Washington Autism Advocacy Celebrated the Second Annual World Autism Awareness Day at the Olympia Capital Rotunda on April 2
14 Washington State Legislators in Attendance
OLYMPIA, WA (April 2, 2009) – Washington Autism Advocacy, in partnership with Autism Speaks, honored World Autism Awareness Day yesterday with a rally in the Olympia Capital Rotunda. Over 20 countries worldwide participated in a series of national and international events in a global effort to heighten awareness about the disorder affecting millions of individuals and families around the world.
Opening remarks were given by Hannah Ash, Miss Lewis County 2009, whose platform is Embracing Autism.
Fourteen Washington State legislators were in attendance, seven-spoke to the unmet needs of children with Autism, including both Senate and House prime sponsors of Shayan's Law, HB1210 and SB5203 –Representative Brendan Williams (D-22) and Senator Steve Hobbs (D-44). The Autism Insurance Reform bill has not yet passed.
Senator Hobbs, a celebrated veteran, pointedly said, "I have been in two conflicts and I can tell you that this war, to do what is right, is to have the insurance companies cover autism. This is a just war."
Representative Williams spoke of insurance discrimination against individuals with autism as a civil rights issue that should be taken on by the Washington legislature. He encouraged all in attendance to continue to remind lawmakers to effectively address this disparity.
Many legislators were honored for their actions during the 2009 Legislative Session including Senator Karen Keiser (D-33) who asked the crowd not to give up, that sometimes these things take a long time and inspired families with her pledge to make every effort to make sure our voices are heard within the WA legislature and to continue to work diligently to make sure our children will one day receive appropriate medical interventions covered by private insurance.
Several legislators including Representatives Ruth Kagi (32nd), Representative Brad Klippert (8th) and Senator Randi Becker (2nd) and Senator Pam Roach (31) honored their constituents living with autism by attending the event.
Senator Eric Oemig (45th) talked about environmental factors contributing to autism and how loopholes and opt-out provisions continue to get in the way of obtaining meaningful coverage of treatments for autism.
Representative Dan Roach (31st) reminded all that autism knows no political boundaries and encouraged families to reach out to legislators en masse and detailed the importance of legislative advocacy.
Representative John Driscoll (6th) gave his pledge to work closely with Representatives to see insurance reform passed.
The most inspiring speakers were three children who had been diagnosed with Autism, who spoke of their successes through appropriate interventions. Chanel, a sixteen-year-old, shared her message of hope and how she overcame the challenges of autism and shared that recovery is possible. Ten-year-old Patrick and eleven-year-old Jason spoke eloquently describing their lives as typical children who enjoy sports and spending time with family.
Other speakers included parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders who celebrated their children and spoke about their challenges and gifts.
Lacey Cairns, Longview single mother of 4 (two with Autism) spoke about how unattainable medical treatments have led to the crisis and costlier measures including long-term hospitalization, and the eventual out of home placement of her son into a state institution.
Beijing Olympic Power Lifter and business owner Melanie Roach, wife of Representative Roach, spoke of the hardest thing in her life, parenting a child with autism.
Microsoft employees and fathers of children with Autism, Eric Brechner and Joe Callans gave moving tributes to their sons and celebrated their successes - which they credit to the treatments made attainable under their employer's Autism Benefits. Both spoke about how proud and committed they are to Microsoft because of the medical benefits made available to them.
Spectacular photographs by Charles Cotungo, from his Autism Series, Stories of Autism were displayed throughout the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors of the Rotunda, generating much attention.
Insurance companies have millions of dollars to spend lobbying against Autism Insurance Reform, we don’t. But we are voters and passionate about getting appropriate medical treatments our children need and deserve to grow up to their full potential and live among us as productive citizens.
Together, we CAN make a difference for our children!
Washington Autism Advocacy Coalition