Alright – so, I heard Sen. Hoffman is coming to a Somali autism event this week by Somali Parents Autism Network (SPAN). To see that then to read his human services omnibus where he refuses and denies autism families and agencies proper and person-centered training is exactly why our community votes wrongly. We have not learned thus far to understand the importance of holding elected officials accountable. Just because they smile, like sambusa, can say couple of Somali words does NOT mean they care. When will we learn that. Ugh so depressing.
If you are an autism parent, the language in SF 3054 will hurt you. This language is intended to hurt and close without due process Somali EIDBI agencies. Yet, we are asking Sen. Hoffman to talk and sell us wrong information. How lovely. I am disappointed in SPAN. You should know better. Sucking up should have limits and first must do no harm to our autism families.
Below is my written testimony to his committee on 4.9.25. I urge all autism families and EIDBI agencies to send their written testimonies and orally testify. We cannot remain stupid every election year. Sambusa does not equate to equality – period. Tell Sen. Hoffman to listen to autism families and add training plus objective appeal if DHS shuts down an EIDBI agency. Qofkii walaalkiis loo xiiroow, adna soo qoyso.
Minnesota Senate
Human Services Committee
Chair – Sen. Hoffman
April 9th, 2025
Re: Human Services Omnibus SF-3054 opposing the autism language
Mr. Chair and Members, my name is Idil Abdull, I have a son with autism, and I am a retired advocate.
I want to tell you about my deep concerns regarding the governor’s language for autism, especially for Early Intensive Developmental Behavior Intervention (EIDBI). While I understand and agree with the need to license all facilities that have access to children and adults with autism and other disabilities, there must be a fair and balanced way to do it.
The way the governor’s language is written is more authoritarian than balanced and equal. It essentially gives DHS the authority to investigate and close autism therapy agencies without any objective and/or administrative appeal rights.
Further, there is no training done for autism families and/or the agencies to ensure they understand the EIDBI policies and set them up for success. Additionally, when DHS says they gathered information from “stakeholders”, please know the EIDBI advisory council is secluded group that does not follow open meeting laws and never hears from the public. They are controlled by DHS.
Somali autism families have tried to explain to this committee’s chair without any success the need for fairness and just services for children with autism. Many of you, if not all of you, have autism families and autism therapy agencies in your districts. I hope you speak for your constituents and add training by DHS as well as the right to appeal to an objective entity other than EIDBI staff making all the decisions by themselves.
Sincerely,
Idil Abdull – Somali Autism Mom & Retired Advocate.
The above words do not represent any candidate, agency, or committee.
Idil Abdull