MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:     
JANUARY 23, 2008

CONTACT: JOSHUA SLAUGHTER
    Office:  (631) 852-1300
Cell:  (631) 456-1718
 Email: Joshua.Slaughter@suffolkcountyny.gov

SUFFOLK LEGISLATOR KATE BROWNING AND BROOKHAVEN
TOWN SUPERVISOR BRIAN FOLEY UNVEIL AUTISM SIGNS IN MASTIC

Mastic, NY- Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley), and Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian Foley joined parents of autistic children in the Mastic area today to celebrate the installation of signs that read, “Autistic Child Area”.

Legislator Browning was contacted by several families of autistic children that live on roads with high volumes of traffic. These families were concerned that their autistic children were in danger of motorists who are unaware that autistic children live in the area. The legislator immediately contacted Supervisor Foley, who acted quickly to install signs for the areas where these children reside. Legislator Browning said, “It is important that motorists know these children are in the vicinity. If a child happens to stray from there home, which can happen with autistic children, a dangerous condition can arise. These signs will make drivers more aware of these children, and allow motorists to drive with caution”.

Any parents that are interested in getting signs for their neighborhood can contact either Legislator Browning or Supervisor Foley, and the town can assess the need for one based on the danger of the road. “I am happy Supervisor Foley and I were able to increase the safety of our most vulnerable children. Hopefully these families feel more comfortable now that drivers are aware of the danger” Legislator Browning stated.