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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA AUTISM SOCIETY FOR ITS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO CHILDREN AND OTHERS WHO ARE AFFECTED BY AUTISM AND TO DECLARE APRIL 2016 AS "AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE PALMETTO STATE.
Whereas, it is altogether fitting and proper that the members of the House of Representatives should pause in their deliberations to express their appreciation for the significant contributions of the South Carolina Autism Society, which serves those who are affected by autism; and
Whereas, when a group of dedicated parents of children with autism gathered together for fellowship in the early 1970's, they realized how little was known about autism and recognized that children with autism have their own set of special needs; and
Whereas, at the time, services for children with autism were nonexistent or inappropriate, and these parents raised their voices to improve life in South Carolina for individuals with autism and for their families; and
Whereas, their diligent work and grassroots efforts formed what is now the South Carolina Autism Society, chartered by the State of South Carolina in 1972, and the organization received eleemosynary status from the Internal Revenue Service in 1974; and
Whereas, the South Carolina Autism Society provides assistance, education, services, and resources to improve the lives of individuals affected by autism and is the only statewide organization advocating for children and adults with autism-spectrum disorders and their families; and
Whereas, all funds raised by the organization stay in South Carolina to ensure that the nearly seventy thousand individuals living in the State with autism-spectrum disorders have opportunities to achieve a quality of life comparable to their peers; and
Whereas, services provided by the South Carolina Autism Society include providing information to parents and professionals about autism and available services; connecting individuals with autism-spectrum disorders to resources and services in the community through the work of the organization's case managers; assisting children with autism in receiving the best education possible by building relationships between the school and the parents through the society's Parent-School Partnership program; offering free workshops and training programs for families, self-advocates, and professionals; and providing respite activities throughout the year for families; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives value the dedicated work of the South Carolina Autism Society and the substantial and meaningful benefit the organization brings to those with autism in our State. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the South Carolina Autism Society for its outstanding service to children and others who are affected by autism and declare April 2016 as "Autism Awareness Month" in the Palmetto State.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the South Carolina Autism Society.
This web page was last updated on April 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM