One of the biggest problems congressmen face is finding that
balance between working in Washington and working back home for their
constituents. Recently, a lot of focus has been put on the first one because
keeping the government running should be a priority for everyone and getting
out a government shutdown was something that required everyone to play an
active role, especially high ranking officials in each party like Senator
Charles Schumer. Nevertheless, when important things happen back home they should
always get attention from the people who promised they would help in the
peoples’ time of need. That is why Senator Schumer has recently taken interest
in a problem that is now hitting home for one family in New York City.
Recently in New York City, a 14 year old autistic boy, Avonte
Oquendo, went missing after he ran away from his school. He has been missing
for more than 20 days and even with an immense amount of support from the
community and law enforcement, his whereabouts are unknown. Senator
Schumer has proposed that the Justice Department open up a program, that is
already put into place to find people with Alzheimer’s who are lost, to people
who have autism. This program would entail using tracking devices which could
be anything from wristwatches to ankle bracelets or even weaved into their
shoelaces. It is very important for Senator Schumer to take notice when things
like this happen in his state that have the potential to make a difference in
the future, and it is important that Schumer understands his state enough to
realize this is a problem. "The sights and sounds
of NYC and other busy places can be over-stimulating and distracting for
children and teens with autism, often leading to wandering as a way to escape.
Tracking devices will help our teachers and parents in the event that the child
runs away and, God forbid, goes missing."1 Getting this funding from the Justice
department would not only look good for Senator Schumer but it will also save
lives in the future when people, especially children, with autism get lost in
cities as crazy as NYC.
What
has happened to this family is sad, but it is not the first time it has
happened. Unfortunately, like Schumer stated, sometimes the need to get away
from the noise is too much and it is impossible for someone to have their eye
on these kids at all times. Schumer is using his position and power to bring attention
to this issue outside of New York because it does not only happen in New York.
He is taking this opportunity to make change, and while we all hope it is not
too late for Avonte, Schumer is trying to guarantee the future.
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