Manley, Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus Highlight Priorities, Recognize Cerebral Palsy Day and Upcoming Autism Awareness and Neurodiversity Celebration Month

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined members of the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus (ILNC) and advocates Wednesday morning to outline their priorities at the State Capitol, as well as recognize Cerebral Palsy Day, Autism Awareness Month and Neurodiversity Celebration Month.

“The members of this caucus understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with neurodiversity,” Manley said. “As a bipartisan and bicameral caucus, we are a stronger voice that can better deliver on impactful legislative solutions that will support families across Illinois.”

The ILNC has outlined four cornerstones of focus, including:

• Support: Advocating for individualized, culturally-competent and trauma-informed services across all stages of life – including in-school accommodations, mental health supports and affirming care and navigation to reduce stigma and ease caregiver burden.
• Access: Seeking to expand timely and equitable access to evaluations, therapies, assistive technologies and wraparound services regardless of income, geography, age or insurance status by addressing systemic barriers – such as long waitlists and disconnected care systems. 
• Resources: Identifying, amplifying and coordinating existing resources across schools, agencies, nonprofits and communities to overcome an abundance of programs which remain invisible to the people who need them the most. Aiming to bring greater visibility to state laws and accomplishments that support neurodivergent individuals, spotlighting where helpful programs and services can be accessed. 
• Education: Promoting inclusive education and training for educators, health care providers, employers and policy makers, incorporating lived experiences and evidence-based practices that foster environments that affirm and support neurodivergent individuals in schools, workplaces and beyond.

 

Manley was joined Wednesday by ILNC members, including state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, state Rep. Nicole La Ha, R-Lemont, and state Sen. Seth Lewis, R-Bartlett.

“For all of us in this caucus, this is a very personal effort,” Manley said. “As we mark Cerebral Palsy Day, and look ahead to Autism Awareness Month and Neurodiversity Celebration Month, let’s continue to champion this great cause and deliver on the promise of a better future.”

For more information, please contact repmanley@gmail.com.