LAKE GEORGE — Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, chair of the New York State Assembly’s Subcommittee on Autism Spectrum Disorders, received the 2018 New York State Excellence Award from the NY Alliance for Innovation and Inclusion and NY State Association of Community and Residential Agencies at its annual conference in Lake George on Wednesday.
Santabarbara was recognized for his support of New York’s direct care workforce and his legislative achievements that have brought more opportunities to New Yorker’s living with developmental disabilities. Santabarbara was commended for his work in creating New York’s first Autism Action Plan and most recently his success this year in establishing a statewide autism training program for law enforcement and first responders.
“This recognition is very personal for me — it’s about kids like my son Michael and the more than 130,000 New Yorkers living with developmental disabilities having a voice in the New York State Assembly.” said Santabarbara, whose 16-year-old son, Michael, lives with autism, in a news release. “I’m honored to accept the Excellence Award this year and to share it with New York’s direct care workers who are there each day to support our family, friends and neighbors affected by developmental disabilities.” Santabarbara added, “As a father, a representative, and as a proud New Yorker, I’ll keep fighting to make sure we build a world where all those living with developmental disabilities have the essential supports and services that make a difference in their lives.”
