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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AUTISM

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AFTER 21 DAY

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2017 GENERAL SESSION

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STATE OF UTAH

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Chief Sponsor: Rebecca P. Edwards

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Senate Sponsor: Brian E. Shiozawa

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8     LONG TITLE
9     General Description:
10          This concurrent resolution designates "Autism After 21 Day."
11     Highlighted Provisions:
12          This resolution:
13          ▸     calls attention to the many adults on the autism spectrum for whom
14     federally-mandated services have ended;
15          ▸     recognizes the limited opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum and the need
16     for residential services; and
17          ▸     designates April 21 as "Autism After 21 Day."
18     Special Clauses:
19          None
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21     Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
22          WHEREAS, every 11 minutes a child is born in the United States who will be
23     diagnosed with autism;
24          WHEREAS, as things stand today, those autistic children will spend the majority of
25     their lives as adults in a world of few opportunities;
26          WHEREAS, in the next four years, 200,000 people on the autism spectrum will turn 21,
27     which is the age at which federally-mandated services end;

28          WHEREAS, those autistic adults will join the millions of adults with disabilities who
29     face decades-long waitlists for residential services, and little to no opportunity for employment
30     or social interaction;
31          WHEREAS, some adults on the autism spectrum need few, if any, supports, and we
32     continue to encourage their self-determination and independence;
33          WHEREAS, our attention is needed to acknowledge the many adults on the autism
34     spectrum who are navigating adulthood and wanting to reach their full potential; and
35          WHEREAS, autistic adults deserve access to the goals established by the Americans
36     With Disabilities Act, including equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and
37     economic self-sufficiency:
38          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
39     Governor concurring therein, designates April 21 as "Autism After 21 Day."
40          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the state
41     legislatures of the other 49 states and members of Utah's congressional delegation.






Legislative Review Note
Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel