New York, NY – Today, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic announced that the newly-created Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board is holding hearings in Queens and is seeking public input. The board is tasked with a number of goals including the development of a state-wide Autism Action Plan to help provide guidance and information to New York’s policymakers, individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, and families seeking reliable information regarding available services. “The successful implementation of New York State’s first Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Board will develop, implement, and update a statewide Autism Action Plan with new information and a central location for services,” said Assemblywoman Rozic, whose district includes P4 Queens and P.S. 177 The Robin Sue Ward School for Exceptional Children, two District 75 schools serving children and families with special needs. “This important new initiative has the potential to lead the way on finding solutions to the challenges families affected by autism face each day.” The Board’s public forum schedule is now available. Anyone interested in speaking are invited to attend any of the host locations or participate via videoconference at any of the satellite locations. Written remarks are also accepted by email to ASDadvisoryboard@opwdd.ny.gov or by mail to OPWDD, Attn: N. Mitchell, ASD Board, 44 Holland Ave, 3rd Floor, Albany, NY 12229 Upstate Forum
February 13 (Tuesday) from Noon to 2:00 P.M. Syracuse (Host Site)
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Regional Office
Regional Training Center
187 Northern Concourse, North Syracuse, NY 13212 Rochester (Connected to the Host Site by Videoconference)
OPWDD Regional Office
Room 25 Leaf
620 Westfall Road, Rochester, NY 14620 Schenectady (Connected to the Host Site by Videoconference)
OPWDD Regional Office
Room 2, Building 3
500 Balltown Road, Schenectady, NY 12304 NYC Forum
February 22 (Thursday) from Noon to 2:00 P.M. Manhattan (Host Site)
Department of Health Office (in the Federal Office Building). Room A/B, 4th Floor 90 Church Street, Manhattan, NY 10007
Queens (Connected to the Host Site by Videoconference)
OPWDD Regional Office
Room VC-2, Building 80
80-45 Winchester Blvd., Queens Village, NY 11427 Long Island (Connected to the Host Site by Videoconference)
OPWDD Regional Office
Multi-Purpose Room
415-A Oser Avenue, Hauppauge, NY 11788 For more information visit www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_community_connections/autism-board or call (518) 474-6601. Rozic added, “I look forward to seeing individuals affected by autism and those with professional expertise come together and achieve the most effective service delivery models and the development of resources to support people on the autism spectrum – from childhood to adulthood.”