Title
Proclamation Declaring the Month of April as Autism Awareness Month. (City Manager)
Body
Proclamation
Whereas, in April 1970 in an effort to promote awareness, inclusion, and self-determination, the Autism Society designated the month of April as National Autism Awareness Month; and
Whereas, autism is a complex developmental disability, resulting in significant impairment of an individual's ability to process sensory information, often resulting in severe social, communication and language deficits; and
Whereas, the prevalence of autism has risen to 1 in every 68 births in the United States thereby establishing autism as the fastest growing developmental disability; and
Whereas, a cure for autism has not yet been discovered, through an accurate, and early diagnosis combined with appropriate education and intervention can help a person with autism reach their full potential; and
Whereas, autism requires increased research and education so that one day everyone can access appropriate treatments and services; and
Whereas, greater recognition and understanding is necessary to ensure that individuals with autism are accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated throughout their lives; and
Whereas, the City of Alameda's Commission on Disability Issues was established to provide information and make recommendations to the City Council regarding disability issues and serve as a liaison between the City Council and Alameda's disabled community.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Trish Herrera Spencer, Mayor of the City of Alameda, do hereby proclaim the month of April, 2015, as Autism Awareness Month in the City of Alameda and urge all residents to join me in recognizing the effects of autism as well as the efforts of the Commission on Disability Issues in promoting awareness in the community.
Trish Herrera Spencer
Mayor