Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced that legislation he authored and championed, which develops an optional identification card for those living with an autism spectrum disorder, was passed unanimously by the State Assembly (A.249). The cards provide important information about Autism Spectrum Disorder and emergency contact information quickly to first responders.

“As the father of a teenage son with autism, I know firsthand how hard it is for him can to communicate, especially in a stressful situation,” Santabarbara said. “My legislation puts everyone on the same page by creating a standardized communication tool that gives first responders the information they need.”

Santabarbara’s legislation creates an optional identification card that describes some of the common challenges a person with autism may face, such as difficulty with interpersonal communication and responding to directions or the potential for physical agitation during certain stressful situations, and also includes emergency contact information. Currently, a variety of organizations and localities throughout the state provide a variety of unofficial versions of such a card. However, these existing options do not have standardized language or appearance, and may not be easily recognized by first responders. This would be the first standardized identification card of its kind in New York State, replacing locally issued identifications and homemade notes. “Standardizing language and appearance will make the cards easily recognizable by first responders so they’re able to appropriately navigate situations,” said Santabarbara.

Schenectady Fire Chief Ray Senecal said, “In emergency situations of all types, it is often difficult to obtain proper personal identification, contact information and medical information. Having this information readily available to emergency personnel in written form would be of great benefit in providing the proper care and medical treatment to all, but especially to anyone that may have difficulty communicating or that may be unconscious.”

Santabarbara, who is chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Autism Spectrum Disorder, has been a vocal advocate for New Yorkers with disabilities. He authored a package of bills in the State Assembly called Autism Action NY designed to support people with autism. This bill is the second piece of that plan to be passed in the State Assembly. Santabarbara’s legislation creating New York’s first Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Board was signed into law last November. Now, he’s also pushing a third bill to create a training program for first responders specific to emergency situations involving people with autism and other developmental disabilities that affect communication.

“This can be another effective communication tool to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder enjoy the opportunities of everyday life,” said Santabarbara, whose 15-year-old son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism at age 3. “The card can help to easily and efficiently communicate a person’s diagnosis and other critical information during emergencies and other social interactions.”