NEW YORK—Autistic children have enjoyed sports classes and after school programs across the five boroughs since 2007 thanks to $1.75 million granted by the city council annually. The funding needs to be renewed each year, yet the city’s aching budget has bred concern that the “1 in 150” program will be cut.
On Wednesday close to 100 parents, children, and teachers stood on the steps of City Hall to request that the funding be renewed. They were joined by city council members and more than 75 representatives of various organizations.
Some held pictures of their children, others held banners and signs asking that the funding continue.
“There are a small number of programs we sponsor in the mental health arena that we will fight very hard to maintain and the city council’s 1 in 150 program is one of them,” said Council Member Oliver Koppell, chair of the City Council Committee on Mental Health.
On Wednesday close to 100 parents, children, and teachers stood on the steps of City Hall to request that the funding be renewed. They were joined by city council members and more than 75 representatives of various organizations.
Some held pictures of their children, others held banners and signs asking that the funding continue.
“There are a small number of programs we sponsor in the mental health arena that we will fight very hard to maintain and the city council’s 1 in 150 program is one of them,” said Council Member Oliver Koppell, chair of the City Council Committee on Mental Health.
Koppell acknowledged that the city facing tough times financially, yet added “we want to do everything in our power to maintain this program because it’s so powerful.”
The 1 in 150 program borrows its name from the percentage of children born with autism in the U.S. Over the past year it has helped thousands of parents and caregivers, and has helped more than 2,900 families receive individual assistance in finding services they are entitled to.
Council Member David Weprin has been dubbed the “champion of special funding,” as he has been a primary sponsor for the program. Weprin said that the through the program’s educational, clinical, and training services, children affected by autism are able to “live full and productive lives.”
The program’s current funding will last until June 30 and supports 22 different agencies that helps kids with autism. Since it is a city council initiative and is not part of the city’s baseline budget, it needs to be re-approved each year.
The 1 in 150 program borrows its name from the percentage of children born with autism in the U.S. Over the past year it has helped thousands of parents and caregivers, and has helped more than 2,900 families receive individual assistance in finding services they are entitled to.
Council Member David Weprin has been dubbed the “champion of special funding,” as he has been a primary sponsor for the program. Weprin said that the through the program’s educational, clinical, and training services, children affected by autism are able to “live full and productive lives.”
The program’s current funding will last until June 30 and supports 22 different agencies that helps kids with autism. Since it is a city council initiative and is not part of the city’s baseline budget, it needs to be re-approved each year.
Mayor Spokesman Jason Post told The Epoch Times that whether the program is approved will be seen within the next few weeks, when the city’s budget plan is finalized.
In the meantime, families will have to wait for the decision.
Jayma Moran said before the attending the after-school programs there was no place in the community for her six-year-old son, Jake. “His whole life has been about being different,” she said.
Jake’s brother has basketball trophies covering his dresser and often goes to play with other kids in the neighborhood, while Jake only watches. Moran said that Jake is often judged by the community for being different and usually isolates himself.
She said that with the 1 in 150 program, Jake has a place where he is not judged and now has trophies on his dresser just like his brother.
Among the services the kids receive are classes in basketball and baseball. They are taught one-to-one by kids who are free from disabilities, which has a dual effect of giving them training and a friend.
Some people who are diagnosed with autism have little or no communication skills. Some never speak or make eye-contact in their lives. Others exhibit unusual behavior such as repetition of movements or gestures.
In the meantime, families will have to wait for the decision.
Jayma Moran said before the attending the after-school programs there was no place in the community for her six-year-old son, Jake. “His whole life has been about being different,” she said.
Jake’s brother has basketball trophies covering his dresser and often goes to play with other kids in the neighborhood, while Jake only watches. Moran said that Jake is often judged by the community for being different and usually isolates himself.
She said that with the 1 in 150 program, Jake has a place where he is not judged and now has trophies on his dresser just like his brother.
Among the services the kids receive are classes in basketball and baseball. They are taught one-to-one by kids who are free from disabilities, which has a dual effect of giving them training and a friend.
Some people who are diagnosed with autism have little or no communication skills. Some never speak or make eye-contact in their lives. Others exhibit unusual behavior such as repetition of movements or gestures.
According to the YAI National Institute for People with Disabilities, early intervention is critical to the development of such children. Although there is no known cure for the disorder, if it is treated early on the symptoms will be less severe over the course of the child’s life.
Eileen Quiles said that before the 1 in 150 program her four-year-old son, Hunter never spoke or made eye contact—essential skills that he has steadily improved. She and Hunter were among those requesting the program’s funding continues.
In addition to difficulties in communication, Hunter also had trouble with several motor skills such as jumping or blowing air. Quiles said that on his birthday, “he blew out his first candle this year.”
Quiles attributes her son’s improvement to the interaction with other kids he has been receiving through the 1 in 150 program. “It’s challenging but so rewarding,” Quiles said. “They’re very smart kids. They just have delays in socializing.”
Eileen Quiles said that before the 1 in 150 program her four-year-old son, Hunter never spoke or made eye contact—essential skills that he has steadily improved. She and Hunter were among those requesting the program’s funding continues.
In addition to difficulties in communication, Hunter also had trouble with several motor skills such as jumping or blowing air. Quiles said that on his birthday, “he blew out his first candle this year.”
Quiles attributes her son’s improvement to the interaction with other kids he has been receiving through the 1 in 150 program. “It’s challenging but so rewarding,” Quiles said. “They’re very smart kids. They just have delays in socializing.”
Friends Read Free