Title
A RESOLUTION CONCERNING AUTISM EQUITY IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY for the purpose of encouraging a comprehensive initiative to advance autism equity through inclusive public infrastructure, and transparent data reporting. Such an initiative must supplement and coordinate with existing programs, including the Infants & Toddlers Program, while filling gaps in early outreach, awareness, and system navigation. The County Council shall establish an Autism Equity Advisory Workgroup to monitor the initiative’s commencement and advise on the initiative’s continuous improvement.
Body
FOR USE BY COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION:
Confidential: Yes
Requested by: Krystal Oriadha
Assigned to: Leroy Maddox
Legislastion Type: Bill
Need by Date: As Soon as Possible
Background Necessitating Legislation:
A Bill Entitled
An Act concerning Autism Equity in Prince George’s County
Section 1. Purpose
This Act establishes a comprehensive initiative to advance autism equity through inclusive public infrastructure, and transparent data reporting. It supplements and coordinates with existing programs, including the Infants & Toddlers Program, while filling gaps in early outreach, awareness, and system navigation.
Section 2. Definitions
(a) "Autism" means autism spectrum disorder as defined by the DSM-5.
Section 3. Sensory-Friendly County Facilities
(a) The Department of Parks & Recreation and Department of Libraries shall:
● Designate sensory-friendly hours and spaces at public libraries, recreation centers, and parks;
● Incorporate autism-inclusive design features (e.g., low-stimulation areas, visual cues, noise-mitigating features);
● Provide staff training on autism awareness and neurodiversity inclusion. (b) The County shall pilot a sensory-friendly zone in at least one park and one library by FY27.
Section 5. Autism Services Dashboard and Public Reporting
(a) The County shall develop and publish an annual Autism Services Dashboard tracking:
● Wait times for diagnostic or therapeutic services;
● PGCPS special education performance indicators for autistic students;
● Employment rates for autistic adults served by workforce agencies;
● Disparities by race, income, zip code, and language. (b) The Department of Health and Department of Information Technology shall collaborate to publish this dashboard annually on the County website.
Section 6. Implementation and Oversight
(a) The County Executive shall designate a lead agency to coordinate implementation. (b) An Autism Equity Advisory Workgroup shall be established by the county council to monitor the initiative’s rollout and advise on continuous improvement. Members shall include autistic adults, parents, providers, educators, and equity experts, representation from the county council, school board and PGCPS.
Section 7. Effective Date
This Act shall take effect 90 days after its enactment.
Special Instructions/Concerns/Time Critical Information:
Agencies or Individuals to Contact:
1. Adewale Daramola: Chief of Staff.
Comments/Notes: An Act Concerning Autism Equity in Prince George’s County for the purpose of encouraging a comprehensive initiative to advance autism equity through inclusive public infrastructure, and transparent data reporting. Such an initiative must supplement and coordinate with existing programs, including the Infants & Toddlers Program, while filling gaps in early outreach, awareness, and system navigation. The County Council shall establish an Autism Equity Advisory Workgroup to monitor the initiative’s commencement and advise on the initiative's continuous improvement.
DRAFTER PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Proposer(s): Council Member Oriadha
Background
The legislation is to convey the County Council's support for autism equity throughout Prince George's County.
REMINDER: Attach the Legislative file document