Autism Speaks Co-Founders Bob and Suzanne Wright joined other families with children who have autism and other disabilities at a press conference today in support of Senator Christopher Dodd's (D-CT) new bill creating tax-free Disability Savings Accounts to help families save for the long-term needs of their disabled members. Under Sen. Dodd's plan, the DSA accounts would be simple and inexpensive to open and manage and could be used for a broad array of the expenses associated with autism and other disabilities – ranging from intervention services to out-of-pocket medical expenses and respite care. Read a press release about the bill here.

Autism Speaks' staff and volunteers gathered in Washington, DC as a part of the Annual Volunteer Leadership Conference, which traditionally culminates in a visit to Capitol Hill. On Hill Day, Autism Speaks representatives lobby their respective members of Congress.