News & FECA Events - FECA in the News

Assemblyman Greg Ball to Increase Autism Awareness with Visit to Devereux Millwood Learning Center
July 23, 2008
Contact: Andi Rosenthal
Hospitality Resource Group
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(914) 761-7111

Assemblyman Greg Ball will meet with autistic students at the Devereux Millwood Learning Center (DMLC) in honor of Autism Awareness Month on Friday, May 30, 2008.  This annual event is co-presented by DMLC and the Foundation for Educating Children with Autism (FECA) in honor of National Autism Awareness Month.

Ball recently hosted a series of task force regional conferences on autism in order to bring together families with autistic dependents, professionals who work with autism, and government representatives in order to identify areas of concern and to find better ways to ensure those with autism have the care and services they deserve.

“We must take action to better the lives of those affected by autism and to ensure they have the services, healthcare and educational opportunities they deserve,” said Ball

Ball will also present awards to the winners of FECA’s annual community-wide Essay Contest, “I Have a Friend with Autism,” which describes or depicts the positive aspects of having a classmate or friend with autism in their community.  He will also present the the Autism Awareness Leadership Award, which is given to an educational professional who promotes awareness and advocacy on behalf of autistic students. 

The essay contest winners are area students who have successfully raised awareness about the realities of autism through the positive portrayal of the disease by honoring an autistic person in their life such as a sibling, family member, friend, or someone in their community.  Winners are from the following schools:

Byram Hills High School
Fox Lane Middle School
Robert E. Bell Middle School

The Autism Awareness Leadership Award will be given Allison Fish of Midland Elementary School in the Rye City School District to a teacher who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in educating students with autism, taking an active role in advocating for the inclusion of students with autism in the community, and presenting the positive skills and abilities of people with this disability.

Assemblyman Ball will also tour the school and spend time with DLMC’s students.  A strong supporter of DMLC and FECA, his district encompasses regions of Nothern Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess County.  The Devereux Millwood Learning Center is a school founded by FECA for students with autism