Please join the Autism Society of America (ASA), Unlocking Autism, and our fellow autism organizations for a rally in our nation’s capital to raise awareness about autism. The rally, titled “POWER of ONE – I.D.E.A.,” will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2002, on the national mall in Washington, D.C.

Autism is a complex disability that affects an individual’s ability to communicate and interact with others, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. It is a lifelong disability that is estimated to affect 2 to 6 per 1,000 individuals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means that more than 500,000 to 1,500,000 individuals in the U.S. have autism today.

“We hope that the rally in Washington will help bring attention to this puzzling disability and spur our nation to find answers to the many questions about autism, including what causes it, how it can be best treated, and how to get services to the hundreds of thousands of individuals who need support,” ASA President Lee Grossman said.

The POWER of ONE – I.D.E.A. Rally, which is being organized by Unlocking Autism in conjunction with the ASA and other autism groups, will also provide us with an opportunity to show our support for much-needed programs and legislation, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A.), which are imperative in our efforts to improve the outcome for individuals with autism and enable them to lead more productive lives.

I.D.E.A., originally signed into law in 1975 and reauthorized in 1997, ensures individuals with disabilities access to a “free and appropriate education.” IDEA is an important initiative that protects the rights of hundreds of thousands of individuals with autism and those with other disabilities.

I.D.E.A. is up for reauthorization this year. One of the elements during the reauthorization process will be funding. Currently, IDEA calls for 40 percent of the funding to be provided by the federal government. However, to date, the annual appropriations from Congress for IDEA have been about 15 percent.”

“The ASA and the autism community support reauthorization of I.D.E.A., including full funding,” Grossman said. “ Join us on April 21 and help us raise awareness about autism and show support for I.D.E.A.”

About the Rally:
The “Power of ONE – I.D.E.A. Rally” will be held from 12:00 to 5:00 on April 21 on the national mall (between 3rd and 4th Sts, NW) and features Members of Congress, representative from various U.S. education and health agencies, I.D.E.A. advocates, entertainment, and will also include an area for family activities. For more information, please visit the ASA Web site (www.autism-society.org) and click on the flashing National Autism Awareness Month and Rally graphic.

About Autism:
Autism is a complex neurological disorder that affects an individual’s ability to communicate and interact with others, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. While researchers believe that several genes possibly in combination with environmental factors contribute to autism, there is currently no known cause or cure for autism.

About the Autism Society of America (ASA):
Founded in 1965, ASA’s mission is to promote lifelong access and opportunities for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families, to be fully included, participating members of their communities. Education, advocacy, public awareness efforts and the promotion of research form the cornerstones of ASA’s activities.

7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20814-3067
Voice: 301-657-0881
Fax: 301-657-0869
www.autism-society.org