Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has announced that the front of the Government Center will be lit blue from April 4th through April 11th in honor of Autism Awareness Month, which is recognized in April.
“Raising awareness about Autism is extremely important and helps to provide more children with early intervention and services that they need,” Neuhaus said. “Public awareness is a key component to educating those who may not be familiar with Autism and providing treatment options and educational opportunities are also critical. We are proud to light the Government Center blue to promote Autism awareness and to show our support for those who are affected by Autism and their loved ones.”
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 68 children in the U.S. are affected by Autism, which refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and talents.
“The County will continue to celebrate those with Autism and highlight their many accomplishments through Orange County’s ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ initiative,” Neuhaus said.
“ThinkDIFFERENTLY” serves as a call to action for residents, organizations, and businesses to re-think the ways they relate to residents with special needs and encourages all schools, businesses and individuals to promote supportive environments for residents of all abilities.
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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