Autism Epidemic Rally in Albany - March 24, 2009

Assemblyman Mark Shroeder addressing the rally

For the first time, autism related organizations throughout NY State came together to rally for the rights of families affected by ASD. On the steps of the Capital Building, with posters raised high and the press covering the event, the coalition put forth its demands:

(1) Oppose budget cuts for special education and early intervention; (2) Support vaccine rights’ legislation including philosophical exemption, religious exemption without examination, and medical exemption; and (3) Support health insurance reform. Speaking for the coalition were Louis Conti, John Gilmore, and Lisa Rudley. Assemblymen Harvey Weisenberg, and Mark Schroeder, Chairman of the Assembly Subcommittee on Autism addressed the rally and declared their full support for the coalition’s demands.

After the rally, the participants met their respective legislators. NAA NY Metro Chapter contingent met with Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh and with Senator Thomas Duane, Chairman of the Senate Health Committee and held an indepth meeting with Ms. Denise Soffel, Executive Director of the Senate Health Committee.

This event was endorsed by NAA New York Metro, Autism Action Network, Autism United Autism One, Autism Society of America-Albany Chapter, Autism Society of America-Bronx Chapter, Autism Society of America-Nassau/Suffolk Chapter, Autism United-Westchester, Generation Rescue, SAFEMINDS, Schafer Autism Report, Talk About Curing Autism, and Unlocking Autism.

For more on the rally, see Fox23 News report and interviews with New York Metro members in The Legislative Gazzette.

Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh with New York Metro members

Khalid Rehman is interviewed by The Legislative Gazette

See photo album for more pictures.