http://www.autism-society.org/news/NAAM02/rally02.html
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The
autism community, government leaders, and entertainers came together on the
national mall yesterday to raise awareness about America's fastest-growing
disability: autism. Participants braved cold and rainy weather to participate in
the third annual "POWER of ONE - IDEA" rally and speak out for the pressing need
for increased research and services for autism.
ASA President Lee Grossman, who was one of the event's emcees, spoke about the
encouraging turn of events that occurred on Capitol Hill just days earlier.
Taking note of the weather during the rally, Grossman said: "today is a bright,
sunny, wonderful day for autism. The federal government now has recognized the
importance of our cause as autism is now a national health emergency."
"The rally is a great opportunity to show the collective strength of the autism
community, and ASA will continue to demonstrate the leadership necessary to make
autism a national issue," Grossman added.
The focus of the "POWER of ONE - IDEA" rally was the role of the federal
government in supporting the needs of the autism community in the areas of
funding for research and education, especially the Individuals with Disabilities
with Education Act (I.D.E.A.), which is up for reauthorization this year.
Speakers called for dramatic increases in research for autism and full funding
of IDEA.
The rally was organized by Unlocking Autism with support from ASA and other
autism-related groups. Speakers included representatives from Unlocking Autism;
leaders of ASA; leaders from the various autism-related groups; advocates from
the offices of the U.S. Congress, such as Beth Clay from the House Committee on
Government Reform; and children and adults with autism, including ASA Board
Member Stephen Shore. The emcees for the event were Unlocking Autism's Jeana
Smith, ASA President Lee Grossman, and ASA 2nd Vice President Jeff Sell.
This year's rally also included entertainment by the talented Louisiana-based,
rock-and-roll band Jonasay, which generously donated their time to perform at
the rally.
The
uplifting music was a perfect complement to the many wonderful and heartfelt
speeches, which covered a range of topics, including concerns over vaccines as
well as other theories related to the causes of autism.
However, the overarching message from all was the urgent need to invest more
into research to answer the countless questions surrounding autism, not the
least of which are what causes it and how it can be effectively treated.
"At this time, I stand before you as I continue my quest to help those with
autism spectrum disorder lead fulfilling and productive lives," ASA Board Member
Shore said.
"Here, in the United States of America, currently the wealthiest nation on
Earth, everyone on the autism spectrum has a right under IDEA to receive
critical services throughout their lifespan tailored to their needs," Shore
said. "This should not be a matter of luck or debate, but a question of how."
More information on the rally will be included in the upcoming edition of the
Advocate.
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