Amending Title 15 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parks and Recreation," by requiring the Department of Recreation to provide ten percent of all program activities and budgetary expenditures at one Class A Recreation Center to children with autistic disorders, under certain terms and conditions.

WHEREAS, The Department of Recreation provides programs at many Recreation Centers throughout the City for all residents of the City; and

WHEREAS, Children with autistic disorders do not have recreational activities designed for their benefit; and

WHEREAS, Legislation, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), requires equal access to services offered by our various agencies and departments to persons with disabilities, and thus children with an autism spectrum disorder are covered by these laws; now, therefore

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHI HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION 1. Title 15 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

TITLE 15. PARKS AND RECREATION.

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CHAPTER 15-600. RECREATION CENTERS.

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§15-603. Programs in Recreational Facilities for Children with Autistic Disorders.

The Recreation Department shall provide ten percent of all program activities and budgetary expenditures at one Class A recreational facility for the benefit of children with autistic disorders.

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SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall become effectively immediately.

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