[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9858 of April 1, 2019

World Autism Awareness Day, 2019

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On World Autism Awareness Day, we honor the millions of Americans living
with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who, in spite of the challenges
they may face, continue to make extraordinary contributions to their
families, their communities, our Nation, and the world. We also express
our sincere appreciation to the families, friends, medical
professionals, and caregivers who help Americans with ASD pursue the
American Dream.
As a Nation, we must continue to support Americans with ASD. My
Administration has worked to fund cutting-edge research, optimize health
systems, and enhance available resources and treatments that will
benefit people with ASD. Ongoing Federal research efforts to understand
the health and development of children with ASD have recently expanded
to include adolescents and young adults, thereby advancing our knowledge
of ASD beyond childhood. Additionally, our economic policies have
created the lowest unemployment rate in history for Americans with
disabilities, and recent Federal investments in apprenticeship programs
for individuals with ASD will help provide more pathways to stable
employment.
Ensuring the safety of all Americans with ASD is a priority of my
Administration. Last year, I was pleased to sign into law Kevin and
Avonte's Law, which expands the existing Federal emergency alert program
to include people with ASD and other cognitive disorders who may wander
from safety. This legislation also authorizes funding for tracking
technologies and specialized training for caregivers to help prevent and
respond to instances of wandering. These investments will help put
concerned families at ease, reduce the risk of tragedies, and improve
the quality of life for individuals with ASD, their families, and
caregivers.
Today, we celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of Americans with ASD
and reaffirm our commitment to work together to ensure that every member
of our society is afforded equal opportunities to reach their full
potential.

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NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2019, as
World Autism Awareness Day. I call upon all Americans to learn more
about the signs of autism to improve early diagnosis, understand the
challenges faced by individuals with autism, and find ways to support
those with autism and their families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April,
in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.
DONALD J. TRUMP