Read Advocacy Testimony
Testimony of Linda Walder Fiddle, Esq.
Founder and Executive Director, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation
Ridgewood, New Jersey
mailto:info@difiddlefoundation.org
877-244-1149
New Jersey State Senate
Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
Re: Bill S-2559
Weinberg/Karcher
TESTIMONY:
Good morning distinguished Senators and committee members. My name is Linda Walder Fiddle and I am the Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation based in Ridgewood, New Jersey. The mission of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is to award grants to programs that enrich the lives of adolescents and adults with Autism. Our expertise encompasses developing, identifying, supporting and supervising exemplary programs that include residential, recreational, vocational, educational and family support programs. We are the first and currently only organization in the United States with this specific mission and we have awarded grants nationwide during the past 5 years.
In addition, I am on the Board of Trustees of COSAC and Chairperson of COSAC’s Adult Resources Initiative that presented to you the White Paper outlining a plan of action for the State of New Jersey relating to the lifespan issues of adults with Autism. I also serve on the Advisory Board of The Autism Center of New Jersey Medical School---UMDNJ where my efforts have focused on developing and establishing outreach programs for adolescents and adults with Autism and informational symposiums for the community at large with Dr. Cartwright and Madeleine Goldfarb.
Today, I am here to testify about the crisis in adult services in this State and the need to establish a New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force per Bill S-2559 that will focus on and outline a course of action to address the development of programs, services and treatment for 1 in 94 individuals in New Jersey as they become adults. The current system is unable to address the burgeoning population for adults affected with Autism and we must look to create a new model that encompasses Autism specific assessments and service delivery to this unique population. As you know, Autism is a spectrum disorder and its impact varies greatly among individuals diagnosed with it. We must first and foremost, compassionately honor the individuality of each person throughout his or her life and focus positively on the unique gifts each can add to our community with the proper support system. In my view, respect and recognition of the individuals affected by Autism should be the hallmark of any program, service or treatment.
During the past 5 years, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation has had the privilege of working with and supporting the most exemplary programs in this State. We have awarded grants to The Princeton Child Development Institute, The Boggs Center for Developmental Disabilities, Rutgers Douglass Developmental Disabilities Division, The Alpine Learning Group, The Epic School, The SEARCH Day Program, Arts Unbound, VSAarts of New Jersey, The Somerset Hills Learning Institute, The Jewish Association for Developmental Disabilities, COSAC, The Autism Center of NJMS, The Zabota Foundation, The Phoenix Center and The Ridgewood YMCA that created residential, recreational, vocational, educational and family support programs for adolescents and adults and their families. These and other programs we have developed and supported throughout the country are and should be model programs for the next generation of programs and services geared to adult individuals with Autism.
Finally, as you consider the entire package of legislation relating to those with Autism, I ask you again, not only to consider the impact that such legislation will have those with Autism and their families, but importantly the dire financial and social consequences for our State and our communities if these issues are not addressed. It is my heartfelt belief that individuals with Autism can and will become participants in community life if we provide the supports that will allow them to live the fullest lives possible. You have my untiring commitment towards this goal.
By Linda Walder Fiddle
May 21, 2007