Fifteen
years ago, there were virtually no supports for children
and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their
families in Massachusetts. (ASD includes autism, PDD and
Asperger's.) Now there are Autism centers across the Commonwealth,
providing support and services to families with children
and adults with ASD.
As many
of you know, the centers have been meeting for many years,
using their collective power to advocate for individuals
with ASD and their families. For the past six years, the
statewide Coalition for Autism has hosted an Autism Awareness
Day at the State House, which has been an important vehicle
for keeping the needs of our children in the minds and hearts
of our elected officials.
The
growing demand for support and services has made clear the
need for full time representation to give our families a
voice on Beacon Hill. To provide this voice, the support
centers, in conjunction with the Arc of Massachusetts and
with support from the Flutie Foundation and the Centers,
are forming a new organization, Advocates for Autism of
Massachusetts (AFAM).
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This new
grassroots, membership organization of families and concerned
citizens will serve as the primary advocacy vehicle protecting
the rights and needs of individuals with ASD and their families
throughout the state.
AFAM will
provide you and your family with an ongoing presence on Beacon
Hill! We will advocate vigorously for resources not only in
the legislature but throughout state government. Without the
united front presented by AFAM, this would not be possible.
Even the current supports that you count on could be at risk.
The organizations
that compose the Coalition for Autism have already provided
significant financial resources to help launch AFAM. Another
important component of AFAM's funding plan is through membership
dues. Without your support, AFAM simply will not exist. From
one parent to another, I ask you to join me in supporting
AFAM through a $20 annual membership fee, and, if you can,
an additional donation as well. Together, we can make a difference
at the local and state levels, and ultimately, at the national
level.
Sincerely
yours,
Michael
Borr
Chairman, AFAM Steering Committee
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