Senator Parker Stands Up for Individuals Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder

FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE SENATOR KEVIN PARKER (D-21)

Contact: Ricja Rice ‌‌‌‌‌| rrice@nysenate.gov | 518-455-2580 ph |518-426-6843 fax

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2011

Senator Parker Stands Up for Individuals Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder

Bi-Partisan Legislative Package address the needs of the developmentally disabled

(Brooklyn, NY)  In honor of the Fourth Annual World Autism Awareness Day (April 2, 2011),  Senator Parker (D-21) proposed an extensive 14 bill legislative package that will significantly enhance services to individuals affected by autism.       

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. According to recent estimates as many as 1 in every 91 children have been diagnosed with ASD, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.  “In honor of National Autism Awareness Month this April, I believe this is the opportune time to pass a comprehensive legislative package that addresses the needs individuals affected by autism spectrum disorders,” says Parker. 

“We commend Senator Parker’s leadership in advocating for the vital services and rights of individuals with autism and their families,” says Mr. Joshua Weinstein, President of Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices, School and Center for Children with Autism.   

Legislation in this proposed package includes:

·         The creation and detection of an autism detection program (S.1174)

·         Requires full coverage for prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of ASD (S.3405)

·         Develops comprehensive care centers for ASD (S.4159)

·         Establishes a task force on adults with autism (S.2135)

·         Defines a bill of rights for persons with ASD (S.2148)

“The bills in this package are intended to provide much needed services to individuals affected by ASD.  We must help develop comprehensive programs that curtail the fast-paced growth of these disabilities. I am proud to introduce bi-partisan, multi-house legislation that will improve services to some of the most vulnerable citizens of our state,” says Parker.  “I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to pass this legislative package,” he continued.

About Senator Kevin Parker

Senator Kevin S. Parker is intimately familiar with the needs of his diverse community that consists of 311,000 constituents in Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington and Borough Park. Over 3,000 constituents in Senator Parker’s district live with some type of developmental disabilities.  He is the Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, former Majority Whip and First Vice Chair or the Association of Black, Puerto Rican Asian Legislators.

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