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Calling All Firefighters!

Have you got what it takes to be one of the twelve finalists selected to be in the

Autism United 2010 Calendar

Strut your stuff before our panel of Judges, who are all Special Education Teachers, at our smoking runway show at the

Crazy Donkey, 1058 Route 110 in Farmingdale

Thursday, June 11

Doors open at 6pm

Got what it takes?

Contact Allison Lupo at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 5or

or call (516) 933-40508

Autism Epidemic Day: Advocacy in Albany, Tuesday, March 24

New Yorkers, come to the first ever autism lobbying day in Albany on Tuesday, March 24th. If we don't speak up we can't be heard.

Deep Cuts Proposed for Special Education, Early Intervention and Autism Services, Your Action is Needed Now!

Governor David Paterson has proposed sweeping cuts to early intervention and special education as a way to address the current budget shortfall. The scope of the propsed changes are sweeping, and would eliminate most of the objective minimum standards of services that school districts and counties must meet, and replace them with programming provided at the discretion of schools districts.

Much of the proposed changes were thoroughly described in the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief chaired by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, The Commission began its work well before the financial meltdown that began in the fall of 2008, indicating that the changes proposed below are policy preferences independent of the current financial situation. See the article below to read the text of the Special Education section of the report.

Autism United is working in conjunction with other organizations to form a statewide coalition to prevent the cuts. People with autism and other disabilities need a statewide voice to assure that the budget isn’t balanced by sacrificing the neediest among us.

Here are some of the worst proposals the Governor has called for:

Special Education Section of the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief

The following is the special education section of the report by the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief (The Suozzi Commission Report). The full report may be downloaded from the following link:

 http://www.cptr.state.ny.us/reports/CPTRFinalReport_20081201.pdf

Special Education

New York State’s Social Compact – When discussing special education it is important to emphasize, especially during these difficult fiscal times, that New York State has always had, and continues to have, a deep commitment to the social compact that demands that we care for those most in need. The Commission can be successful in its mission to reduce expenses, especially those that relate to special education, only if it presents a roadmap that not only achieves cost savings, but also improves services and outcomes for students and their families.