FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 14, 2009

For More Information, contact:

(205) 951-1364
www.autism-alabama.org

1-877-4AUTISM

Second Autism Awareness Day Slated for April 16 (MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA) - Representative Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) along with Jennifer Muller, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Alabama are preparing for  the Second Annual Autism Awareness Day which will be held Thursday, April 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the State House in Montgomery with a press conference to begin at noon on the steps of the State House. Self-advocates, family members, and professionals will visit their legislators to express the overwhelming need for support and services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Alabama.  Hundreds of parent advocates from throughout the state are expected to come to Montgomery on this day to push for better Autism services in Alabama. “In just one year, the Alabama Legislature has made great strides in bringing autism and autism-related disorders’ needs to the forefront of the special needs agenda,” Rep. Ward said today.  “I am thrilled that we are celebrating our Second Annual Autism Awareness Day next Thursday and look forward to great participation,” he added.Jennifer Muller is pleased that the Autism Society can bring awareness to the state by offering Awareness Day to families from all regions of the state.  Two hundred people are registered to attend this event from 50 cities.  “We have sponsored buses to transport families from their local cities so that they may participate in this opportunity.  It’s important for families to be heard by their legislators in Montgomery. This event has been successful since its inception and a group this large shows the magnitude of this disorder that now affects 1 in 150 babies born today,” Muller said. Representative Ward recently introduced House Bill 615, which creates autism service centers throughout the state, on the campuses of state universities and colleges.  The centers will provide a trained staff with expertise in autism and autistic-like behaviors to work with clients and their families and with school districts whose duties include providing an appropriate education program for school-age children. The centers will also implement public awareness programs to inform the public about autism. HB 615 passed the House and is currently awaiting final passage by the Alabama State Senate.  Senator Linda Coleman (D-Birmingham) is the Senate sponsor of this legislation. Additionally, the Autism Society of Alabama hopes to see House Bill 41, which created the Interagency Autism Coordinating Council,  pass through the Senate so that the Council will become a permanent fixture for our state.  About the Autism Society of Alabama is the state’s only nonprofit organization dedicated soley to improving services for individuals affected by autism spectrum disorders and their families through education and advocacy.  -30-