HR1131 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1131 LRB095 20518 GRL 48439 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Developmental disabilities are defined as those disabilities caused by intellectual or cognitive disability, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or any other condition which results in impairment similar to that of intellectual disability (formerly known as mental retardation), which originates before the age of 18 and is expected to continue indefinitely; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 1.8 percent of the U.S. population is afflicted with a developmental disability and one in 150 children will be diagnosed with autism; and

WHEREAS, Every individual with a developmental disability has the right to live with dignity, to achieve their highest potential, and to be included in our communities; and

WHEREAS, The Autism Society of Illinois, The ARC of Illinois, the Family Support Network, Giant Steps Illinois, and Autism Speaks are not-for-profit organizations dedicated to the purpose of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Autism Society of Illinois is to promote through advocacy, public awareness, education, and research, lifelong access and opportunities for persons within the autism spectrum disorder and their families in order that they may be fully included, participating members of their communities; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Arc of Illinois is to empower persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Family Support Network is to unify individuals with disabilities and their families to advocate for funding, services, and community resources that strengthen and support the individual and the family directly by responding to their individual needs and empowering them to live in their own homes; the Family Support Network further seeks to ensure the continuation of all individual supports throughout the life span of the individual; and

WHEREAS, The mission of Giant Steps Illinois is to improve a child's ability to interact, communicate, and develop academic and daily living skills; and

WHEREAS, The mission of Autism Speaks is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders; and

WHEREAS, Hundreds of persons with developmental disabilities and their families will convene in the Illinois State Capitol on April 15, 2008, to show their support for legislation, funding, and policies that support individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism, and that promote self-determination and inclusion in our communities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we do hereby proclaim April 15, 2008, as Developmental Disability and Autism Family Day at the Illinois State Capitol; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Autism Society of Illinois, The ARC of Illinois, the Family Support Network, Giant Steps Illinois, and Autism Speaks as an expression of our esteem.