(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head) has announced that he is co-sponsoring legislation creating a bill of rights for people on the autism spectrum. Assembly Bill 1272 would secure and create fundamental rights to research, treatment, information and insurance coverage for individuals on the spectrum and their families.
Over the past decade, the number of people diagnosed with autism has increased significantly. In a 2010 report from the New York State Interagency Task Force on Autism, the need to provide better information, identification and better service delivery were all cited as pressing needs. The autism bill of rights would accomplish the goal of fixing these glaring problems. As a noted advocate and sponsor of legislation to maintain quality care and treatment for the developmentally disabled, Montesano sees this measure as crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being for some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society and their loved ones.
“I’ve said it time and again: we have an obligation to do what’s right and provide a voice for those who struggle to speak for themselves,” said Montesano. “A bill of rights for those on the autism spectrum is vital to assuring those who need care receive it and have the insurance coverage to afford it. We cannot act on this measure soon enough and I urge my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly to take action and pass this legislation. Our autistic community and their families deserve this important measure.”
In addition to this legislation, Montesano was the main sponsor on legislation to ensure full funding for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in 2013.
