Salem Recognizes World Autism Awareness Day Saturday

Salem, MA - On Saturday, April 2, Salem will observe World Autism Awareness Day by participating in the city’s fifth annual ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign and lighting up the City’s blue emergency lights located at intersections throughout the community.

Residents should take note that there is no actual snow emergency in effect on Saturday.

The campaign is sponsored by Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, and encourages buildings and landmarks across the world to turn their lights blue on April 2 to promote autism awareness. Partnering in the Salem effort is Parents United of Salem and the City's No Place for Hate Committee are strong supporters of the effort and cause.

“Autism affects 1 in every 68 children in the U.S. and is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in our country,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. “Salem is proud to help raise awareness of this increasingly prevalent disorder by participating in the ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign."

“The Salem No Place for Hate Committee encourages all to wear blue on April 2nd to help increase awareness and understanding of autism. We celebrate the unique talents and skills of people with autism. This campaign highlights our City’s diversity and reflects our continued support for those with disabilities throughout Salem,” said Jeff Cohen, Chair of Salem’s No Place for Hate Committee.

Parents United of Salem, a local non-profit parent’s organization that helps facilitate community service, enrichment and education, will also host the ‘Light It Up Blue’ Autism Awareness Walk on Salem Common on Saturday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m.