Fw: ATTN New Yorkers: State Assembly to Hold Hearing on Autism Services

[Guest guest]

Autism Speaks is sending out this email..... Got it off another list. -

Dear NY Autism Advocate!

The Assembly Standing Committee on Insurance will hold a Public Hearing regarding the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 10am to discuss the management of Autism in New York State with specific attention to early diagnosis and intervention. The meeting will be held in Chancellor's Hall in the State Education Building at 89 Washington Avenue (use the entrance on Hawk Street) in Albany.

During the hearing, testimony will be presented to evaluate programs and treatment options that already exist in this state for children with ASD, as well as evaluating what can be done to improve their living standards and assist families and caregivers with their many burdens, including financial, of dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

This is the perfect opportunity for our community to demonstrate to the NYS Assembly that the autism community is dedicated to these issues - enough to show up in the winter cold and at holiday time - it's just that important!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1) DRIVE TO ALBANY! This is a great chance for our community to demonstrate how important this issue is moving forward with our physical presence. Please plan on attending. We want to PACK THE ROOM!

2) FORWARD THIS EMAIL FAR AND WIDE! <http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=ilLUL7MVLrK4LpI & amp;s=8oKFJMMpFeIIKPNwFpF & amp;m=owL4IhP2JmJ6G> Again, we want to pack the room so send this to anyone that you think could attend: neighbors, coworkers, family members, your child's therapists!

3) REGISTER TO STAY INFORMED! <http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.3936561/apps/ka/ct/contactus.asp> If you haven't signed up already, please visit the Autism Votes website and sign up to receive action alerts as we move forward on autism insurance reform in the state of New York!

Thank you for your help in this effort,

Your New York State Chapter Advocacy Chairs:

Jim Fahey, CAC - All New York State

NewYorkCAC@...

Rotunno, CAC - New York City

NYCCAC@...

Buick, CAC - Rochester

RochesterCAC@...

Sharan DePalma, CAC - Westchester

WestchesterCAC@...