LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the Autism
Society of the Hudson Valley's Annual Walk and Expo, April 10, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 10th Anniversary of the Autism Society of the Hudson Valley's
Annual Walk and Expo; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on
Sunday, April 10, 2011, at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland, Dr. Ruth Sullivan and
many other parents of children with autism, the Autism Society is the
nation's leading grassroots autism organization; it exists to improve
the lives of all affected by autism by increasing public awareness about
the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for
appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing
the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and
advocacy; and
WHEREAS,The Autism Society is the leading source of trusted and reli-
able information about autism; through its strong chapter network, it
has spearheaded numerous pieces of state and local legislation, includ-
ing the 2006 Combating Autism Act, the first federal autism-specific
law; and
WHEREAS, Each year, people with autism, families and professionals
volunteer thousands of hours to help the Autism Society achieve its
mission of serving all those affected by autism; and
WHEREAS, The Autism Society of the Hudson Valley is a group of parents
and professionals committed to helping the Autism Community of the
Hudson Valley; it is a non-profit agency serving the counties of Colum-
bia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Ulster, Putnam and Sullivan; it is
committed to helping the autism community of the Hudson Valley; and
WHEREAS, Autism is a misunderstood disorder; public awareness is need-
ed to promote understanding of and compassion for this disorder so that
children will not only maximize their potential, but also live more
harmoniously in society; and
WHEREAS, April is Autism Awareness month; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Autism Society of
the Hudson Valley and its Annual Walk and Expo; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an organ-
ization of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our atten-
tion, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Autism Society of the Hudson
Valley's Annual Walk and Expo; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Autism Society of the Hudson Valley, 30 Denver Road,
Kingston, New York 12401.