NJ Governor Signs Autism Awareness Bill
Governor Corzine today will sign legislation to raise emergency workers' awareness of people with autism and other disorders.
Medical technicians, police and firefighters will undergo training to recognize and respond to such individuals, who don't always have typical responses during emergencies.
Some people with mental disabilities can be sensitive to sirens and lights, and may perceive them as threats. Some people with autism may not understand an officer's command to show identification, or a rescue worker's offer to help.
New Jersey has the country's highest rate of autism, a mysterious neurological condition with no known cause or cure. An estimated one in 94
children has mild to severe symptoms, according to a federal study released in 2007.The national rate is 1 in 150 children.
Under the new law, emergency workers will learn about intellectual disabilities and how to communicate with people who have them.
Corzine also is to sign a second bill, intended to protect people who use wheelchairs. Any vehicle used for paratransport now must be equipped with
belts and harnesses to secure such riders. Personnel operating the vehicles also must be certified to use the safety equipment.