The City of Jersey City, Mayor Steven Fulop, the Municipal Council Office and the Office of Cultural Affairs were proud and honored to recognize The Whole Spectrum Autism Foundation, Smile Pre School Nursery and Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID) during the 1st Autism Awareness Flag Raising Ceremony held on Thursday, April 1, 2021.
The Whole Spectrum Autism Foundation is a New Jersey nonprofit organization that promotes Autism acceptance, encourages community inclusion, and advocates for families seeking help with their children, especially adults who have aged out of existing schools and programs.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today. Fostering worldwide support annually, World Autism Awareness throughout April will focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism.
The night time “Light it Up Blue” campaign held in Newark Pedestrian Plaza, Jersey City for the last 6 years calls for people to wear blue to promote autism awareness. Blue is also the organization’s primary color, and is associated with a calm feeling and acceptance in an otherwise loud and busy world for people on the spectrum.
We urge all residents of the City of Jersey City to educate themselves about the needs and challenges facing those with Autism Spectrum Disorders and to celebrate the unique talents and skills of people with special needs.
Attendees from Left to Right:
Tatiana Cruz, Recipient of 2021 Women of Action’s Female Youth Inspiration Award
Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, Ward B of Jersey City
Rachel B Sieg, Executive Director of Historic Downtown Special Improvement District
Sherry Singh, CEO of The Whole Spectrum Autism Foundation
Mayor Steven Fulop of the City of Jersey City
Council President Joyce Watterman, The Municipal Council of Jersey City
Pinky Singh, The Whole Spectrum Autism Foundation Member
Raveen Singh, CFO of The Whole Spectrum Autism Foundation Member
Ravinder Singh, The Whole Spectrum Autism Foundation Member
Surinder Singh, The Whole Spectrum Autism Foundation Member
To view the flag raising on YouTube please CLICK HERE
