Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
His Excellency Governor Deval L. Patrick
Whereas Federal government statistics released in 2012 place the prevalence of autism at greater than 1% of the population; and
Whereas Early diagnosis of autism and early intervention can lead to significantly improved outcomes; and
Whereas Proper accommodations can aid autistic persons to achieve their full potential; and
Whereas In 2010, Massachusetts joined the growing list of states that require autism to be defined as a medical condition for insurance purposes; and
Whereas The unemployment rate among autistic adults is extremely high, despite their ability to be valuable employees if given the proper working conditions; and
Whereas It is in our interest to promote an environment of acceptance, respect and inclusion for autistic individuals; and
Whereas Through public awareness, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks to minimize the barriers faced by autistic people, their families, and their support networks,
Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim April 2012, to be,
Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month
And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this fourth day of April, in the year two thousand and twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
By His Excellency
Deval L. Patrick
Governor of the Commonwealth
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts