Volunteers needed for autism campaign

Federal and state legislators need to be aware of the ever-increasing number of children and adults with autism, who need understanding and help to have a happy and productive life when such things as medical insurance, education, job training and housing, to name a few things, is nowhere near meeting the demand.

Illinois is near the bottom of the states in meeting those needs and has been cutting services, instead of increasing capacity to care for the most vulnerable.

With that in mind, Autism Speaks is looking for advocates in congressional districts in the state, to call on congressmen and women and advocate for federal legislation important to families with children and adults on the autism spectrum and Autism Speaks. Then, they will call on state legislators to promote and advocate for state based initiatives.

District advocates would be also in charge of grass roots development, improving autism awareness and support to help improve education and services for people with autism, by their efforts in getting involved in their community.

We are presently looking for district advocates for the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 13th and 15th congressional districts.

If you are interested, have experience working in your community, have talked with your legislative representatives in the past or want to in the future and have a connection with autism, email me at mbaker721@comcast.net.

Mike Baker

Schaumburg

State Advocacy Chairman,

Autism Speaks