ROBERTS TOUR OF BERGEN FACILITY HIGHLIGHTS NEEDS OF AUTISTIC ADULTS

ROBERTS TOUR OF BERGEN FACILITY HIGHLIGHTS NEEDS OF AUTISTIC ADULTS
Speaker Presented with First Copy of Training Manual Designed
To Help Employers Hire Autistic Adults, Provide Means for Lifetime Independence

(PARAMUS) - Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr., today toured a Bergen County facility dedicated to helping individuals with autism spectrum disorders live independent lives, where he was presented with a signed copy of an innovative training manual created to help companies employ individuals with autism.

Roberts' visit was timed to coincide with the Wednesday, April 2 recognition of World Autism Day.

The document, "Supported Employment & Supported Volunteerism Training Manual," was created by the prestigious Alpine Learning Group of Paramus, with funding support from The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.  The groups presented the first printed copy of the manual to Speaker Roberts in recognition of his continuing efforts to raise autism awareness in New Jersey.

"While New Jersey has outpaced the nation in making services available for children diagnosed with autism, it is easy to forget that autism is a lifelong disorder," said Roberts (D-Camden).  "With more and more young autistic adults aging out of the state's special education system, we must redouble our efforts to support existing adult autism services.  We need to highlight new programs that can help autistic individuals live independent lives."

Roberts has championed two legislative packages seeking to raise awareness of autism as well as strengthen the state's response to the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders.  According to a 2007 federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey study, one out of every 94 New Jersey children will be diagnosed with autism; the national average is one out of every 150 children.

The new manual is the first of its kind to be specifically dedicated to dealing with young adults with autism and is designed to help inform employers and prospective employers about the processes involved in working with and employing adults with autism.  It will be distributed, free of charge, to prospective employers and agencies throughout the country and will be used as a model document in supporting young adults with autism in community-based employment sites.

"The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is proud to have funded the development and creation of the first employment manual geared towards individuals with autism as they enter and participate in the work force," said Linda Walder Fiddle, founder and executive director of the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.  "Speaker Roberts is the leading sponsor of important autism legislation addressing the lifespan issues associate with this disorder in New Jersey and it is fitting and appropriate that he is presented the first copy of the manual."

"Until the puzzle of autism is solved once and for all, we need to recognize that early intensive educational interventions are the key to helping individuals with autism live independent, full lives," said Dr. Bridget A. Taylor, cofounder and executive director of the Alpine Learning Group.  "With the support of Speaker Roberts and the Legislature, New Jersey is leading the way for our nation to combat ever-increasing rates of autism.  We must continue to be a beacon of hope for the countless families caught in autism's grasp."

The Alpine Learning Group, www.alpinelearninggroup.org, is an approved private special education program designed to meet the needs of individuals with autism spectral disorders; providing learners with autism and their families comprehensive, scientifically validated educational and behavioral services designed to foster individual growth and personal achievement.  Alpine Learning Group recently initiated its Adult program, which provides community-based supported volunteer and employment opportunities to young adults with autism.

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, www.djfiddlefoundation.org, is the first organization in the United States to award grants to residential, recreational, vocational, educational, and family programs that address the needs of adolescents and adults with autism, with an expertise in developing, identifying, supporting, and supervising exemplary programs that honor the individuality of each person.

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