This California Senate Resolution recognizing “Connie and Harvey’s lifetime of achievements and meritorious service to children and families coping with autism, Aspergers Syndrome and other special needs, and conveys best wishes that their indomitable efforts will continue in the years ahead” was sponsored by Senator Darrell Steinberg, President pro Tempore of the California State Senate and was presented at the Autism:  Innovation-Intervention-Inspiration Conference at Vista Del Mar.

Senate Certificate of Recognition presented by Senator Fran Pavley at the Autism:  Innovation-Intervention-Inspiration Conference at Vista Del Mar.

Connie and Harvey with Senator Pavley

Connie with Bob and Suzanne Wright (founders of Autism Speaks) at the Second Annual World Focus on Autism on September 22, 2009.  This event gives greater international attention to the global concern of Autism.

Connie with Suzanne Wright

“Woman of the Year Award”   Connie with Assemblyman Robert Blumenfield in the California Assembly Chambers on the way to accept her award.

Connie receiving the “Woman of The Year Award” in the California Assembly Chambers by Speaker Pro Tempore Karen Bass, Minority Leader Michael Villines and Assemblymember Robert Blumenfield.

“The Lanterman Act – Helping us keep the promise of services in California in the coming years”  By Connie Lapin

Decades ago, 1969 to be exact, there was a promise, a commitment, a law, by the State of California to protect, respect, and support its citizens with developmental disabilities.  The Lanterman Act assures necessary supports to that population so they can have a valued, productive life as part of their community.  It is the most humane and progressive law in the country.  Is the promise of the Lanterman Act broken?

My 41-year-old son, Shawn, has the challenge of severe autism.  He is indeed my hero.  He was around before there were services.  He was around when services began and expanded, giving him a “real life of hope and success”.  He is around today to watch the promise “breaking” thru chronic underfunding and short-sighted fiscal decisions.  Will he be sent back to a time to watch his dreams and chances to grow disappear?

Our most vulnerable citizens need your support, leadership, insight and protection.  Fiscal leadership and responsibility mean “Do No Harm!”  We have seen bad times before.

Let us help you save the promise.  We all as stakeholders have ideas to help, both short and long-term.  We are acutely aware of how fragile our California economy is.  Many of us have lived through warehousing and institutionalization of our population.  It was not cost-effective , and in fact, it was established as the most expensive system, and one that failed.

What will be your legacy in California with this current budget disaster?  Meet with us, listen to us.

We all can and must KEEP THE PROMISE.