Parents, Children, and Care Providers Join with Council Members in the 1 in 150 Campaign - $1.5 Million Autism Initiative
(New York, NY) — UJA-Federation of New York, QSAC (Quality Services for the Autism Community), New York Families for Autistic Children, and more than 20 organizations gathered for a press conference on the steps of City Hall, 260 Broadway (at Reade Street) in New York City, on June 18, 2008 in support for the continuation of $1.575 million to fund a citywide autism initiative. Parents, children, teachers, and autism-service-provider representatives from all five New York City boroughs came together in support of the City Council.
Autism and related communication disorders on the autism spectrum have reached epidemic proportions. Currently, 1 in 150 children is born with autism. While there is not yet a cure, it is proven that children with autism respond better and have a better quality of life when services are provided. Early detection and parent awareness is also critical for children to receive appropriate education.
Thanks to the City Council's "1 in 150" Autism Services Initiative, about two-thirds of the $1.575 Million is being used in Fiscal Year 2008 to support wrap-around services for high "functioning" ASD children, who don’t otherwise qualify for publicly funded programs (about 1/3rd of children on the autistic spectrum are "higher functioning”). The rest is used to reach out to and educate parents and caregivers through local community conferences and workshops.
Wraparound services for 230 children include after-school programs, weekend respite, a basketball league, holiday activities, parent and teacher training, bilingual services, a crisis-intervention program, kids clubs, autism workshops, and outreach and awareness activities.
Information and referral services were provided for more than 7,800 families, educators, and mental-health professionals. Many parents do not know where to turn for treatment and services; they also do not know how to address the needs of their children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the home. This initiative provides access in all five boroughs for treatment and services, and helps families and educators learn how to address the needs of children with ASD.
About UJA-Federation of New York
UJA-Federation of New York, the world’s largest local philanthropy, raises funds that sustain the activities of more than 100 health, human-service, educational, and community-building agencies. Every day, these community-based organizations provide a multitude of services that combat poverty, help the elderly age with dignity, promote Jewish identity and renewal, strengthen children and families, and open doors to those with disabilities and special needs. With a reach that spans New York, Israel, and 60 countries around the globe, we touch the lives of 4.5 million people every year, fulfilling a mission to care for those in need, rescue those in harm’s way, and renew Jewish life.
Press Contact:
Samantha Kessler
1.212.836.1800
UJA-Federation of New York