find someone to run against her and defeat her at the polls? Ugh.

Then there is the human services committee chaired by Sen. Hoffman. Well, what can I say about him. He is charming, charismatic, and smiles all the time. He reminds me of those cold sunny days in Minnesota that we see in Jan. What is that called – fake sun. The sun that shines but never warms anything. That is Hoffman in a nutshell. He will use and say the right words like disability, mental health, equity, and disparity, but he doesn’t mean any of them. He will only make you think he cares. He does not. Sadly, this is the  Senator that DHS uses when they wanna push salty EIDBI policies and laws down our throats. Now he is in charge – yay! Not really. Ugh.

My goal was to advocate for EAA and county accountability, I just do not see success with all privileged white dflers in charge.

The only good news here in health is that the Minnesota Department of Health’s commissioner Jan M left. Goodbye and good riddance. She was useless and could care less about autism research or support. If One Minn Hoax Gov Walz was to do the right thing, he will hire Dr. Nathan C to lead MDH. I doubt that. MDH now has a black commissioner. We will have to see what she accomplishes. I hope it is not for decoration. Even MDE – the education department now has a black commissioner. I have to say I was not expecting this from One Hoax Minn Gov, Walz. There are two scenarios for this. Either, he is starting to come around and has appointed diverse commissioners who will change the trajectory of education and health disparities in Minnesota or they are the black liberals of Clarence Thomas. Time will tell.

Education – The talk of the town for a minute there was that MDE was going to be led by retired rep Davnie. While he is charming and pleasant in committees, he is and will always be in the pockets of unions and never in the corner of students and families. Do you know how many useless and meaningless hearings he gave discipline disparities and education gap? None of which produced any fruits. He always smiled and then screwed with us. It seems that Gov Walz hired an African American person to lead MDE. I do not know this one and could not write anything good or bad just yet. Let’s see what he does and how he manages to decrease discipline disparities and the education gap for students with disabilities and black/brown kids.

So, who will be leading the House and Senate committees in Education?

Senate – the policy is in the pockets of the teacher’s union. I have seen him here for years with no progress.

The finance is Sen. Kunesh. She is native American in name only. Ever since I have been advocating in the education system, Sen Kunesh has been in opposition to increasing teachers of color, reducing, and eliminating racial discipline disparities, and getting rid of the education gap.

This is my last legislative session as I will be retiring in May of 2023. Don’t worry, I will write a blog on this and tell myself, wait for it…. Drum roll pls…. Goodbye and good riddance. Yes, I know so many in Minnesota agencies and legislatures will be saying that. Maybe even a few federal agencies will too. I am ok with that. You see the idea of policy advocacy is to change policies and laws. That means people who benefit from current policies and laws won’t be happy. I have always said, I did not become an advocate to join Paris Hiltons’ BFF show.

The above words do not reflect any candidate, agency, or committee.

Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Advocate

Alright – so, I have decided to retire from autism advocacy in May 2023. The last session was the last time that I will advocate for any EIDBI policy changes. I wanted to make sure that at least autism parents and other stakeholders have a say in whatever DHS or others try to change within EIDBI law.

From start to finish, Sen. Abeler who has been there for us from day one to the end of my journey ensured this and added this simple language that I requested. The EIDBI provisions go from line 167.13 to 173.6. The part I was interested in was ensuring that stakeholders including autism parents were at the table. This meant DHS can not just use their controlled ASD advisory council. That is a not public committee the public has access to. Here is the HHS Omnibus 

Here is the language I wanted which passed and is now a law.

169.22    Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 256B.0949, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
169.23    Subd. 8. Refining the benefit with stakeholders. Before making revisions to the EIDBI
169.24benefit or proposing statutory changes to this section, the commissioner must refine the
169.25details of the benefit in consultation consult with stakeholders and consider recommendations
169.26from the Department of Human Services Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral
169.27Intervention Advisory Council, the early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention
169.28learning collaborative, and the Departments of Health, Education, Employment and Economic
169.29Development, and Human Services. The details must Revisions and proposed statutory
169.30changes subject to this subdivision include, but are not limited to, the following components:
169.31(1) a definition of the qualifications, standards, and roles of the treatment team, including
169.32recommendations after stakeholder consultation on whether board-certified behavior analysts
170.1and other professionals certified in other treatment approaches recognized by the department
170.2or trained in ASD or a related condition and child development should be added as
170.3professionals qualified to provide EIDBI clinical supervision or other functions under
170.4medical assistance;

As always, I can not thank enough Sen. Abeler – the chair of the Senate Human Services Reform, Finance and Policy Committee.

From what I understand, DHS is supposed to update the public sometime in August. All good things must come to an end. I have one more session to advocate and it will not be EIDBI. I really do hope another autism parent who is interested in policy advocacy rises and continues this important work.

The above words do not reflect any candidate, agency, or committee.

Idil Abdull – Somali Autism Mom and Advocate

Alright – so, the Minnesota office of legislative auditor (OLA) released a report that many of us have been waiting for that was about education gap in this state and what the education department has been doing about it. To no one’s surprise, MDE sucks in this area and in so many others. The auditor shared their report with the House education finance committee this week. I listened and thought it was really good. I am sad they did not add suspension to the reasons education gap exists. They said they only looked at the four areas that are in the law which I guess makes sense.

The commissioner of the state education department spoke after the OLA office and as usual, was defensive and refused to take any ownership of MDE’s failure in addressing the state’s horrible education disparities. This was the best opportunity to own mistakes, come up with corrective actions and apologize to the thousands of Minnesota families who have endured education gap.

What was interesting in this report was that there is not a definition of what an education gap is in law. Interesting. I guess one could say by third grade all children black, white and brown should be able to read, write and do basic math is a good way to measure.

I hope legislatures come up with some laws and policies to not just define what the heck education gap is but to decrease and eliminate it. Education is the key to life’s success and/or failures. If we are failing our kids then we are failing our success and future.

You can read the full report here if you like.

The above words do not reflect any candidate, agency, or committee.

Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Advocate

Alright- so, while I was cleaning – I was watching Minn Human Services Reform Finance & Policy Committee (Sen. Abeler’s). Yes, I know who does that? most people listen to music or watch a show or something. I relax by watching legislature committees, weird.

Ok, let’s not get excited; I only watch committees when there is some autism bill or language going through. On this day (2.24.22), the committee had a language of taking out the QSP being present for coordinated care conferences which is a good idea. I then stumbled into them talking about group homes closing. Sen. Nelson gave an impassionate speech and asked what we (all of us) can do to keep these vulnerable people in their homes. Not surprisingly, the current MN department of human services commissioner (Jodi Harspstead) was there and gave – oh what is the word….what is the word that describes her demeanor…yes, I got it… disconnected.

Let’s digest this for a moment. The HUMAN services department leader did not display any emotion, empathy, or care for people with disabilities losing their homes in 8 days. This is so depressing.

It was interesting to see the faces and body language of the GOP members who in my humble opinion displayed empathy and compassion then the DFLers (Murphy) said something about something, oh who can ever remember what she says. Remember, she was against Medicaid paying for autism services for the poor when she was in the house. Yeah, let’s not ever forget that. Then Sen Hoffman spoke. He praised the governor’s solution then praised Abeler’s views just to brown-nose. It was a canceling message. I am never amazed at how much he talks without saying any meaningful words. I am not a fan of him and can’t actually see how he wins elections. He was also against kids with disabilities not being suspended by school districts. Why, you ask – because he was a school board member. I know Abeler likes him and I respect and like Abeler more than I can ever express.

Anyway, I think at least for me – I want to help these people especially any group home that have individuals with autism. I hope you all contact DHS or your county and ask how you can help. The problem seems to be people who work in these group homes are not and were not ever making a living wage. With the pandemic, things have gotten even worse. I suggest we invest in ensuring these amazing and wonderful care professionals get the rate they deserve and the thanks we all owe them.

Abeler discussing this.

The link to this hearing.

The above words do not reflect any candidate, agency, or committee.

Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Advocate

In Minnesota, any Jack or Jane can have access to children with autism via early intensive developmental and behavior intervention (EIDBI) therapy. While DHS tries its best, it is not required; only recommended. This is wrong; children with autism must be protected. MN Dept of Human Services put this in their budget this year and I have been trying to advocate in both the senate and house to ensure it finally passes this legislative session. For the record, I was the sole person who testified for this provision in the house and senate. A flashback to how it was only us (Somali autism parents and community leaders) who testified and pushed EIDBI, but as usual DHS neglected and denied to give credit where credit is due. Lovely. Gee, I wonder why racial disparity is so high here.

Note: I can’t wait which wasp person DHS gives credit for pushing this.

Minnesota State Senate
Human Services Reform Finance & Policy Committee
Chair – Sen. Abeler

Dear Mr. Chair and Members, many thanks for the opportunity to share my written testimony regarding the governor’s budget for DHS. My name is Idil Abdull; I am a Somali Autism Mom & Advocate.

I would like to first thank all the legislators in this committee who helped and supported us pass the Early Intensive Developmental & Behavior Intervention (EIDBI) benefit so many years ago. Because of your efforts and hard work, so many children with autism and their families are able to receive the therapy and services they need.
Unfortunately, at that time, we were all so eager to get this bill pass that we did not think about requiring background study for providers who would be providing the therapy. As you know, autism is a developmental disability. Often children with autism may remember word for word a movie they saw a year ago but may not be able to describe what happened to them that morning. It is imperative that we protect these vulnerable children by ensuring anyone who has access to them has had their background checked.

Currently, there is no state law requiring this. Some of the EIDBI providers do it voluntarily and some do not as it is only a recommendation. I understand it will cost around $42.00 for each applicant, but the health and safety of our children should be priceless. We all know about the Jensen case and I really hope Minnesota is proactive this time and protects the kids, rather than be reactive and wait until (God Forbid) something horrible happens.

As always, I thank you for your time and hope you will include requiring a background study in EIDBI.
Idil – Somali Autism Mom

The above words do not reflect any candidate, agency, or committee.

Idil

Minnesota Senate Education Finance & Policy Committee

March 1^st, 2021 @ 3pm

Chair: Sen. Chamberlain

Re: SF – 321       

Dear Mr. Chair and Members, many thanks for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Idil Abdull, I am an autism mom whose son was suspended by a union-protected teacher Kelly Morris and lobbyist-protected principal Jaysen Anderson.

First, I would like to state that MacPhail offers boundless opportunities for children including those with autism. My son received music therapy when he was younger. As you may know, America is known for its music and performing arts. I mean, who does not know Michael Jackson or Bruce Springsteen. This country has produced impeccable singers and artists without a doubt.

It pains me to oppose this bill that has a fiscal note of hundreds of thousands of dollars for this reason alone. Imagine two exact (in color, race, height, weight, etc.) males walk-in into an emergency room. One has a broken leg, and one has a bleeding head. The ER doctor is ethically, morally, and professionally obligated to tend to the patient with the bleeding head.

I think giving money to MacPhail is like treating the broken leg patient while neglecting the bleeding head patient which in this case is the suspension and education gap in Minnesota, where we are often told “unfunded mandate and no money”.

I respectfully as that we fund and make suspension and education gap a funded mandate with resources that hold teachers and administrators accountable. We can no longer keep funding the broken leg while the bleeding head is ignored.

As always, I thank you for your time and hope that my testimony at least made you think and prioritize what is important in Minnesota’s education system.

Re: SF 706

While I respect and admire Sen. Nelson’s work in both education and health, I must say I am disappointed in the sheer amount of money she is asking for this bill, while decreasing and eliminating suspensions and the education gap has been neglected.

We cannot keep saying no money again to the bleeding head while the broken leg keeps getting millions of dollars. This type of differential treatment is how we got this shameful and horrible discipline and education gap in the first place.

Again, thanks for your time and I hope we put kids first.

With gratitude,

Idil Abdull – Somali Autism Mom

The above words do not reflect any candidate, agency, or committee.

Idil – Somali Autism Mom

Alright – so, 2020 has been a bad-ass year for everyone in the whole world. No one could’ve imagined a pandemic that would rock all of us to our core in unimaginable ways. 2020 has been hard for all of us, but especially kids and adults with autism. Social communication and social skills are core deficits for individuals with autism. We (parents, caregivers, teachers, therapists, etc.) work hard teaching social skills and social communication to autistic individuals. Then with Carona, that was out the window, social distancing and masks became the norm.

Look me in the eye, say what I say, do what I do, give a hug, smile, touch blue, touch car, etc. and etc. were skills our kids needed and were taught. 2020 made all of these impossible. I remember it took months to teach my son to look people in the eye or give a hug. Now all of the sudden, we had to say no hugs, don’t get close and how do you even teach verbal imitation when your mouth is covered with a mask. How do you teach any skill to an autistic kid through a computer or online. It is impossible.

2020 has been specially difficult for autism families because it demanded the opposite of everything we worked so hard to achieve.

So, like a bad politician; I say to 2020 – goodbye and good riddance. May 2021 be a year full of happiness, health and prosperity for autistic children and their families.

Above words do not reflect any candidate, agency or committee

Idil – Somali Autism Mom

Alright – so, if you read my blog then you know I am not a big fan of the current commissioner at DHS nor the current governor. I have good reasons. First, they preach equity while practicing inequalities. They preach inclusiveness while practicing exclusiveness. More employees have complained about racial discrimination under them than at least three previous administrations combined. An accident – hell no. They are bias to their core. Don’t let their charm fool you.

At any rate, this blog isn’t about how racist DHS is. We all know that. It is how DHS’ Commissioner Harpstead and Gov Walz (aka One Minnesota Hoax) have refused to protect children with autism and their families again.

Minnesota Department of Human Services under Gov Walz (One Minnesota Hoax) threw kids with autism and their families under the bus again. DHS refuses to protect the children. They refuse to ensure comprehensive and thoughtful background studies are done on the therapists who see these vulnerable kids. They refuse to protect the kids by not making autism therapy agencies licensed or even certified. You read that right.

The human services agency refuses to protect humans, especially small children with autism who are vulnerable and can’t protect themselves. What a load of crap from DHS’ commissioner Harpstead and Gov Walz.

I am sooooo pissed right now. Commissioner Harpstead and Gov Walz are no friends to autism families. They again threw us under the bus and over the bridge. I urge any autism family or anyone who cares about autism to send emails and testify in the state legislature about this. We should be proactive and protect the kids not reactive and wait for another Jensen settlement. If you live under a rock and don’t know who Jensen was, here is a snapshot.

Their excuse – we don’t have money. What now? How much is a kid with autism worth? I mean seriously – how much?

This is not true, DHS has money. They just don’t care about this issue. Lovely.

Above words do not reflect any candidate, agency or committee.

Idil – Autism mom and Advocate

Alright – so, Alex and I go years back. I met Alex over a decade ago, omg I feel old now. When I first started advocating at Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) with other autism parents, Alex was the first person that then DHS commissioner Ludeman back in Gov Pawlenty’s administration (the good old days) asked to answer my million autism questions. I remember I would call Alex and ask her questions about what services does DHS cover for kids with autism including does DHS pay/cover ABA therapy. Of course, we now know that DHS did not cover ABA therapy for kids with autism who had Medicaid but it did for wealthier kids who had TEFRA. I would find out when Alex would be testifying at the capitol and make sure I go there to testify and ask the same questions again and again. The committee chair would then have to call Alex as she often represented DHS and ask her “does DHS cover ABA therapy”. Alex would politely say no. Then I would say “yes they do but only for wealthy and mostly non-minority families”.

I know this pissed so many but it also made this state wake up to its many many many disparity and bias ways. As they say the rest is history and Minn now has one of the best ABA therapy coverage for kids with autism in the nation. This blog is not my advocacy and how ABA coverage came about, it is about Alex and my interactions with her.

I am eternally grateful to Alex. From day one until we actually passed not just EIBDI but other policies and laws helping kids with autism, Alex has always listened and took my views and concerns to heart. This does not mean I got everything I asked her but she listened. Of course, I wish her replacement was a person of color but maybe that is a dream. DHS is still one of the most racist agency in the state and will probably stay that way for a long time. Yes, I know they hired a black assistant commissioner but that is just for appearance not because DHS actually cares about equity nor equality – not under Governor Walz anyway.

Thank you Alex for validating my points, listening to my concerns, answering my questions and most of all respecting me even when we disagreed. No matter what I threw at you in state committees, meetings or in person – you always remained calm, cool and collected. Thank you for vising Somali community in Brian Coyle with then Asst Commissioner Loren and hearing from Somali autism parents. Thank you for all that you have done. I along with thousands of autism families in Minnesota will benefit from the many policies that you helped us with.

I wish you all the best in your next chapter!

Above words do not reflect any committee, agency or candidate.

Idil – Autism Mom