HR0791 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0791 LRB101 20849 ECR 70664 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois believes in equal treatment and opportunity for all citizens, including those on the autism spectrum; and

WHEREAS, Individuals on the autism spectrum deserve the educational, employment, recreational, and other opportunities that a nurturing and welcoming community can foster; and

WHEREAS, Thanks to a parent-led volunteer initiative spanning nearly two decades, Autism McLean has established an Autism Friendly Community presence in Bloomington-Normal and McLean County; and

WHEREAS, This initiative includes providing a white paper for local governments on an Autism Friendly Community and working with local governments, planning agencies, public institutions, and private businesses to establish Autism Friendly guidelines; and

WHEREAS, Autism McLean, through its Autism Friendly Community initiative, partners with other autism-focused organizations, including Marcfirst, the HEAL Foundation, The Autism Program, the Illinois Wesleyan University Autism Peer Group, and Illinois State University Students Supporting Individuals with Disabilities, to raise awareness on autism; this includes helping local agencies, governmental bodies, and the private sector accommodate individuals and their families living with autism in seeking employment, housing, education, recreation, and full community inclusion; and

WHEREAS, Along with reaching community goals, this outreach includes making Autism Sensory kits available to local museums, restaurants, libraries, and other institutions so that tools are available to assist people on the autism spectrum to feel included and comfortable in public settings; and

WHEREAS, General awareness of autism throughout McLean County has increased due to these volunteer efforts; and

WHEREAS, Autism McLean, though its Autism Friendly Community initiative, runs a model program that other communities in the state could replicate by uniting parents, allies, self-advocates, and local agencies; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Autism McLean and its partners for their efforts to provide community building and opportunities for people on the autism spectrum; and be it further

RESOLVED, We commend Autism McLean and its Autism Friendly Community partners for operating such a successful community resource that has statewide implications, and we encourage other communities to study this model for autism inclusion; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend Bloomington-Normal and McLean County for leading the state with its first Autism Friendly Community initiative.