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Follow on Google News | State Senator holding autism hearing in Grand Rapids July 22Senator Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), along with autism care experts and concerned families, will be hosting a hearing on autism this Thursday, July 22 from Noon to 2pm at Hope Network's Education Center, 775 36th Street, in Grand Rapids.
By: Hope Network July 22 public hearing to be held at Hope Network (GRAND RAPIDS, MI) Senator Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), along with autism care experts and concerned families, will be hosting a hearing on autism this Thursday, July 22 from Noon to 2pm at Hope Network's Education Center, 775 36th Street, in Grand Rapids. In April, the Monroe Republication announced the formation of a Senate workgroup that will focus on the importance of autism awareness. The Grand Rapids meeting is the third of four of the senator’s statewide public hearings. The last session will be held in Lansing. Grand Rapids, and specifically Hope Network, was a logical choice to be the backdrop of this hearing, as Hope Network opened its newest autism facility in April. The $1.2 million, 12,000 SF Center for Autism on the Coral Lettinga Campus in Grand Rapids serves children and adolescents with autism, neuro-developmental disabilities, learning disabilities and ADHD with an array of services under one roof, something that previously was not available in West Michigan. Richardville said the workgroup is scheduling several hearings throughout the state to educate the public about the effects of autism and help identify options for potential legislation. “Autism affects thousands of Michigan children and families,” said Richardville, R-Monroe. “It’s important for the public to gain more knowledge about this disease. The legislative hearings will help lawmakers determine what can be done to help Michigan children afflicted with this condition and their families.” Richardville was a co-sponsor a resolution to recognize April as Autism Awareness Month in Michigan. “While autism has many debilitating physical effects, it also creates financial difficulties for families struggling to identify resources to cover effective medical treatments,” Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobiological disorder that impacts an individual’s communication skills, social interaction and behavior. Current research indicates that one out of every 110 children born today will be diagnosed with ASD. More than 1.5 million families in the United States are currently affected by it. The number of children with autism in Michigan public schools increased by more than 100 percent from 5,680 to 11,366 between 2001 and 2006. Sen. Tupac A. Hunter, D-Detroit, is also serving on the workgroup with Richardville. WHO: Hope Network CEO Phil Weaver Senator Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) Judith Ursetti, Autism Speaks Steve Pastyrnak, DeVos Children’s hospital Jim Todd, Eastern Michigan University Marlowe Franklin, Autism Resource Network of Northwest Michigan Emily Olson, parent of a child with autism Conny Raaymakers, Behavior Analyst, Hope Network Center for Autism/D.A.R.T. WHAT: Public Hearing on Autism Awareness WHEN: Thursday, July 22, 2010 12:00pm-2:00pm WHERE: Hope Network Education Center 775 36th Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 WHY: To educate the public about the effects of autism and help identify options for potential legislation. About Senator Richardville: http://www.senate.michigan.gov/ More on Senator Richardville’ http://www.senate.michigan.gov/ More about Hope Network’s Autism Programs: http://www.hopenetwork.org/ About Hope Network: Hope Network is a non-profit Christian organization founded in 1963 to empower people with disabilities or disadvantages to achieve their highest level of independence. We provide a continuum of specialized care for those with brain and spinal cord injuries, mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and other disadvantages. Our support services include transportation, subsidized housing, case management, community based services and workforce development. Hope Network cares for the whole person addressing the social, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. With corporate offices in Grand Rapids, Hope Network provides services in 180 plus locations, by 2,300 staff to people in more than 50 counties. Hope Network serves about 20,000 people throughout Michigan. For more information, please visit www.hopenetwork.org. # # # Clark Communications is a virtual public relations agency, which is just a fancy way to say that we’re everything you’d expect in a full-service PR firm, except for the mystery fees and long delays! End
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