Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced another big win for his Autism Action Plan with the launch of New York's Autism/Disability ID Card Program—in its first week more than 2,000 cards have been requested. The card is unique and easily recognizable throughout the state, replacing locally issued identification and the homemade notes that many have relied on in the past.

A companion bill in Santabarbara’s Autism Action Plan created New York’s Autism Training Program last year for law enforcement and first responders, who will now also be trained to recognize the card and the important information it contains.

“Whether it’s an interaction at the airport, in a crowded theme park, or with first responders during an emergency, this new communication tool can help individuals, parents or guardians easily convey important information about a person’s diagnosis and describe some of the challenges they may face,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara, Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Sub-Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The cards are completely optional and are provided at no cost upon request at https://opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_services_supports/iddidcards. Residents may also contact Assemblyman Santabarbara office for assistance.