body
WHEREAS, Autism, the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, affecting more than three million people, is an urgent public health crisis that demands a national response; and,
WHEREAS, symptoms and characteristics of autism may present themselves in a variety of combinations and can result in significant life-long impairment of an individual's ability to learn, develop healthy interactive behaviors, and understand verbal as well as nonverbal communication; and,
WHEREAS, autism is a neurological disorder that can affect any person regardless of race, religion, and socio-economic background. Doctors, educators, residents, and families within the City of Pittsburgh and across the United States recognize that the need for early intervention is vital to the future growth and development for those affected by autism; and,
WHEREAS, ensuring that persons living with autism have access to the care and services needed to pursue the full measure of personal happiness and achieve their greatest potential; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh is honored to take part in the annual observance of Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Awareness Day, in the hope of raising awareness of the issues surrounding autism, as well as educating the public of the programs that have been and are being developed to support individuals with autism and their families; and,
title
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and declare, Wednesday, April 2, 2014 to be "Autism Awareness Day" and the month of April to be "Autism Awareness Month" in the City of Pittsburgh.
SPONSORED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT BRUCE A. KRAUS
CO-SPONSORED BY COUNCILMEMBERS COREY O'CONNOR, DANIEL GILMAN, DANIEL LAVELLE, DARLENE HARRIS, DEBORAH GROSS, NATALIA RUDIAK, RICKY BURGESS, AND THERESA KAIL-SMITH