H.C.R. 9 Enrolled

1

AUTISM, DISABILITIES, AND FAITH
2 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
3 2010 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Chief Sponsor: Ronda Rudd Menlove
6 Senate Sponsor: Howard A. Stephenson
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This concurrent resolution of the Legislature and the Governor designates April 26 -
11 May 2 as Autism, Disabilities, and Faith Week, and recognizes the importance of fully
12 integrating persons with autism and disabilities and their families into all Utah faith-
13 based organizations.
14 Highlighted Provisions:
15 This resolution:
16 . designates April 26 - May 2, 2010, as Autism, Disabilities, and Faith Week in the
17 state of Utah; and
18 . recognizes the importance of fully integrating persons with autism and disabilities
19 and their families into all Utah faith-based organizations.
20 Special Clauses:
21 None
22
23 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
24 WHEREAS, there is an increasing number of persons with autism and other
25 disabilities living in the state of Utah;
26 WHEREAS, there is an increasing percentage of children, youths, and adults in Utah's
27 population that is impacted by autism and other disabilities;
28 WHEREAS, these individuals and their families would benefit greatly from the support
29 offered by Utah's faith-based organizations;

30 WHEREAS, these individuals and their families have unique needs that must be
31 recognized and accommodated in faith-based organizations;
32 WHEREAS, faith-based curriculum, instruction, and worship services may need to be
33 adapted to include persons with autism and other disabilities and their families;
34 WHEREAS, faith-based instruction and worship are not intended to replace in any way
35 other services provided to support persons with autism and other disabilities and their
36 families;
37 WHEREAS, Utah's faith-based organizations will greatly benefit from the inclusion of
38 persons with autism and other disabilities in their congregations and organizations;
39 WHEREAS, families affected by autism and other disabilities should be welcomed and
40 offered an invitation to participate in faith-based organizations free of judgment;
41 WHEREAS, faith-based organizations and their members would profit from being
42 educated about autism and other disabilities;
43 WHEREAS, faith-based organizations and their members would benefit from having
44 knowledge of the appropriate resources to assist them in their relationship with persons who
45 are autistic or have other disabilities; and
46 WHEREAS, the first Utah Autism and Faith Summit, Empowering Faith Communities
47 to Include Individuals with Autism, was held September 17, 2009:
48 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
49 Governor concurring therein, designate April 26 - May 2, 2010, as Autism, Disabilities, and
50 Faith Week in the state of Utah.
51 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor recognize the
52 importance of fully integrating persons with autism and other disabilities into Utah's
53 faith-based organizations and communities.
54 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Coalition of
55 Religious Communities, the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable, the Utah Parent Center, the
56 Autism Council of Utah, Family Voices, the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council, Allies
57 with Families, the National Alliance for Mental Illness Utah, the Autism Initiative and the

58 Children with Special Health Care Needs Bureau at the Utah Department of Health, the Utah
59 Statewide Independent Living Council, the Disability Law Center, and the Legislative
60 Coalition for People with Disabilities.