Message from the Executive Director

Last week, the Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced the department’s actions to address what he called the “epidemic of autism” at a White House press event that included the President (C-SPAN | New York Times). Unfortunately, Secretary Kennedy once again shared debunked claims about autism and misinformation about vaccines and medications.

TASH strongly supports evidence-based policy that is grounded in research. As such, we must continue to speak out in favor of sound science and policy, and against misinformation and debunked theories and false claims. Let us be clear: vaccines do not cause autism. In fact vaccines have been shown to prevent severe illness and, in many cases, save lives. The recent approval announced last week by HHS leadership of the drug leucovorin to “treat” autism is also concerning, as this drug exposes autistic people to a range of unknown risks.

We urge Secretary Kennedy and the Department he leads to respect and support all people with disabilities including autistic people. HHS has the potential to do much to improve the lives of autistic people and their families, including by re-engaging the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), which has not convened since the start of the Trump administration (the IACC is required to meet by the Autism CARES Act which reauthorized last year).

We urge government officials, the media and others to uphold scientific integrity, disseminate accurate public health information and to work together to strengthen—not weaken—the infrastructure of support for all people with disabilities including those in the autism community. For more information, visit the Autism Society Joint Statement on Upholding Scientific Integrity and Supporting the Autism Community.

Sincerely,

Michael Brogioli

TASH News

TASH held its ninth annual Outstanding Leadership in Disability Law Symposium and Award Celebration on September 9. After a day of educational panels, our evening program honored Senator Bob Casey for his leadership in disability law. Check out our recap here.

Top, left to right: Alison Barkoff delivering the keynote address; Jean Gonsier-Gerdin and Hezzy Smith presenting the award to Senator Casey; Bottom, left to right: Michael Brogioli congratulating Senator Casey; former Casey Staff Fellow Liz Weintraub delivering a toast.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at the 2025 TASH Conference in Denver, December 4–6! This year promises an exciting program of sessions, networking opportunities, and celebrations of TASH’s 50^th Anniversary.

• The complete 2025 TASH Conference schedule is now available online! There will be 15 Day One Intensive Workshops, the Research Colloquium, 140 Breakout Sessions, 27 Poster Presentations, 9 TASH Talks and so much more to explore!
• Don’t forget—our special conference room block at the Hyatt Regency Denver is filling quickly. Make your hotel reservation today to lock in the Conference rate at the Hyatt Regency Denver.
• The 2025 TASH Conference will feature a Silent Auction to benefit TASH’s national advocacy efforts. We invite you to contribute by donating an item, gift basket, unique experience, or service. Simply complete our online donation form.
• Increase Your Profile by Sponsoring at the 2025 TASH Conference! To see what options we offer, check out the 2025 TASH Conference Sponsor and Exhibitor Prospectus.

TASH’s 2025 Webinar Series Resumes October 2

After a summer hiatus, TASH’s 2025 Webinar Series resumes with “Enhancing Behavioral Health in IDD Communities”, presented by Crystal Hicks. Learn more and register here. If you have missed the series so far, you can watch past episodes as recordings on TASH’s YouTube channel.

Stay Connected – Renew or Join TASH Today!

Your membership supports our mission of equity, opportunity, and inclusion for people with disabilities. Together, we build stronger communities, amplify voices, and create lasting impact. Don’t miss out on upcoming events, resources, and advocacy opportunities — renew or join today!

Tell Us What TASH Means to You
Be Featured in TASH’s Member Spotlight

In future issues of TASH in Action we will be including a Member Spotlight as a regular feature. The Member Spotlight will consist of a brief introduction of a member, along with a statement about what TASH means to them. We are asking for interested members to submit a photo, bio and their testimonial. If you would like to be a featured member, you can submit your statement here.

College Planning for Students with Disabilities Webinar Series Available as Recordings

If you missed PennTASH’s 3-part online series, “Consider the Possibilities!: College Planning for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities“, you can watch them as recordings on TASH’s YouTube channel. The three episodes are:

• The Basics, The Myths, The Possibilities
• Planning for Success
• Real Talk: The College Experience

The Cal-TASH 43^rd Annual Conference will be February 27–28, 2026 at the Embassy Suites Riverfront in Sacramento, California.

The Call for Proposals is now open. The deadline for submission is October 14, 2025. You can submit your proposal in either English or Spanish.

Join the Self-Advocate Virtual Coffee Break on Fridays

Since 2020 TASH has been hosting a Friday Self-Advocate Virtual Coffee Break. It’s an informal virtual get-together. Each week we send out a meeting agenda with three topics of conversation. You can sign up for notices about the group at the Zoom registration page.

Community News

• Innovations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Job Seekers Webinar
  The LEAD Center’s July 30 webinar, “Policy in Action: State-Level Innovation with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Job Seekers at American Job Centers” is available as a recording. Gain insights that move beyond basic service strategies and into statewide coordination.
  Learn from real-world examples in California, Kansas, and Delaware and hear from those who have rolled up their sleeves and made real changes to strengthen communication access and ensure consistent service delivery for Deaf customers! bit.ly/46cinKW.
• Secure Your Financial Future Toolkit
  Now is always the perfect time to access the Secure Your Financial Future Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities from the Department of Labor! Explore resources on preparing for a job, including guides on developing skills through apprenticeships, internships, volunteer opportunities, and more! bit.ly/3U87in3.
• Data Visualization Tool
  How well are workforce programs serving people with disabilities in your state?
  Find out quickly and clearly with LEAD Center’s WIOA Data Visualization Tool! Use the tool to view national and state-level trends, compare WIOA outcomes across states, and more! Try it today: bit.ly/4572IeR.

Syracuse University Inclusive College Fair & Student Leadership Conference

The Syracuse University Inclusive College Fair will be October 20, 2025 and their State of the Art / Student Leadership Conference will be October 21 – 22, 2025.

Employment Opportunities

Seeking a Values-Based Employee or Employer?
Post Your Job or Resume on TASH’s New Career Center

TASH has expanded our career offerings with our new full-blown Career Center. When you post your resume as a TASH member, you will be listed higher in search results and e-mails to employers. Job postings start at $199 for a 30-day advertisement for TASH members and $249 for non-members. Join TASH today to make your next career move.

Upcoming Events

Thank You to Our Donors!

We would like to thank everyone who donated to TASH in September 2025. We are grateful to all of our supporters who help us achieve equity, opportunity, and inclusion for people with disabilities. Thank you!

TASH advances equity, opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities, with a focus on those with the most significant support needs, in the areas of education, employment and community living through advocacy, research and practice. More information about TASH can be found at www.tash.org.

TASH
1201 15^th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005 | (202) 808-8148 | info@tash.org

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