On December 16th, the Autism Society of America and The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation awarded New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez as the 2020 recipient of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award.
“I am deeply honored to accept this award and would like to thank my good friend Linda Walder and everyone at The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for selecting me as this year’s recipient of the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award. I am proud of the collaboration between my office, the foundation, and the Autism Society of America. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you in the next Congress,” states Senator Menendez.
Since its inception in 2016, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award is presented annually by the Autism Society of America to recognize inspirational leaders and champions who, by virtue of their efforts and example, improve the lives of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), not only as children but throughout their adult lives. Both the Autism Society of America and The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation believe that opportunities for individuals to live the fullest lives possible are a matter of human rights.
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award presented annually by the Autism Society of America furthers our shared mission to inspire individuals diagnosed with Autism, their families, and the community at large to not be limited in their aspirations for adults diagnosed with ASD.”
Linda J. Walder Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation (DJFF) said, “Senator Menendez’ tireless leadership and vigorous support of the Autism community makes him unquestionably a most worthy recipient of this honor,” added Walder, “the Senator has been a tireless advocate for people with Autism notably as the lead sponsor of the original Autism CARES Act in 2006 and every reauthorization thereafter. One of the key aspects of this legislation is to provide much needed funding that addresses the needs of the growing population of adults living with Autism, which has been the focal point of our mission since our inception in 2002.”
“Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Senator Menendez has shown a tireless dedication to the disability community. I commend the Senator’s recent co-sponsoring of the COVID-19 HCBS Relief Act of 2020, which would provide dedicated Medicaid funding for states to enhance home and community-based services,” said David Minot, Publisher of Autism Spectrum News and Associate Director, Mental Health News Education, Inc.
“We are so honored to be able to present this prestigious award to Senator Menendez,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO, Autism Society of America. “Senator Menendez has been a tremendous advocate for people with autism. We look forward to our continued work together in the new Congress.”
To watch Senator Menendez receiving his award, visit youtu.be/NAmD2myPyeo.
About Autism Society of America
The Autism Society is the nation’s oldest leading grassroots autism organization and exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. Annually, the Autism Society and it’s 76 local affiliates served over half a million individuals impacted by autism through education, advocacy, information and referral services, support, and providing community inclusion and acceptance at the national, state and local levels. For more information, go to www.autism-society.org, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
For press inquiries, please contact Kristyn Roth, kroth@autism-society.org.
About The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation was the first not-for-profit and only all-volunteer run organization in the United States to focus on adult Autism and has been blazing trails since 2002. We create paths leading to fulfilling and potential driven lives. “The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Endowment Funds” at leading universities are poised to focus in perpetuity on all areas affecting the lives of adults including model programs, resources, public policy, research, family support and life-enhancing initiatives all person-centered that derive from the needs and hopes of the diverse population of adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Learn more at djfiddlefoundation.org.
