FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2009

Contact: Michael Cox (503) 282-4651

 

Legislators See Fruits of Oregon Autism Project

Governor Signs Executive Order Establishing Oregon Commission on Autism

 

SALEM – Flanked by members of the Oregon Autism Project, including Representative Chris Edwards, Governor Ted Kulongoski today signed Executive Order NO. 09-07 establishing the Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder.

 

Oregon has seen a rapid increase in the number of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Currently, there are over 7,000 school age children that have been diagnosed with ASD, not to mention thousands more adults who experience ASD.  As rates have increased, public and private systems have struggled to find ways to effectively respond.

 

That is why Representative Chris Edwards (D-Eugene/Junction City) convened the Oregon Autism Project; a group of legislators, agency personnel, and parent advocates.  With the support of State Representatives Peter Buckley (D-Ashland), then Chair of the House Education Committee, and Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland), Chair of the House Health Care Committee, the group set out to identify existing holes in service to those with ASD and chart a path forward to fill those holes.

 

“When we began work our goal was to assess the services we now provide, see how we can do a better job with existing resources, and develop a plan to implement should we find new resources,” said Edwards.

 

Autism is a complex disorder that presents a diverse set of challenges.  Often, this results in multiple state agencies and private groups working to provide services to the same set of people.  After compiling a report and conducting a statewide tour to garner community feedback, the Oregon Autism Project identified the need for a central hub to focus energy and resources toward assisting those with ASD.  The Oregon Autism Project suggested the creation of a commission that could get to work immediately to produce results. 

 

“Based on the Oregon Autism Project’s research and testimony from constituents around the State, it became more apparent than ever that we need to do a better job coordinating efforts between various agencies and groups to prevent duplication of efforts and spend our dollars more wisely,” said Rep. Buckley. 

 

Rep. Greenlick agreed.  “It’s our job to ensure we are receiving maximum affect for every dollar we spend.  This means targeting the use of our limited resources and using the best practices available to improve services to all individuals and families experiencing ASD.”

 

When the Oregon Autism Project recommended the creation of a commission to carry out these goals, Governor Kulongoski was eager to help.

 

“Through my work advocating for individuals with Autism and others with developmental disorders, Governor Kulongoski has been an ally,” said Rep. Sara Gelser (D-Corvallis) a member of the Oregon Autism Project and current Chair of the House Education Committee.  “I would like to thank him for championing this effort and working with us as we take this important first step.”

 

Today’s signing ceremony marks the beginning of what Rep. Edwards sees as a long-term commitment by the State to confront ASD.

 

“This is an exciting first step.  This Commission is about producing results, not compiling another blueprint that collects dust on some agency shelf.  It has been my intent that the Commission begin work as soon as possible, coordinating expertise and implementing change,” said Edwards.

 

The Governor is now accepting applications for slots on the 13-member commission.  Interested parties are advised to contact his office for further information.

 

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