[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 66 (Thursday, April 5, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 20501-20502]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-8343]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 20501]]


                Proclamation 8795 of April 2, 2012

                
World Autism Awareness Day, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affect young people 
                and adults of every background, and millions of 
                American families know the weight of their impact. On 
                World Autism Awareness Day, we recognize ASDs as a 
                growing public health issue and recommit to supporting 
                those living with an ASD and their loved ones.

                We have made great strides in our understanding of the 
                autism spectrum, and today, children and adults with 
                ASDs are leading independent and productive lives. 
                However, barriers still remain for these individuals 
                and their families. As a Nation, we share a 
                responsibility to ensure persons living with ASDs have 
                the opportunity to pursue their full measure of 
                happiness and achieve their greatest potential.

                Meeting the needs of Americans on the autism spectrum 
                remains a priority for my Administration. Last 
                September, I was proud to sign the Combating Autism 
                Reauthorization Act, which provides critical funding 
                for autism research, education, early detection, and 
                support and services for children and adults. Under the 
                Affordable Care Act, new insurance plans are required 
                to cover autism screenings and developmental 
                assessments for children at no additional cost to 
                parents. Insurance companies can no longer deny 
                coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, and 
                young people can stay on their parents' health 
                insurance plan until age 26, easing financial burdens 
                for families. With the Department of Education, we are 
                making substantial investments in enhancing education 
                for children on the autism spectrum--from early 
                learning to higher education. And federally funded 
                research continues to explore how we can improve 
                independent living, develop assistive technology, and 
                advance vocational rehabilitation services for 
                individuals with autism. For additional information and 
                resources, I encourage all Americans to visit 
                www.HHS.gov/autism.

                As new policies and bold actions break down old 
                barriers and reshape attitudes, we move closer to a 
                world free of discrimination and full of understanding 
                for our family members and friends living with ASDs. On 
                World Autism Awareness Day, let us reaffirm our 
                dedication to supporting those on the autism spectrum 
                and their families, and let us continue the work of 
                ensuring all our people have a chance at achieving the 
                American dream.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2012, as 
                World Autism Awareness Day. I encourage all Americans 
                to learn more about autism and what they can do to 
                support individuals on the autism spectrum and their 
                families.

[[Page 20502]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                second day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-8343
Filed 4-4-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P