§ 5542 — Interagency Committee on Autism

The General Assembly hereby establishes the Interagency Committee on Autism (ICA) with the charge to:

(1) Utilize evidence-based practices and programs to improve outcomes for people living with ASD and related developmental disabilities in Delaware by sharing information, initiatives, data and communications among both public and private agencies providing services and supports for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders in the State.

(2) Implement the recommendations outlined in the 2013 Delaware Strategic Plan entitled “Blueprint for Collective Action: Final Report of the Delaware Strategic Plan to Improve Services and Supports for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.” This may include assisting state agencies and partner agencies to develop more detailed implementation strategies and timelines, and to track progress towards specific goals.

(3) Monitor services currently provided by state agencies to people with ASD, with the goal of identifying gaps and avoiding duplication of services.

(4) Provide oversight for and development of goals and priorities for the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (Network), created to assist in the implementation of the Committee’s recommendations.

(5) Advise the General Assembly on legislation that is needed to implement these recommendations. The ICA may develop and recommend legislation to the General Assembly or comment on pending legislation that affects those persons.

(6) Submit a report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly summarizing:

a. The progress towards all recommendations adopted by the ICA and the activities of the Network and the ICA;

b. Major categories of expenses and that includes all public, private, and in-kind support.

(7) Members of the ICA shall not be compensated directly for their service on the ICA.

(8) The ICA shall be chaired by the Network Director, who shall be responsible for coordinating quarterly meetings of the ICA with the locations of those meetings moving between state counties regularly.

(9) The Network Director shall not be a voting member of the ICA.

(10) Members of the ICA in existence on September 14, 2016, shall maintain their membership.

(11) New members of the ICA not specifically mentioned below shall be appointed by a majority vote of the existing ICA members.

(12) The ICA shall adopt rules for the conduct of its meetings.

(13) Any actions taken by the ICA must be approved by a majority vote of the members present.

(14) The ICA shall establish policies and adopt rules to carry out its duties.

(15) Voting members of the ICA shall consist of, but not be limited to:

a. The Statewide Director of the Delaware Autism Program;

b. A representative appointed by the Department of Education;

c. A representative appointed by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services;

d. A representative appointed by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation;

e. A representative appointed by the Center for Disabilities Studies at the University of Delaware;

f. A representative appointed by Autism Delaware;

g. A representative appointed by the Nemours network;

h. A representative appointed by the Division of Public Health;

i. A representative appointed by the Delaware Association of Rehabilitation Facilities;

j. A representative appointed by the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health;

k. A representative appointed by Family Voices;

l. A representative appointed by the Parent Information Center of Delaware;

m. A representative of Part C, Birth to Three Early Intervention System;

n. A representative appointed by the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services;

o. A parent or caregiver of a child or adult with ASD from each county in Delaware;

p. An individual with ASD.

(16) Administrative staff support for the ICA shall be provided by the Network.

Legislative History

80 Del. Laws, c. 425, § 1