Community organizations, whether for profit, nonprofit, or faith-based, and other community institutions that receive public funds shall provide direct services and support to the services rendered by the Commonwealth or municipal governments, to the extent their resources allow. These community organizations, whether for profit, nonprofit, or faith-based shall have active participation in, but not be limited to, the following areas:
(1) Knowing the family profile and the needs of the communities where they live;
(2) developing programs, activities, and initiatives specifically for children with an autism spectrum disorder and their families, in their communities, as well as independent living programs for youths and adults in the areas specified in the public policy, in accordance with the principles and decrees set forth in this chapter, to the extent their financial resources allow;
(3) assisting the Commonwealth and municipal governments in the identification of resources available in the communities;
(4) being agents of change in the creation of new projects that are in tune with this public policy, and
(5) promoting the appropriation of funds for the implementation of this public policy.
Any municipal government or Commonwealth agency that offers services to persons with an autism spectrum disorder shall comply with the public policy set forth in this chapter. For such purposes, municipal governments and Commonwealth agencies shall promote the inclusion of the autism spectrum disorder population in any initiative taken, including:
(a) Programs already established or to be established.
(b) Service integration initiatives.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 20.