(Queens, NY) In an effort to ensure that adult New Yorkers with autism receive the services and support they need as they age, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) recently voted to approve legislation (S.882) which would establish a special task force to study and make recommendations on this issue.
“Autism spectrum disorder affects individual people to different degrees and in many different ways,” said Addabbo. “As a result, there isn’t any ‘one size fits all’ solution to helping people with autism live out their adult lives in peace, health, safety and dignity, which is something we all want. The new task force would be charged with exploring the various needs of older people with autism and suggesting ways that the State of New York might best meet them.”
Under the legislation, the nine-member Task Force would include the Commissioners of the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, State Health Department, State Labor Department, and State Education Department; the Deputy Commissioner for Adult Career and Continuing Education Services within the Education Department; and four additional members, to be appointed by the Governor and Legislature, with demonstrated expertise in autism and the issues the Task Force will be examining. Task Force members will not receive any compensation for their services and the work of the panel, including a report to the Governor and Legislature, must be completed within two years.
“Much of the current focus when it comes to supporting those with autism is on education and development, which is very important, but only a small part of what people with these disorders may need throughout their lives,” said Addabbo. “We need to consider job placement services, housing opportunities, health and long-term care programs and other initiatives to help people with autism live their lives to the utmost and participate fully in our society.”
The legislation, which passed the State Senate unanimously, is now under review by the Assembly Rules Committee.
