CONTACT:
Kristia Winter, Communications Director
KWinter@council.nyc.gov, 718-629-2900<\/p>\n
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/p>\n
NEW YORK\u2014Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn), Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction<\/strong>s issued the following statement in recognition of April as National Autism Awareness Month.<\/p>\n STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWhile we have made progress in rooting out racial, gender, and religious discrimination, there still exists an equally unfair and unjust form of prejudice within our society; the way we view and treat those with developmental disorders. Those on the autism spectrum face significant barriers in fair and equitable access to education, employment, and social services while being socially isolated and demonized by their peers. It is time for our society to grow and recognize that those on the spectrum are also human beings who face unique challenges. No two individuals\u2019 symptoms and experiences are the same, and with such a broad spectrum, we must recognize that the level of love, care, and support that individuals with autism deserve is no less than those without. We must stop discriminating against those with autism disorder, celebrate their victories, and treat them with fairness and equity.\u201d<\/p>\n New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which comprises Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions. She is also a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women\u2019s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus.<\/em><\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/p>\n NEW YORK\u2014Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn), Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction<\/strong>s issued the following statement in recognition of April as National Autism Awareness Month.<\/p>\n STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWhile we have made progress in rooting out racial, gender, and religious discrimination, there still exists an equally unfair and unjust form of prejudice within our society;<\/p>\n …<\/p>\n
Kristia Winter, Communications Director
KWinter@council.nyc.gov, 718-629-2900<\/p>\n