HR0318 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0318 LRB101 12138 ALS 59727 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Debra Nauman, the founder of Giant Steps, on her years of tenacious work for the autism community; and

WHEREAS, Debra Nauman, a single mother with two children on the autism spectrum, began her journey 23 years ago; motivated by her son, Riley, who was not receiving the services he needed at school to effectively learn, she realized he needed a program that understood him and autism; her dynamic personality led her to start Giant Steps, the first school in Illinois for students with autism, in 1996; and

WHEREAS, Without alternatives for programming, Debra Nauman turned to her local legislator, former U.S. Representative Judy Biggert, for assistance; subsequently, former State Representative Patti Bellock continued to support Giant Steps; with their help, the initial funding to start Giant Steps was secured through the Illinois General Assembly, making Riley the first student at Giant Steps Day School; and

WHEREAS, Today, Giant Steps serves over 200 students and adults from across northern Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Giant Steps autism services now include the Transition Day School program in Lisle, where there are 165 students attending from over 60 public school districts in northern Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The Canopy Adult Day Program located in Sugar Grove provides vital continuing education for adults with autism who have aged out of the public school system; and

WHEREAS, Christine's Dream Equestrian Center at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove offers therapeutic riding lessons and vocational opportunities focused on experiential education and recreational skill development for students and adults from across northern Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The Recreation After School Center in Lisle is a program that addresses two needs for families; first, it provides engaging and educational and community opportunities for students and adults after school; second, it provides camps for students during holidays that offer exciting and engaging activities designed to support learning; and

WHEREAS, These programs have helped countless individuals living with autism by offering new educational and therapeutic programs and enriching their daily lives, and Giant Steps has grown into a national leader in the world of autism; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Debra Nauman on her years of untiring work as the founder of Giant Steps and commend all she has done to help families across the State who are living with autism; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Debra Nauman as an expression of our esteem and respect.