HomeMy WebLinkAbout047 Autism Month Proclamation - Word- 04.16.2004PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Autism is a severely incapacitating, lifelong disability, resulting in significant impairment of an individual's ability to learn, in developing healthy interactive behaviors,
and understand verbal, nonverbal, and reciprocal communication; and,
WHEREAS, today Autism Spectrum disorders are more common than Downs syndrome, Diabetes, Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis, and many forms of Childhood Cancer; and,
WHEREAS, every day, there are babies born in the United States who will later be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and as a result of autism, an estimated more then 1,500,000 or
more Americans have lost the ability to communicate and interact with others; and,
WHEREAS, the cost of caring for people diagnosed with autism exceeds $18 billion per year and the majority of these costs are borne by families. These parents have sacrificed tremendously
to provide the specialized education and support services that their children need; and,
WHEREAS, with assistance, persons with Autism can be helped to reach their greatest potential. Accurate, early diagnosis before three years of age, and the resulting appropriate education
and intervention are vital to the future growth and development of the Individual.
NOW, therefore, I, Mayor Sandra James, and the Cupertino City Council, do hereby proclaim in Cupertino, the month of April as
Autism Awareness Month
so that through increased awareness, we as a community will be empowered to meet the challenges to serve the growing population of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Cupertino to be affixed this 16th day of April 2004.
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Sandra James, Mayor