Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signs Autism Awareness Day Proclamation
Autism Awareness Day
On December 18, 2007 the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139 which designates 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day, to be observed every year beginning in 2008.
This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.
Govenor Sonny Perdue
Stacey Ramirez, Director Resource Center - Marcus Institute.
Following the UN example, on March 20, 2008 Georgia’Äôs Governor, Sonny Perdue singed a proclamation declaring April 2, 2008 Autism Awareness Day. The creation of the proclamation was a harmonious collaboration with the Marcus Institute, CDC, Department of Human Resources, and Autism Speaks. These agencies work together to shine a bright light on autism. They are committed to increasing and developing world knowledge of the autism epidemic and will impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, they encourage Georgia to celebrate the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and will be a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.
By bringing together organizations dedicated to autism support and research, Georgia will be joining the world in giving a voice to the thousands of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help.
Wording of Proclamation designating April 2, 2008 as Autism Awareness Day:
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA
A PROLCAMTION
AUTISM AWARNESS DAY
| WHEREAS: | Autism is a complex brain disorder that affects a person’Äôs ability to communicate and develop social relationships, or is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges; and |
| WHEREAS: | Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affected four to six times as many boys as girls: and |
| WHEREAS: | According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions, one in 132 children in Georgia has an autism spectrum disorder; and |
| WHEREAS: | Georgia is committed to enabling meaningful participation and self-determination in all aspects of life for individuals with autism and their families; and |
| WHEREAS: | Inclusion of all Georgia residents in the rich fabric of community life, events and programs enhances the quality of life for everyone; now |
| THEREFORE: | I, SONNY PERDUE, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2008, as AUTISM AWARENESS DAY in Georgia. |
| In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department of the affixed this 20th day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand eight. | |
Signed by |
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly
LISTED LEFT TO RIGHT:
Front: Eric E. Jacobson, Executive Director - Governor's Council on Developmental
Disabilities (GCDD)
Back: Charles Hopkins, Deputy Director - Office of Developmental Disabilities
(DHR/MHDDAD). Resides in Cobb County
Front: Gwendolyn B. Skinner, Director Division of Mental Health, Developmental
Disabilities, Addictive Diseases (DMHDDAD)
Back: Stuart Brown, M.D., Director, Division of Public Health.
Front: Stacey Ramirez, Director Resource Center - Marcus Institute. Resides
in Cobb County
Back: John Floyd, Chief Development Officer - Marcus Institute. Resides
in Fulton County
GOVERNOR
Steve Hall, Ph.D., Director - Office of Developmental Disabilities (DHR/MHDDAD).
Resides in Cobb County
Edwin Trevathan, M.D., M.P.H., Director, National Center on Birth Defects & Developmental
Disabilities - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Back: Farah A. Chapes, CPA, Chief Operating Officer - Marcus Institute.
Resides in Fulton County
Catie Curry, Regional Director - Autism Speaks. Resides in DeKalb
Daniel Crimmins, Ph.D., Director University Center for Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities - Marcus Institute. Resides in Fulton County