In November of 2016, the legislation that created the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board was signed into law as part of Santabarbara’s Autism Action NY initiative in the State Assembly. The board is tasked with a number of goals including the development of a state-wide Autism Action Plan to help provide guidance and information to New York’s policymakers, individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, and families seeking reliable information regarding available services and supports. The Board is now developing recommendations in a number of areas with concentration on a variety of topics and is seeking public input. “I’m so very pleased to see the successful implementation of this critical piece of my Autism Action NY initiative, creating New York State’s first Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Board to develop, implement and update a statewide Autism Action Plan, incorporate new information as it becomes available, and to create a central location for services,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, whose 16-year-old son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism at age 3. “This important new initiative has the potential to lead the way on finding solutions to the challenges families affected by autism face each day,” Santabarbara said. “I look forward to seeing individuals affected by autism and those with professional expertise come together through the Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Board and help it achieve its goal through the creation and administration of the most effective service delivery models and the development of resources to support people on the autism spectrum – from childhood to adulthood.” The Board’s first public forum schedule is now available. Anyone interested in speaking are invited to attend any of the host locations or participate via videoconference at any of the satellite locations. Written remarks are also accepted by email to ASDadvisoryboard@opwdd.ny.gov or by mail to OPWDD, Attn: N. Mitchell, ASD Board, 44 Holland Ave, 3rd Floor, Albany, NY 12229 Upstate Forum
February 13 (Tuesday) from Noon to 2:00 P.M. Syracuse (Host Site)
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Regional Office
Regional Training Center
187 Northern Concourse, North Syracuse, NY 13212 Rochester (Connected to the Host Site by Videoconference)
OPWDD Regional Office
Room 25 Leaf
620 Westfall Road, Rochester, NY 14620 Schenectady (Connected to the Host Site by Videoconference)
OPWDD Regional Office
Room 2, Building 3
500 Balltown Road, Schenectady, NY 12304 Downstate Forum
February 22 (Thursday) from Noon to 2:00 P.M. Manhattan (Host Site)
Department of Health Office (in the Federal Office Building) Room A/B, 4th Floor
90 Church Street, Manhattan, NY 10007 Queens (Connected to the Host Site by Videoconference)
OPWDD Regional Office
Room VC-2, Building 80
80-45 Winchester Blvd., Queens Village, NY 11427 Long Island (Connected to the Host Site by Videoconference)
OPWDD Regional Office
Multi-Purpose Room
415-A Oser Avenue, Hauppauge, NY 11788 For more information visit www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_community_connections/autism-board or call (518) 474-6601. “I encourage people to share this announcement with family, friends and neighbors,” Santabarbara added. “If anyone has questions or need assistance, please call me, send me an email or visit my website at any time, I’m happy to help.”