Assemblyman Santabarbara and his son, Michael, will be partnering with the Amsterdam Mohawks baseball team to host his annual Autism Night at Shuttleworth Park in Amsterdam, NY. Michael, now 21, was diagnosed with autism at age 3. He’s an avid baseball fan and was the inspiration behind this special event.Admission is no cost for individuals affected by autism and their families who register either online at Assemblyman Santabarbara’s website at www.nyassembly.gov/mem/Angelo-Santabarbara or by calling (518) 382-2941.

In 2013, Assemblyman Santabarbara’s Autism Action NY initiative was established in the State Assembly, it includes a series of bills aimed at helping those living with developmental disabilities by increasing employment opportunities; expanding independent housing options; improving access to technology; communication; and, creating a centralized location of available services.

“With 1 in 36 affected by autism, transitioning awareness events to autism acceptance events are now more important than ever,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara, who serves as Chair of the NY State Assembly’s sub-Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders. “Autism Night with the Amsterdam Mohawks helps to continue to promote our mission to bring more awareness to the obstacles and challenges those affected by autism are facing but also more acceptance in our community,” Santabarbara said. “It will be an exciting day for kids like my son to see the Amsterdam Mohawks play on a special night just for them.”