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A RESOLUTION recognizing April 2, 2024, as World Autism Awareness Day and 1
April 2024 as Autism Acceptance Month. 2
WHEREAS, autism disorders affect persons regardless of race, religion, 3
socioeconomic status, or geography; and 4
WHEREAS, autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the United 5
States, with one in 36 children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; and 6
WHEREAS, there are over five million people in the United States with autism and, 7
as of 2019, over 80,000 Kentuckians diagnosed with autism; and 8
WHEREAS, autism disorders are lifelong conditions that require support, training, 9
assistance, and advocacy on behalf of those individuals who suffer from such disorders; 10
and 11
WHEREAS, on December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted 12
a resolution declaring World Autism Awareness Day by unanimous consent; and 13
WHEREAS, the Autism Society of Kentucky understands the importance of 14
fostering acceptance in order to achieve equity in education, employment, housing, health 15
care, and comprehensive long-term services and supports; and 16
WHEREAS, the Autism Society of Kentucky provides education and understanding 17
to promote acceptance, inspire inclusion, and create systems-wide change for individuals 18
with autism so they may achieve full participation within society; and 19
WHEREAS, policies need to be implemented that break down barriers for 20
individuals with autism so they may succeed in their chosen communities; and 21
WHEREAS, the aims for World Autism Awareness Day are to inform the general 22
public about the global health crisis of autism disorders, stress the importance of early 23
diagnosis and early intervention, and celebrate the unique talents and qualities of 24
individuals with autism disorders; and 25
WHEREAS, April is recognized as Autism Acceptance Month to increase 26
awareness about autism signs and symptoms and promote acceptance of individuals with 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2504
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autism; and 1
WHEREAS, during April 2024, the aim of Autism Acceptance Month is to 2
celebrate differences and build an inclusive society for individuals with autism to live 3
fully through connection and acceptance; 4
NOW, THEREFORE, 5
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the 6
Commonwealth of Kentucky: 7
Section 1. The members of the House of Representatives, both individually and 8
collectively, hereby recognize April 2, 2024, as World Autism Awareness Day and April 9
2024 as Autism Acceptance Month. 10
Section 2. The House of Repres entatives urges the citizens of the 11
Commonwealth of Kentucky to become informed of the need for services, support, and 12
treatments for individuals with autism disorders. 13
Section 3. The Clerk of the House of Representatives is directed to transmit a 14
copy of this Resolution to Representative Tina Bojanowski. 15