Delaware-2013-SCR65-Draft

WHEREAS, the University of Delaware's Center for Disabilities Studies conducted a comprehensive statewide appraisal of the ongoing needs of Delawareans with autism spectrum disorder (hereinafter "ASD"); and

WHEREAS, a summit was held inviting a diverse group of stakeholders involved in the lives of individuals with ASD that provided the opportunity to express individual perspectives or concerns regarding the Blueprint; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware Department of Education (hereinafter "DDOE") provides valuable education opportunities and services to students with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the state of Delaware has a history of providing a groundbreaking and innovative, evidence-based education program for students with ASD; and

WHEREAS, students who have an ADS function at many different and individual cognitive levels; and

WHEREAS, the conclusions found in the Blueprint regarding the educational needs of students with ASD show that there are areas needing improvement.

NOW THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 147^th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that an Autism Educational Task Force (hereinafter "Task Force") is established to study the Blueprint to prioritize and make recommendations regarding the initiation of Educational and Technical Assistance Teams and a statewide Autism Resource Center, and to research appropriate funding streams to enable the creation and implementation of these two programs.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall be composed of the following members:

(a)One member of the Delaware State Senate appointed by the President Pro Tem; and

(b) One member of the Delaware House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House; and

(c) Two parents of an individual with ASD, from a variety of age groups and geographic areas, one to be appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, one to be appointed by the Chairman of the House Education Committee; and

(d)Two individuals personally affected by autism one to be appointed by the President Pro Tem, one to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; and

(e)A private service provider for Delawareans with ASD to be appointed by the Delaware Secretary of Health and Human Services; and

(f) The Secretary of the Delaware Department of Education or a designee thereof; and

(g) The Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) or a designee thereof; and

(h) The Secretary of the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF) or a designee thereof; and

(i)The Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) or a designee thereof; and

(j) The Executive Director of Autism Delaware or a designee thereof; and

(k)The Executive Director of the Delaware Parent Information Center or a designee thereof; and

(l)The Director of the Delaware Division of Developmental Disability Services (DDDS) or a designee thereof; and

(m) The Director of the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) or a designee thereof; and

(n) The Director of the Delaware Birth to Three Early Intervention System or a designee thereof; and

(o) The Director of the University of Delaware's Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) or a designee thereof

(p) The Statewide Director of the Delaware Autism Program or a designee thereof; and

(q) The Board Chair of the Delaware Autism Program Peer Review Board or a designee thereof.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall convene its first meeting no later than 60 days after enactment. The member of the Delaware State Senate appointed by the President Pro Tem shall serve as the chair of the Task Force, and shall convene the first and subsequent meetings.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education shall provide staff and fiscal support for the Task Force.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly to be reviewed by the Senate Education Committee and the House Education Committee on or before March 31, 2015.

SPONSOR:	Sen. Henry & Sen. Townsend
	Sens. Blevins, Ennis, Hall-Long, Lopez, Poore, Venables; Reps. Baumbach, Bennett, Brady, Briggs King, Dukes, Gray, Hudson, Jaques, J. Johnson, Kowalko, Osienski, Ramone, B. Short, D. Short, Smyk