This morning I had the pleasure of attending the 10th Annual Legislative Breakfast of Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices ("SKHOV"). For those who are not familiar, SKHOV is a private special education school in Brooklyn dedicated to the education of children with autism spectrum disorders through the use of appropriate evidence-based education and therapy programs. The school offers parents a panoply of valuable services, resources, trainings, and supports (www.hear-our-voices.org). This morning's star-studded event included appearances from the following individuals, among others:
NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder
Assemblyman Dov Hikind
Councilman Mark Weprin
Councilman David Greenfield
Councilman Dominic Recchia Jr.
Mayor Bloomberg, though not in attendance, delivered encouraging words by letter.
The event, presented by the Founder and CEO of SKHOV Joshua Weinstein, was well-attended, full of energy, and sprinkled with commitments of continued funding and support for the battle against autism. Awards were bestowed upon a select group of honorees.
Anyone in attendance would have noted the diversity in the racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds of the individuals who spoke, which is fitting, and emblematic of the fact that autism knows no racial, cultural, or religious bounds.
Day-in and day-out I am inspired by my clients, their families, and their stories. Today's event, however, was inspirational in a different way, and a powerful reminder of our ability, as a group, to effect meaningful change for those who need it the most.