We celebrate and thank Rep. Tom Leek and Sen. Tom Wright for advocating tirelessly for legislative dollars to address autism diagnosis in our community

Easterseals offers public recognition and personal thanks to Rep Tom Leek and Sen Tom Wright for their efforts on our behalf to secure and maintain important funding for our Autism Center of Excellence.  In a budget year riddled with pandemic related caution and concern, and nearly, our advocates fought hard to serve our families. An appropriation of $250,000 was approved and is being utilized today to guide dozens of local families towards a definitive diagnosis of autism and evidence-based interventions for the best chance of childhood and lifetime success.

"We are so excited, grateful, and appreciative of the renewal and increase of funding for our Autism Center of Excellence, and the statewide expansion of the PLAY Project.  Our autism program staff, in particular, is already preparing to start the new fiscal year strong.  In the month of May, 2021, their volume grew from an average of 40-60 physician referrals each month to a whopping 89 referrals!  Each referral represents a family and physician that has significant concerns about their child's development, in most cases a family that is significantly underinsured, and an entire team of folks eager to help their child succeed!  They are so very grateful for the services we are able to provide." ~ Dorothy Lefford, Vice President Clinical Services 

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