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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, Developmental disabilities are defined as those
3 disabilities caused by intellectual or cognitive disability,
4 autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or any other condition which
5 results in impairment similar to that of intellectual
6 disability (formerly known as mental retardation), which
7 originates before the age of 18 and is expected to continue
8 indefinitely; and
 
9     WHEREAS, Approximately 1.8 percent of the U.S. population
10 is afflicted with a developmental disability and one in 150
11 children will be diagnosed with autism; and
 
12     WHEREAS, Every individual with a developmental disability
13 has the right to live with dignity, to achieve their highest
14 potential, and to be included in our communities; and
 
15     WHEREAS, The Autism Society of Illinois, The ARC of
16 Illinois, the Family Support Network, Giant Steps Illinois, and
17 Autism Speaks are not-for-profit organizations dedicated to
18 the purpose of supporting individuals with developmental
19 disabilities; and
 
20     WHEREAS, The mission of the Autism Society of Illinois is
21 to promote through advocacy, public awareness, education, and

 

 

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1 research, lifelong access and opportunities for persons within
2 the autism spectrum disorder and their families in order that
3 they may be fully included, participating members of their
4 communities; and
 
5     WHEREAS, The mission of the Arc of Illinois is to empower
6 persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in
7 community life through informed choices; and
 
8     WHEREAS, The mission of the Family Support Network is to
9 unify individuals with disabilities and their families to
10 advocate for funding, services, and community resources that
11 strengthen and support the individual and the family directly
12 by responding to their individual needs and empowering them to
13 live in their own homes; the Family Support Network further
14 seeks to ensure the continuation of all individual supports
15 throughout the life span of the individual; and
 
16     WHEREAS, The mission of Giant Steps Illinois is to improve
17 a child's ability to interact, communicate, and develop
18 academic and daily living skills; and
 
19     WHEREAS, The mission of Autism Speaks is to change the
20 future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders; and
 
21     WHEREAS, Hundreds of persons with developmental

 

 

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1 disabilities and their families will convene in the Illinois
2 State Capitol on April 15, 2008, to show their support for
3 legislation, funding, and policies that support individuals
4 with developmental disabilities, including autism, and that
5 promote self-determination and inclusion in our communities;
6 therefore, be it
 
7     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
8 NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
9 do hereby proclaim April 15, 2008, as Developmental Disability
10 and Autism Family Day at the Illinois State Capitol; and be it
11 further
 
12     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
13 presented to the Autism Society of Illinois, The ARC of
14 Illinois, the Family Support Network, Giant Steps Illinois, and
15 Autism Speaks as an expression of our esteem.