BY PATRICIA KELLER
WEST MILFORD — Staff and students of Marshall Hill Elementary School in West Milford celebrated World Autism Awareness Day and held a “Light It Up Blue” event for autism awareness at the school last Friday, April 1.
According to Karyn Reinhold, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) kindergarten teacher at Marshall Hill School and organizer of the event, the students and teachers donated to Autism NJ and wore blue clothing and blue ribbons to raise awareness.
“Students also decorated butterflies to symbolize how unique we all are,” Reinhold said.
The students’ beautiful artwork was displayed on a bulletin board at the school’s entrance to spotlight their creative designs and celebrate the beginning of Autism Awareness Month.
What is World Autism Awareness Day and Light It Up Blue?
According to Autism Speaks, World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) “…was adopted by the United Nations in 2007 to shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health priority.” Each year on April 2, WAAD is observed, and Autism Speaks celebrates its international “Light It Up Blue” campaign.
“Thousands of iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes across the globe unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism. Individuals everywhere wear blue in honor of our community.”
The “Light It Up Blue” campaign spreads awareness and understanding of autism, celebrates and honors the unique talents and skills of people with autism, and brings attention to the needs of all people with autism.
“Places such as the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, La Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, China Millennium Monument, The Eiffel Tower, The Great Sphinx and Great Pyramids of Giza, and many, many more ‘Light It Up Blue’ to show their support!” Reinhold added.
Other upcoming events
Reinhold said there will also be a breakfast fundraiser at Applebee’s on April 16 to raise money for Autism NJ. On May 1, some of the students and staff in the West Milford community will be working in the POAC walk at Christopher Columbus Middle School in Clifton, to raise money and awareness for POAC, an organization that provides training, service, support and outreach to children and adults with autism, and their families and the professionals that work with them.
For more information about these events, or for tickets to the Applebee’s fundraiser, contact Karyn Reinhold at kreinhold2552@gmail.com.
For more information on autism, go to www.autismspeaks.org.