Advocates needed to help autism cause
During my first visit ever to Capitol Hill, I was empowered by talking with members of Congress about helping families with autism back in Illinois and especially back in the 8th Congressional District.
The reason for the visit was to join others in telling Congress that families with autism need an immediate plan of action from the federal and also state government. This has been true for many years in Illinois, which ranks near the bottom of the nation in providing education and services for people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
With that in mind, Autism Speaks is looking for advocates in congressional districts, to at first call on Congressmen and women to advocate for federal legislation that is important to families with children and adults on the autism spectrum and Autism Speaks, then eventually call on state legislators to promote and advocate state-based initiatives.
District advocates would be also in charge of grass-roots development of improving autism awareness and support to help improve education and services for people with autism, by their efforts in getting involved in city and suburban communities.
We are presently looking for autism advocates to be part of our Autism Congress for all Chicago, suburban and downstate legislative districts. If you are interested, have experience working in your community, have talked with your legislative representatives or want to and have a connection with autism, email me at mbaker721@comcast.net.
Mike Baker
Autism Speaks
Schaumburg