[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 88 (Tuesday, June 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO IRMA VELASQUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 28, 2005

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today in 
recognition of the extraordinary achievements of Irma Velasquez, who 
was recently awarded the Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Service for 
her creation of a school for autistic children in my district. With her 
son as inspiration, Ms. Velasquez started Wings Learning Center five 
years ago so children with autism would have the tools to excel in the 
face of even the toughest disabilities.
  The Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Service has been nationally 
administered since 1972 by the American Institute for Public Service. 
The award is given to those who are committed to making a difference in 
their community. Ms. Velasquez was given her award by the San Francisco 
Chronicle for her tireless pursuit in search of techniques to let 
autistic children flourish.
  Mr. Speaker, her son Aaron was diagnosed with autism at the age of 
three. Having received her bachelor's degree in Economics and Business 
Administration from San Francisco State University and working as an 
accountant, she was ill-prepared for the diagnosis. Ms. Velasquez knew 
little about how to help her son with his disability and how to 
interact with him in daily life. She searched for the right education 
that could help her son while at the same time she educated herself 
about autism. Not satisfied with the special education disabled 
students were receiving at the schools in her district, she and her 
husband, Sherman Chan, started a unique school for her son.
  Wings Learning Center, in San Mateo, California, maintains a team 
approach in the classroom and creates play groups that focus on social 
and motor skills. In addition to a dedicated set of teachers, the staff 
also consists of speech and occupational therapists. Today this primary 
school has 14 students enrolled from all over the Bay Area with more 
students starting in the fall of 2005. Ultimately Wings Learning Center 
hopes to find enough space to expand into a high school and provide 
training and support programs for educators.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe Irma Velasquez deserves more recognition. What 
started as love for her child and a drive to understand his world 
quickly turned into an opportunity to help other children and offer 
resources for parents in a similar situation. I urge my colleagues to 
join me in paying tribute to Irma Velasquez, and wish her well on a 
promising future as a provider of special education for autistic 
children.

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