Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara and his 15-year-old son, Michael, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3, will join employees, self-advocates, family and friends in the autism community on World Autism Day, this Sunday, April 2nd at Puzzles Bakery & Café, 515 State Street, Schenectady.

At a press conference set for 2:00 p.m., Santabarbara will join Puzzles owner, Sara Mae Pratt, to kick-off an Autism Awareness month with a celebration of Puzzles’ 2nd Anniversary! Puzzles Bakery & Café is connected to the autism community and employs individuals with developmental disabilities in an integrated setting with non-disabled colleagues, afforded the same wages and opportunity to contribute to society in a meaningful way. Puzzles Bakery & Café provides adults with disabilities opportunities for personal growth, as well as a source of income, social interaction, and a sense of purpose.

Santabarbara was the sponsor of a Resolution passed in the State Assembly proclaiming April to be Autism Awareness Month in New York that will be presented to Sara Mae and her staff in honor of their 2nd Anniversary on World Autism Day.

At the event, the details of Santabarbara’s 2nd Annual Autism Action Day at the State Capitol will also be announced. This year’s event, hosted by News 10’s Christina Arangio, will be held on Wednesday, April 5th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Well of the Legislative Office Building, 198 State Street, with a formal program to begin at 10a.m. This call to action day brings together organizations, self-advocates and family members along with legislators from across New York State in a united call for action on autism related issues.

A line up of special guest speakers for Autism Action Day include statewide organizations, self-advocates and families affected by Autism– as well as this year’s Autism Action Award honoree, to be recognized at the event. In an effort to advance the conversation on autism issues and strengthen support for a plan to unlock the potential of thousands of New Yorkers, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara last year unveiled his Autism Action NY initiative last year in the State Assembly. Autism Action NY includes legislation aimed at increasing job opportunities; providing independent housing options; improving access to information; assisting in communication; and, creating a centralized location for available services in New York State.

Last year, a critical piece of the Autism Action Plan was signed into law (Chap. 469 of 2016). The measure created the state’s first Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Board to develop, implement and update a statewide Autism Action Plan that incorporates new information as it becomes available. Santabarbara will give a legislative update on this year’s progress on Autism Action NY during the event including the details of new members appointed to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Board.

“Autism is the fastest-growing development disability in the country, and there is a crisis for support services that needs immediate attention," said Santabarbara, who serves as chair of the Assembly’s Subcommittee on Autism Spectrum Disorders. “About 1 in 68 children in the United States are living with autism, and at some point it will be 1 in 68 adults. I am proud to join a hometown business in their efforts to bring more awareness to the obstacles and challenges that families affected by autism are facing. I’m pleased to be a part of this opportunity for our local community to come together for such an important cause that affects so many families, friends and neighbors.” This community event is the first of several events Santabarbara will be taking part in throughout the month of April, which is National Autism Awareness.

“I'm thrilled to be celebrating the second anniversary of successful operations at Puzzles Bakery & Café this April 2nd, known globally as World Autism Awareness Day. I look forward to providing more employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the region,” said owner of Puzzles Bakery & Café Sara Mae Pratt. “And I'm particularly excited to begin work as a newly appointed member of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Board of New York State. I'm honored to help shape policy and improve the livelihood of individuals, families, and communities affected by autism.”

“Puzzles Bakery is the perfect place to celebrate both World Autism Day and two years of success at Puzzles. Assemblyman Santabarbara's Autism Action Plan will help New York continue to be a leader in innovative supports and services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Initiatives like the Autism Spectrum Advisory Board will allow creative ideas like Puzzles Bakery, which offers great employment opportunities for individuals with ASD, to be publicized and replicated throughout the state,” said Executive Director of Schenectady ARC Kirk Lewis. “The other elements of the Action Plan address critical areas such as employment, housing, and first responder training. These initiatives will both help individuals with ASD achieve their goals, and they will help us build stronger, more inclusive communities. We applaud Assemblyman Santabarbara for his leadership, and we urge the other members of the Assembly and the Senate to join with him to pass these measures.”

“Wildwood sends our heartfelt congratulations to Sara Mae Pratt and all our friends at Puzzles Bakery, as they celebrate Puzzles' second anniversary! Sara's vision and Puzzles' continued success show the world the wonderful things that can be accomplished when our work force is inclusive of all people, including those with developmental disabilities. And their sweet treats are delicious! Thank you Sara and Puzzles for all that you do to enrich our community,” said Executive Director of Wildwood Programs Mary Ann Allen. “We also extend our sincere thanks to Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara for his tireless efforts to raise awareness about autism, including his upcoming Autism Action Day on April 5th. Community awareness fosters community acceptance, and for all those who live with or have loved ones living with the challenges of autism, there is no greater gift. It is truly wonderful to have such an articulate, passionate advocate working in our community to better the lives of everyone touched by autism and other developmental disabilities. Thank you Assemblyman Santabarbara!!"

“The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region supports all individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders through the lifespan. Every community in the Capital Region has individuals with autism who will need services and supports to live their best lives possible. Planning that takes into account their education, employment and housing needs are critically important to their wellbeing along with their family. We appreciate the efforts and passion of Assemblyman Santabarbara in making New York the best place for our loved with autism to live and thrive”, said Executive Director of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region Janine Kruiswijk. “We encourage legislators to consider the needs of all of their constituents, including those with autism. 1 in 68 children are estimated to have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Housing, employment and education are among the top needs of individuals and families affected by autism today. The Autism Action Plan provides key relief to our community, we thank Assemblyman Santabarbara for his commitment to improving the lives of all touched by autism.” “April is National Autism Awareness Month”, Kruiswijk added. “This is a time when we are considering the needs of our community and asking New York State to plan to serve their citizens who are touched by autism. Supporting children and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, along with their families, is key to the health and wellbeing of the autism community in New York State. Assemblyman Santabarbara addresses many of these needs in his proposed Autism Action plan which will support New Yorkers affected by autism.”

For more information, visit the Autism Acton Day event page on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/268404830278558/ or to register for Autism Action Day and learn more about Autism Action NY visit http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Angelo-Santabarbara/ or send me an email to SantabarbaraA@nyassembly.gov. or call our office at (518) 382-2941 with any questions.