In a heartfelt tribute on the floor of the New York State Assembly, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara recognized the Autism Society of America and its President and CEO Christopher Banks in honor of the organization’s 60th anniversary of service, advocacy, and community support.

To commemorate the milestone, Assemblyman Santabarbara presented a formal New York State Assembly Proclamation, highlighting the Society’s six decades of unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with autism and their families.

Joining them for the occasion was Tracy Shober, Executive Director of the Autism Society of the Greater Hudson Region, whose affiliate organization continues to serve individuals and families across Upstate New York.

“The Autism Society of America has been a beacon of hope for families across the country – including here in New York,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on People with Disabilities and a longtime advocate whose son, Michael, is on the autism spectrum. “For 60 years, the Autism Society has transformed lives through education, advocacy, and community programs. Today, we honor that work and recommit ourselves to building a world where every person with autism is fully supported, accepted, and included.”

The Assembly Proclamation presented by Assemblyman Santabarbara reads in part:

“Since 1965, the Autism Society of America and its affiliate network have served as a place of hope by connecting people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, resources, and community programming... Their vision to create a world where everyone in the autism community has access to the support they need exemplifies their commitment to ensuring individuals can fully participate and feel accepted in society.”

“The Autism Society is very grateful to the N.Y. State Assembly and especially Assemblyman Santabarbara for their commitment to recognizing and honoring the Autism Society of America and its unwavering commitment for the past 60 years,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “Assemblyman Santabarbara‘s commitment to the autistic community to and other developmental disabilities in New York State is on unparalleled. The Autism Society will continue to sport his efforts to improve the lives of individuals in the disability community.”