LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Center
for Spectrum Services during Autism Awareness Month, April 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 35th Anniversary of the Center for Spectrum Services; this
auspicious occasion will be celebrated during the month of April 2011,
which is Autism Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, In 1976 when parents of children with autism were often
adrift and alone in facing their child's diagnosis, Susan Buckler and
Jamey Wolff founded a school with just two students in a church basement
with a vision to provide the treatment and education this population
deserved; it was launched under the name of The Children's Annex; and
WHEREAS, By 1983, The Children's Annex had doubled its student body
annually, was operating in two locations, had initiated a preschool
program, collaborated with parents and staff to found the Hudson Valley
Autism Society, and widened its geographic range; and
WHEREAS, In the autumn of 2009, The Children's Annex changed the name
of the school to the Center for Spectrum Services; this was confirmed by
the New York State Board of Regents in July 2009; and
WHEREAS, The vision of the Center for Spectrum Services is to be an
exemplary educational, treatment and diagnostic center offering
evidence-based programs which lead to optimal outcomes for individuals
and families impacted by autism spectrum disorders; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Center for Spectrum Services is to evalu-
ate the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and develop
nurturing, therapeutic learning environments that foster their own
growth, and that of the professionals who serve them; it believes that
family, staff and community collaboration is the cornerstone of success;
and
WHEREAS, The Center for Spectrum Services operates center-based
schools and programs in both Kingston and Ellenville, New York, with
reach into 14 counties in the Hudson Valley; for the 2010-2011 school
year, it is serving students from 37 school districts in six counties
throughout the Hudson Valley; and
WHEREAS, The Center also operates the Spectrum Services Clinic, which
serves people of all ages with known or suspected autism spectrum disor-
ders; the clinic offers a variety of services including evaluations,
consultations, trainings and individual and group counseling; and
WHEREAS, Serving 270 individuals with autism spectrum disorders annu-
ally, the Center for Spectrum Services has served a cumulative enroll-
ment of 3,500 over the past 35 years; it has provided training to over
4,000 professionals and parents across New York and the nation; and
WHEREAS, April 2011 is Autism Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Center for
Spectrum Services and to congratulate it on its achievements and
progress; 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 35th Anniversary of the Center for Spectrum Services;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Center for Spectrum Services, 70 Kukuk Lane, Kingston,
New York 12401.