My friend David Morrisey was there when they announced the bill. He said the room was filled with families and individuals who were affected by autism. The room "erupted" when she came in. He also said most of the individuals were brought to tears about what this bill means to them.
Facts about autism:
Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 150 births (Centers for Disease Control Prevention, 2007). Roughly translated, this means as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. And this number is on the rise.
Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any child.
And although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
Senators Clinton and Allard Introduce Historic Autism Services Bill
Autism Society of America Welcomes Senate Legislation to Support Autism Community
The Autism Society of America (ASA) hailed today’s introduction of the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act of 2007 as landmark progress for Americans living with autism and their families. This legislation, if passed, would provide approximately $350 million to improve access to comprehensive treatments, interventions, and services for individuals with autism and their families.
ASA strongly supports the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act of 2007 and urges all Senators to cosponsor this important legislation. “This bill specifically addresses the most critically important issue to the autism community today obtaining appropriate services across the lifespan,” said Lee Grossman, President and CEO of ASA. “Our families and individuals with autism are pleased that their voices have been heard by Senators Clinton and Allard, and encourage their Senate colleagues to support this legislation.”
The proposed legislation aims to:
- for the first time, convene a task force to evaluate and report on evidence-based biomedical and behavioral treatments and services
- establish State-based demonstration grant programs to provide evidence-based autism treatments, interventions, and services for children and adults
- support protection and advocacy systems to address the needs of individuals with autism and other emerging populations of individuals with disabilities.
- fund expanded access to coordinated multi-agency treatments, interventions, and services to children
- provide supplemental grants for training and technical assistance to service providers and educators and to establish a national center on autism information.
ASA, its national network of chapters and other autism organizations joined with Easter Seals, National Disability Rights Council, Association of University Centers on Disabilities and other organizations delivering needed services in calling on the Congressional leadership to support this welcome—and critical—federal legislation for families.
1 comment:
That's wonderful.
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