Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced he secured $200,000 in funding for the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, NY in the 2021-2022 state budget.

“As the parent of a child with autism and chair of the Assembly Sub-Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders, I know the unique challenges that people with disabilities, their families and caregivers face. That’s why I’ve been fighting to include this funding in this year’s state budget to better support our loved ones with disabilities,” said Santabarbara.

The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region here in Schenectady provides resources to individuals and families affected by autism in 14 counties around the capital region. A team of dedicated staff and volunteers have made it their mission to help people with autism become full participating members of their communities.

This $200,000 will be used to support programs like the College Success Program and Gig Works. An expansion of the College Success Program would help more students with autism graduate from their post-secondary studies at SUNY Schenectady, improving outcomes for our youth and adults with autism, noted Santabarbara. For those with autism seeking out independence and employment, the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, NY also offers a Gig Works program to connect adults with autism with employers.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated communities statewide and presented financial challenges for the state, I’ve never stopped working to make sure this state budget didn’t leave some of our most vulnerable community members behind. I’ll continue to do everything I can to expand opportunities for people with autism and create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”