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For Immediate Release: 4/2/12 Event Contact: Doug Krinsky, (614)
554-0802, yogi1125@aol.com
8th Annual Autism Awareness Day at the Statehouse to be held April
26, 2012!
The Center for Disease Control announced this week a dramatic
increase in the prevalence rate of Autism with 1 in 88 children
nationwide diagnosed with Autism today, including a staggering rate
of 1 in 54 boys! By comparison, this is more children than are
affected by diabetes, AIDS, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis,
muscular dystrophy or Down syndrome – combined!
The Autism Society of Ohio, The Autism Society Central Ohio and
Autism Speaks present the 8th Annual Autism Awareness Day at the
Statehouse Atrium on 4/26/12 at 4:00pm.
This year’s event will feature speakers on such topics as:
38,000 Ohioans with disabilities moving to Medicaid
managed care plans
Affordable Care Act
Employment opportunities for individuals on the
autism spectrum
Educational funding and budget update
Insurance reform update
Featured speakers include Ohio Rehabilitation Services Executive
Director Kevin Miller and a representative of the Ohio Coalition for
the Education of Children with Disabilities. Members of the Ohio
Autism Legislative Caucus will also be on hand to address the crowd
as well as various information and vendor booths.
Doug Krinsky, volunteer parent advocate from Autism Speaks and event
coordinator says: “We want to gather advocates, parents, providers,
individuals with Autism, Legislators and concerned citizens to the
Statehouse to show our support for our families impacted by Autism.”
Barb Yavorcik, Assistant Director Autism Society of Ohio, says that
“Since April is Autism Awareness month, it’s the perfect time to
bring Ohioans affected by autism to the statehouse to meet with
their legislators and educate them on autism and the issues
affecting their family member with autism. As part of the event,
attendees will be provided with talking points on timely issues to
share with legislators. They are encouraged to relate personal
stories of how these issues directly affect their loved one with
autism and their families.”
Angela Denny, President of the Autism Society of Central Ohio, noted
"We are proud to be part of this annual Autism Awareness event, as
it represents the efforts of individuals working together to make a
difference in the lives of those on the autism spectrum and those
who support them. This includes the tireless efforts of family
members, professionals and our great Ohio legislature. Most of all,
it represents the courage and strength we draw from individuals on
the autism spectrum everyday"
For those unable to attend the event, the sponsoring groups plan to
videotape the Autism Awareness Day activities and post it and the
talking points to their websites.
Autism Society of Ohio – www.autismohio.org
Autism Society of Central Ohio – www.autism-centralohio.com
Autism Speaks –
www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/columbus
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The Central Ohio
Chapter of the Autism Society of America does not endorse any
specific treatments, therapies or professionals providing those
therapies. All information is provided FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES
ONLY. Parents and advocates are responsible for the choice of any
treatment, therapy or service provider. |
