Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2012

SCHUMER URGES USPS TO SUPPORT CREATION OF AUTISM AWARENESS STAMP; WORKING WITH AUTISM COALTION OF LONG ISLAND AND AUTISM SPEAKS, LAUNCHES PETITION DRIVE FOR EFFORT

Joined by Local Advocates, Schumer Pushes for The United States Postal Service to Establish Commemorative, First-Class Stamp for Autism Awareness Designed by Young Autistic Man from Port Washington

According to the CDC, 1 in 88 Children Born in the United States Falls Onto the Autism Disorder Spectrum

United States Senator Charles E. Schumer, today, urged the United States Postal Service to establish an autism awareness commemorative postage stamp for first class mail. Schumer and the Autism Coalition of Long Island and Autism Speaks, have launched a petition drive to build support for their effort. Schumer and local advocates are asking the USPS to consider a design by Brian Mannion, a 23 year old young man with autism from Port Washington, as the commemorative stamp. The stamp shows a map of the United States filled with red, blue, yellow, and green puzzle pieces – which have become the internationally known symbol for autism awareness.

“Autism isn’t an isolated disorder that affects other people’s families, it impacts all of us and it’s vital that we direct more attention and resources to understanding what causes autism and treating those who have it,” said Schumer. “As the number of children with autism rises, it’s vital we bring greater awareness to this troubling disorder. A first-class postage stamp, like the one designed by our own proud Long Islander, Brian Mannion, affixed to the millions of pieces of mail that make their way through the United States Postal Service will do just that.”

Diane Cahill, President of Autism Coalition of Long Island said, “The Autism Coalition of Long Island applauds Senator Schumer's support and partnership on the campaign to the urge the USPS to commemorate Autism Awareness with an official US postal stamp. Brian Mannion, a young man with autism who attends the Nassau Suffolk Services For Autism (NSSA) Adult Program in Commack, submitted fantastic artwork for consideration. The outline of the United States filled in with multi-colored puzzle pieces, a universal symbol for autism. There are many fantastic autism organizations throughout the United States that do vital work to spread awareness and enhance the lives of those living with autism and their families. Creating a commemorative stamp that is not specific to any one group, but reflects the universal symbol for autism, would honor all of those who are both fighting to find a cure and living with this condition."

Autism is one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities in the world and 1 in 88 children are now diagnosed with the disease, making it more common than pediatric cancer diabetes and AIDS combined. According to the State of New York, there were 6,752 children ages 3-21 who received special education services in 1999-2000 in New York and had autism. That number has risen dramatically. In 2008-2009, there were 19,132 children ages 3 to 21 who received special education services in New York and had autism. There is no cure for autism.

A petition calling for the creation of the stamp was recently created and launched by the Autism Coalition of Long Island and Autism Speaks and has already generated 937 signatures. Schumer and local advocates are hoping to secure 100,000 signatures for their effort. A copy of the petition, and Brian Mannion’s art work, can be found by clicking here.

May 17, 2012

Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee

c/o Stamp Development

U.S. Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Room 3300

Washington, DC 20260

Dear Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee:

I write today to support the request submitted by the Autism Coalition of Long Island and Autism Speaks, the largest national autism advocacy organization in the world, for consideration of a commemorative stamp for autism awareness. Specifically, I am asking that you consider a stamp designed by Brian Mannion, a young man with autism from Port Washington, Long Island, as the commemorative stamp.

Autism spectrum disorders are a complex group of neurodevelopment disorders that can lead to impaired communication skills, social skills and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior throughout a person’s lifetime and is one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities in the world. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. Autism crosses all racial, ethnic, and social groups, and is five times more likely to strike in boys than girls.

There are many fantastic autism organizations throughout the United States that do vital work to spread awareness and enhance the lives of those living with autism. Creating a commemorative stamp that is not specific to one particular group, but reflects the universal symbol for autism, would honor all of those who are both fighting to find a cure and living with this condition. Brian Mannion, a young man with autism who attends the Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism Adult Program on Long Island, designed a stamp that commemorates autism. Brian’s artwork includes an outline of the United States filled with red, blue, yellow and green puzzle pieces- which represents the internationally known symbol for autism awareness. In such a short period, over 1000 people have signed a petition to make Brian’s artwork the official United States Postal Service stamp for autism awareness.

I join the Autism Coalition of Long Island and Autism Speaks in supporting the creation of an official United States Postal Service stamp for autism awareness, and I thank you for your consideration of this important request. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

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