Autism Speaks will be holding their annual “Light It Up Blue” national campaign tomorrow to raise awareness about autism, and Salem is stepping up.
Each April 2, Autism Speaks celebrates “Light It Up Blue” along with the international autism community, in commemoration of the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day. In honor of this day of recognition, many landmarks, hotels, sporting venues, museums, and retail stores will “go blue”.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, April 2nd, the City of Salem, in conjunction with Parents United of Salem, the Salem No Place for Hate Committee, and For Kids Only Afterschool, will once again observe World Autism Awareness Day by participating in the Light It Up Blue Campaign. For Kids Only on the Essex Street pedestrian mall will be lighting up their business front “a shade of blue” and is encouraging other Salem businesses to follow suit.
The City of Salem will be participating by switching on the city’s emergency blue lights at intersections throughout the community. The City has advised residents to take note that tomorrow’s flashing blue lights DOES NOT indicate a snow emergency parking ban, known fondly to residents as “the blue light special.”
Additional opportunities for the community to demonstrate support will be available on Salem Common at 6:30 p.m. Parents United of Salem is asking everyone to wear blue for their annual “Walk Around Salem Common on World Autism Awareness Day” event. Parents United will provide blue glow sticks for kids, and the first 20 families will receive a blue light bulb to help Light It Up Blue at home! For more information about the Walk, contact Cindy Johnson at cynthia.m.johnson@gmail.com.
Over the years, Autism Speaks has committed nearly $200 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Events are held in more than 100 cities across North America with partnerships in more than 40 countries on five continents.
