Cambridge Mayor David Maher is teaming up with the Fletcher Maynard Academy Autism@FMA Committee to join an international movement called "light it up blue" by lighting up Cambridge City Hall and the Fletcher Maynard Academy in blue for World Autism Awareness Day. There will be a lighting up ceremony on Wednesday, April 1 at 6:30 p.m. on the steps of City Hall and all residents are invited as Cambridge takes this exciting step to light up City Hall for two nights.
"Our community is at the forefront of so many initiatives and I’m so proud that Cambridge will be doing its part to shine a light on Autism," said Mayor Maher. "We are a city that cares and a city that knows that Autism touches all of our lives. By transforming one of our most notable landmarks in Cambridge, we are part of a growing global community dedicated to understanding and creating awareness of Autism."
The United Nations General Assembly designated April 2 World Autism Awareness Day to be celebrated every year beginning in 2008. The Fletcher-Maynard Academy (FMA) celebrates this annual event with an all school assembly highlighting their students on the Autism Spectrum Disorder.
"I am thrilled that the Mayor has joined the Autism@FMA Committee to Celebrate World Autism Awareness Day." says Susan Gurry, Chairperson of the Autism@FMA Committee, "In Cambridge, we go beyond awareness into acceptance and education."
The Fletcher-Maynard Academy houses a significant portion of the Cambridge Public School Autism Spectrum Disorder population (ASD), and FMA Principal Robin Harris has been a longtime advocate for students with ASD. "Whether autistic or neurotypical, everyone is different, everyone is special," stated Principal Harris, "but more importantly, at Fletcher Maynard Academy we all sit down and eat at the same table, we are a family."
The ceremony will include a brief speaking program by Mayor Maher, City Manager Richard C. Rossi and Principal Robin Harris of the FMA.
For more information, please contact Jefferson Smith in the Mayor’s Office 617-349-4325 or email jsmith@cambridgema.gov