Cambridge Observes World Autism Day
Lighting Up Ceremony Thursday Mar. 31, 6:45
Cambridge City Hall steps, 795 Mass. Ave.
Mayor E. Denise Simmons to turn on lights following brief ceremony. Residents invited to participate
This year, Cambridge City Hall will again be awash in blue lights to participate in the international Light It Up Blue movement that commemorates World Autism Awareness Day. The United Nations General Assembly first designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in 2008, and Cambridge has been a proud participant of this event over the last several years. The Fletcher-Maynard Academy and the King Open School, which have both been integral in leading this observance in Cambridge, have again worked to make this year’s observance one to behold. The Autism@FMA Committee, the Autism@KO Committee, the City Manager’s Office, and Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons have worked to ensure that both City Hall and the Fletcher Maynard Academy shall Light It Up Blue. Following the ceremony on Mar. 31, the blue lighting will remain on for two consecutive nights.
“This is such a special way to draw awareness to those who have Autism, and those who have a loved one with Autism, and I am so proud that Cambridge is participating in raising awareness, and acceptance, of these fine community members,” said Mayor Simmons. “Autism touches so many of our lives, in all parts of our city, and I am so proud to help Light It Up Blue in observance of World Autism Awareness Day.”
The Fletcher-Maynard Academy (FMA) houses several classrooms and inclusion students with 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, adding “but more importantly, at Fletcher Maynard Academy we all sit down and eat at the same table, we are a family." The King Open Elementary School also serves children on the spectrum in three classrooms.