02/01/2026
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the appointment of 21 new members to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), marking a significant day for our community. Notably, several esteemed individuals have been appointed, including prominent advocates for spelling and typing methods, such as Elizabeth Bonker and Caden Larson of Communication 4 ALL, with Caden also representing the Spellers Freedom Foundation.
Other appointees include Honey Rinicella, Krystal Higgins, Katie Sweeney, John Gilmore, Lisa Ackerman, Tracy Slepcevic, and Sylvia Emmerich Fogel, all of whom are well-known advocates. This committee, which reports directly to Secretary Kennedy, presents an opportunity for substantial progress and change for individuals with autism and their families. By coming together as a community, supporting one another, and sharing this news widely, we can push for better support systems and advance communication access.
The recent appointments to the IACC, including beloved MAPS physician Dr Rossignol and parents who have been instrumental in advocating and education, will undoubtedly drive positive, well-needed change families have been longing for.
For more information, visit https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-kennedy-appoints-new-interagency-autism-coordinating-committee.html.
