[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF THE DELAWARE AUTISM PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2009

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to pay tribute to the Delaware Autism Program as it celebrates 
its 30th anniversary in the State of Delaware. The Delaware Autism 
Program currently serves approximately 700 students statewide in six 
approved centers and operates at more than 30 community-based sites 
with the support of more than 400 staff members.
  Designed in 1978 through the collaboration of state legislators and 
parents of children with autism, the Delaware Autism Program (DAP) 
offers valuable services to both students and families. DAP seeks, in 
its core components, to provide access to respite for parents of 
children with autism, residential support through the public school 
system, and community and vocational training and support. Along with 
the dedication to providing students with the best educational services 
in the nation, these have established DAP as a significant and 
invaluable resource for Delaware's Autism community
  Since its inception, DAP has been a leader in autism education. The 
development of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), an 
educational tool now recognized worldwide for its initiation component 
of communication, was pioneered at DAP in 1985. The Brennen School in 
Newark, along with other DAP sites, has proven itself a leader in the 
implementation of evidence-based best practices in education for 
students with autism, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) 
interventions. Over the past 30 years, DAP has continued to grow and 
expand; in the past decade alone, the number of school districts 
hosting the program and the number of students and staff have doubled. 
With a continuum of educational settings ranging from separate schools, 
to community-based preschools, to inclusive settings in general 
education classrooms, the Delaware Autism Program has done and 
continues to do our great state of Delaware an immeasurable service.
  On this 30th Anniversary, I would like to recognize the unequaled 
devotion of the Delaware Autism Program staff and the ongoing support 
of their parent community and host districts. Since 1978, DAP staff 
have given their time, their energy, and their hearts in the support 
and education of students and their families. I commend the Delaware 
Autism Program for its tireless dedication and I look forward to its 
continued success in serving this special group of students and their 
families.

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