Pallone Visits Multiple Disabilities Class in Recognition of Autism Awareness Month

Highlights Need for Increased Disabilities Education Funding

LONG BRANCH, NJ – To recognize Autism Awareness Month, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today visited teachers and students from the Multiple Disabilities class at John P. Stevens High School in Edison, New Jersey. The class serves students with autism, as well as students with a range of cognitive, physical, and other disabilities.

As Congress considers appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year, Congressman Pallone highlighted the need for increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which supports schools and programs across the country, including the Edison School District and the Multiple Disabilities class he will be visiting.

“During Autism Awareness Month, it is important to highlight what Congress can do to meet the needs of students with autism,” said Congressman Pallone. “We’ve seen higher than average rates of autism in New Jersey and the extraordinary work being done by teachers and school officials in New Jersey to help these children should be applauded. I will continue to fight in Congress to see that they receive the funding necessary to address students’ special needs and prepare them for life after graduation.”

The Congressman has consistently called for full funding of IDEA and earlier this year, sent a letter to his colleagues in support of significant funding in Fiscal Year 2016, urging movement toward full funding within ten years. Despite Congressman Pallone’s ongoing efforts to see IDEA fully funded, the Republican-led Congress failed to fully appropriate IDEA funds last year. As such, John P. Stevens High School, along with other schools throughout the country and New Jersey, received only a portion of the funding called for under the law to meet the needs of students with disabilities like autism.