NAA NYM is very involved on a state, local and national level in efforts to advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. As families struggling with autism know all too well, the resources devoted to autism frequently are insufficient to meet the needs of our loved. Individuals with autism have many needs including medical, nutritional, therapeutic, educational, insurance, financial/financial planning, vocational and career, habilitative, wandering-related, and legal . . . to name just some. Challenges are significant at every age, from birth through adulthood. However, as the earliest born children of the autism epidemic are reaching adulthood in huge numbers, it is rapidly becoming obvious that circumstances become more difficult for many as their children with autism become adults with autism and transition away from services provided by school districts. NAA NYM is proud to partner with other organizations locally, state-wide and nationally to address issues relevant to our families and the professionals who work with them. Examples of NAA NYM’s advocacy efforts include:
- In 2014, NAA NYM President Kim Mack Rosenberg twice testified before the New York City Council concerning wandering. Read her April 25, 2014 testimony before the Council of the City of New York Mental Health and Public Safety Commission HERE and her June 12, 2014 testimony before the Education Committee HERE.
- In October 2013, NAA submitted written testimony to and Kim Mack Rosenberg testified before the NYC Department of Health in opposition to mandatory influenza and pneumoccocal vaccines for preschoolers. Read our written testimony HERE.
- In November 2012, NAA NYM submitted testimony to the Oversight and Government Reform Committee of the United States House of Representatives. Read our testimony HERE.
- In April 2011, NAA NYM representatives and other leaders in the autism and vaccine safety communities met with Assemblyman Richard Gottfried in support of a philosophical exemption from NYS vaccination mandates.
- On August 23, 2010, NAA NYM submitted Comments on the Draft Statewide Comprehensive Plan: 2010-2014 of the State of New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities regarding its initiatives for people with autism. Read our letter HERE.
- NAA NYM has held events at City Hall several times to highlight the needs of the autism community.
- NAA NYM board members have met with various members of the City Council to discuss autism-related issues and the significant needs of our community.
- NAA NYM has sponsored professional first responder training for the New York City Police Department in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Visit our News and Media page for many examples of NAA NYM in the media. Visit our Meet the Board page to learn about the many activities in which our board members are involved.
If you are interested in keeping up to date on public policy issues concerning autism, sign up for Action Alerts from Autism Action Network. AAN makes it easy for you to reach your representatives. AAN is unrelated to NAA NYM.
