HR0335

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HOUSE RESOLUTION


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

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

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

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

 

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    WHEREAS, The mission of the Autism Society of Illinois is 
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to promote through advocacy, public awareness, education, and 
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research, lifelong access and opportunities for persons within 
 


 






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the autism spectrum disorder and their families in order that 
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they may be fully included, participating members of their 
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communities; and

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

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

 
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    WHEREAS, Hundreds of persons with developmental 
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disabilities and their families will convene in the Illinois 
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State Capitol on May 16, 2007, to show their support for 
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legislation, funding, and policies that support individuals 
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with developmental disabilities, including autism, and that 
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promote self-determination and inclusion in our communities; 
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therefore, be it

 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
 


 






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NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
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do hereby proclaim May 16, 2007, as Developmental Disability 
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and Autism Family Day at the Illinois State Capitol; and be it 
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further

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