LEGISLATIVE REVOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 2016, as Early Intervention Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, The health and safety of all New Yorkers is important to the
happiness, prosperity and well-being of our families, communities, and
future; and
WHEREAS, New York's children are among our most valuable, precious and
vulnerable populations; they require proper care and attention as soon
as they are born and throughout their formative years; and
WHEREAS, The early years of a child's life are critical to develop-
ment; during the infant and toddler years, children grow quickly and
have much to learn; and
WHEREAS, Some children and families face special challenges and need
extra help and, it is acknowledged that early help does make a differ-
ence; and
WHEREAS, Some children are born with developmental delays and disabil-
ities; it is crucial that these children receive immediate and therapeu-
tic intervention based upon acceptable norms and proper treatment upon
diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Department of Health Bureau of Early
Intervention is authorized to provide early intervention services for
the more than 75,000 infants and toddlers with developmental delays and
disabilities and their families throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, Research reflects that for every dollar spent in Early Inter-
vention, at least seven dollars are saved in future state costs in
special education; and
WHEREAS, Partnerships between state agencies, physicians and other
private care providers and families with children with disabilities help
ensure the continuation of Early Intervention services which enhance
development and promote the health and well-being of New York's children
and families; and
WHEREAS, It is important that New York's citizens know about Early
Intervention services available to infants and toddlers born with devel-
opmental delays and disabilities so that families may take advantage of
every opportunity to improve the health and well-being of their chil-
dren; and
WHEREAS, Early Intervention services and providers can help a family
learn the best ways to care for their child, how to support and promote
their child's development, and how to include their child in their fami-
ly and community life; and
WHEREAS, Early Intervention and Early Intervention providers help New
York State's most vulnerable children reach their potential during some
of the most critical years of development; and
WHEREAS, Early Intervention providers also make vital, indispensable
services available to the families of developmentally delayed children
through individualized training and they support and help empower and
unite children and their families as well; and
WHEREAS, The observance of Early Intervention Month in the State of
New York provides an opportunity to recognize the availability and
importance of Early Intervention providers and services in New York
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2016, as Early
Intervention Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New

York, and the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association,
Lehman College Chapter.