Bill Text: DE HR7 | 2011-2012 | 146th General Assembly | Draft
Bill Title: Declaring April, 2011 As "autism Awareness Month" In Delaware.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-30 - Passed in House by Voice Vote [HR7 Detail]
Download: Delaware-2011-HR7-Draft.html
SPONSOR: |
Rep. Q. Johnson & Rep. Heffernan & Rep. J. Johnson, on behalf of all Representatives |
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 146th GENERAL ASSEMBLY |
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 7 |
DECLARING APRIL, 2011 AS "AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN DELAWARE. |
WHEREAS, autism is a lifelong developmental disability affecting approximately 1 in 110 children which impairs an individual's ability to learn, develop healthy social behaviors, and understand verbal, nonverbal, and reciprocal communication; and
WHEREAS, autism is a spectrum disorder, affecting every person in unique and individual ways that call for individualized treatment, educational programming, and services; and
WHEREAS, autism is the result of a neurological disorder affecting the functioning of the brain, and there is a greater need for public awareness of this complex disorder; and
WHEREAS, autism has no known cure, and research is critical to discovering the causes, treatments, and cures for the disorder; and
WHEREAS, autism is the third most common developmental disability, affecting more than 1,000,000 people across the country, and as many as 1,200 individuals and their families in Delaware; and
WHEREAS, the population of students with autism statewide in Delaware has more than doubled over the last 10 years; and
WHEREAS, students with autism are graduating in increasing numbers into adult services, going from an average of 5 graduates in 2000 to a projected 23 in 2011; and
WHEREAS, the needs of adults with mild autism and Asperger's Syndrome for ongoing support to function successfully at work and in the community often go unrecognized or unmet; and
WHEREAS, the adult service system needs to be well prepared to support the increasing numbers of young adults who will need residential, vocational, behavioral, health, and/or recreational services to lead lives of dignity and productivity in the community; and
WHEREAS, the families of people with autism face financial, emotional, and social challenges as they strive to ensure the best care and life possible for their relative with autism.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 146th General Assembly of the State of Delaware that April, 2011 be declared "Autism Awareness Month" in Delaware.