Rally to Support Citywide Autism Initiative

For Samantha Ko and other parents of children with autism and developmental disabilities, the $1.5 million citywide autism initiative means they receive much-needed parenting workshops about how to care for their children, as well as essential after-school and respite services.

"I went to parenting workshops at the Shield Institute, and it made a big impact on my life," said Ko, a mother of a 4-year-old son who has pervasive developmental disorders and speech delays. "I understand what I can do as a parent to help my child." Shield Institute is an affiliate of the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services, a beneficiary agency of UJA-Federation of New York

That's why Ko joined with more than 100 people representing parents, educators, and over 20 service providers from all five boroughs on May 25th for a rally co-organized by UJA-Federation on the steps of City Hall to advocate for continued funding of the autism initiative.

The New York City Council is currently holding budget hearings, and budget negotiations will start in a week.

The steps were dotted with people holding signs saying "Autism Matters" and "1 in 150 Save the City Autism Initiative." A common statistic estimates that 1 child in 150 develops an autism spectrum disorder by the age of 8.

Over the last year, the initiative paid for 12 training providers who collectively conducted more than 145 workshops that reached more than 3,000 parents and educators throughout New York City. The initiative also funded 13 providers of after-school and respite programs, which helped 230 children citywide.

Ron Soloway, managing director of UJA-Federation's Government Relations and External Affairs, introduced Council Member Mark Weprin and Council Member Oliver Koppell, who is chair of the council's Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, and Disability Services.

"It is a moral obligation we keep this initiative in the budget," said Weprin, noting that the initiative "is so important in helping children and their families.'

Koppell acknowledged that former Council Member David Weprin, who is Mark Weprin's brother, started the initiative and said, "We will fight hard" to fund the initiative.

Other council members joining the rally included David Greenberg, Vincent Ignizio, Brad Lander, Deborah Rose, James Sanders Jr., and Jumaane Williams.

"Five years ago, UJA-Federation, in response to the pleas for help from many families, identified autism as a funding priority for our targeted grantmaking. Since then, we have assisted our network of agencies to develop the professional capacity to help address the myriad issues facing individuals with autism and their families," said Anita Altman, deputy managing director of Government Relations and External Affairs.

"Philanthropic funding is usually time limited, even as these issues endure. So it is logical and appropriate to seek public support to help fund this work," Altman added. "Three years ago, UJA-Federation successfully helped lead the fight to secure funding from the City Council to support agencies assisting individuals with autism and their families from across the city. Since then, a community of 25 service agencies, eight of which are UJA-Federation beneficiary agencies, are collaborating to provide critical services to more than 2,500 individuals through this initiative."

Passionate Appeals

Passionate appeals to continue the funding came from Sarah Berenbeim and Ernesto Franco, two young adults on the autism spectrum who also received services from Job Path, an organization that helps people with developmental disabilities lead independent lives.

"I feel people on the spectrum are misunderstood," said Berenbeim. "People on the spectrum can gain meaningful employment. We need support to live our lives as full citizens. Do not cut money that is vital to our success."

Franco also spoke about overcoming stereotypes. "People said I could not hold a job and contribute to society. I am proving people wrong," he said. "The support and services I received helped me to achieve my dream. I am here today to protest budget cuts of people with autism."

As a parent, Ko had seen firsthand how the parenting workshops helped her family. "I came today," she said, "because I was fortunate to be in the workshop, but I know other parents wouldn't be able to if there are budget cuts."