| Aug 28 Autism Awareness Day |
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Governor Ernie Fletcher will be signing a proclamation naming August
28, 2005 Autism Awareness Day across the Commonwealth. Kentucky
welcomes Kami Olmstead, a single mother of two boys diagnosed within
the spectrum of autism, (Justin, 9 years old, with Asperger's, and
Jonah, 6 years old, with autism) who began a 10,000 mile cross country
awareness drive, Across America for Autism, on August 7th.
Traveling in a minivan donated from Reynold’s Ford in Illinois, Kami,
Justin, and Jonah have traveled through Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Texas,
Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
She arrives in Kentucky on August 28 and will conclude her journey in
Missouri and Kansas. On Sunday, August 28th, Kami Olmstead and her children will attend two events promoting Autism Awareness. Kami, her children, Representative Brinkman, and Mrs. Brinkman will be at Town & County Ford in Louisville at 1PM and the Lexington Legends game in Applebee’s Park at 5:30PM. The Legends have joined with the Autism Society of the Bluegrass for Autism Awareness Day at the Game. Prior to the game, Gov. Ernie Fletcher’s Proclamation will be read. Kami Olmstead's goal is to raise money to help children and families who live with autism everyday. Across America for Autism wants families to know that there is hope after a diagnosis of autism. After the drive all donations will be used for medical, dietary, educational and safety needs for these families. Autism Spectrum Disorder is the most prevalent developmental disability affecting an estimated 1 in 166 births and approximately 24,000 Kentuckians. Autism Spectrum Disorder affects the entire family of the diagnosed individual and early diagnosis, intervention, education, and therapies are essential to reducing its effects. On March 18, 2005, Governor Ernie Fletcher signed House Bill 296 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Scott Brinkman of Louisville, the Bill establishes the Kentucky Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Commission is charged with the development of a comprehensive statewide plan for an integrated system of training, treatment, and services for individuals of all ages with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The first meeting was on August 22, 2005. If you have any questions, contact Linda McAuliffe, at (502) 564-7702
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