STATEHOUSE – State Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) authored a resolution to honor Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard for his public service in the court, Hoosier communities and the nation for 39 years.
"Chief Justice Shepard has always had a good soul, which is evident in the work he has done for all Hoosiers throughout the past decades,” said Rep. Crouch. “I appreciate how he has always stayed connected and committed to helping the Evansville area grow and progress. It is because of people like Chief Justice Shepard that others get involved in public service, including myself. I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard is the longest-serving state court chief justice in the United States. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1985 by Gov. Robert Orr, and was selected as chief justice in 1987.
Before Chief Justice Shepard’s service on the Supreme Court, he was a Vanderburgh County Superior Court judge, served as Executive Assistant to the Mayor of the City of Evansville, and was the Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Over the month of April, which is recognized as National Autism Awareness Month, there were many local events to help the families in our community both share information and raise funds for individuals in the autism spectrum. I participated in a walk at Memorial High School hosted by Inspiring Autism Spectrum Families (IASF) where I met many people wanting to contribute to their cause.
It was recently released by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that autism now affects approximately one in 88 children in the United States. That is a much higher estimate than even a year ago when the CDC estimated one in 110 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism. There are many families in Indiana that are affected by autism and improving awareness of their needs is an important cause.
Inspiring Autism Spectrum Families is one of the fantastic local organizations that partners with providers who offer free or reduced pricing for treatments and care of children on the autism spectrum. They have also created autism awareness programs that their volunteers host in schools, places of worship, and the community to help people better understand the differences and behaviors of kids on the autism spectrum.
Additionally, IASF offers a Community Outreach program that offers parent support and resource groups in partnership with other area organizations. All children on the autism spectrum, up to the age of 18, who live in Posey, Vanderburgh, Gibson, Warrick, Spencer or Pike Counties in Indiana, or in Daviess or Henderson Counties in Kentucky, are eligible for IASF’s assistance. More information, including how to contact them, can be found on their website: www.iasf4u.org.
My colleagues and I in the General Assembly recognize that Hoosiers affected by autism sometimes need special considerations. We’ve worked to help multiple state entities, including emergency and school personnel, to be trained with these considerations in mind.
We have passed legislation requiring all firefighters, law enforcement personnel (including those stationed in schools) and EMS personnel to be trained on autism and how to better interact with individuals with autism. These required education and training sessions help ensure that those Hoosier children and adults receive the best care possible in our education system and when an emergency strikes.
I’m very happy I was able to participate in multiple local events supporting autism awareness. I look forward to the continued growth and support of organizations like IASF here in southern Indiana.
"Southwestern Indiana continues to grow economically and geographically. With the completion of I-69 from Evansville to Indianapolis, we are expected to see increased job opportunities brought on by strong economic development. I will do my best to ensure that District 78 continues growing in these areas."
"It continues to be an honor to serve you in the Indiana House of Representatives. I enjoy hearing your comments and am always happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have." - Suzanne Crouch
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