The seventh annual World Autism Awareness Day is today April 2, 2014.
Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.
How will you celebrate?
A flag raising ceremony is taking place later today at UCC in Chatham.
People are being encouraged to wear blue today in support of the cause.
Here is some more information:
World Autism Awareness Day across the globe
Since 2008, the United Nations has officially recognized World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd as a means of raising awareness about autism globally. In partnership with relevant organizations, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, the United Nations encourages Member States, including Canada, to participate in official celebrations in order to raise public awareness of autism. Past global celebrations have included panel discussions, film screenings, stamp releases and press briefings all highlighting autism awareness and education.
World Autism Awareness Day in Canada
In 2012, Liberal Senator Jim Munson, introduced Bill S-206, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day, ensuring Canada’s official participation in the global autism awareness movement. In his opening statement before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Senator Munson recognized the realities that families of children with autism face. “…That the people of Canada respect them for doing the best that they can in the name of their children, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. World Autism Awareness Day will help to build awareness among Canadians about autism – its symptoms, the people who are affected by it and the need to address the crisis it has become.”
There was an official flag-raising ceremony at the Civic Centre, and flags were also raised at UCC, St Joseph’s elementary school, Gregory Drive elementary school, Indian Creek elementary school, Sonoco Packaging, and H. W. Burgess elementary school on Wallaceburg.