HomeMy WebLinkAboutAutism Acceptance Month - April 2022COUNT " I
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WHEREAS April 1S`kicks off Autism Acceptance Month, when we recognize individuals
around the world who live on the autism spectrum, and celebrate the numerous ways autistic
individuals enhance the quality of our communities and enrich our world, reaffirming their
fundamental right to participate fully in society, be treated with dignity and respect, and fulfill
their highest potential; and
WHEREAS in 2021, the CDC reported that 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with
an autism spectrum disorder. These individuals are our classmates, colleagues,friends and loved
ones, and greatly contribute their strengths, talents, and abilities to the community around them;
and
WHEREAS,for decades advocates have celebrated Autism Awareness Month. We know
that the choice of our words matters, and that unity and acceptance are foundational values to
move our society forward. Awareness provides education and understanding;Acceptance is what
is needed to inspire inclusion and systems-wide change to achieve full participation within
society; and
WHEREAS the County of Hawai`i understands the importance offostering acceptance,
which will lead to improved support and equity in education, employment, accessible integrated
housing, affordable transportation and health care and comprehensive long-term services for
those on the autism spectrum; and
WHEREAS the County of Hawai`i believes that everyone should have a fair shot at
getting ahead, and will continue to prioritize enacting and implementing policies that break down
the barriers to access for people with autism and other disabilities living and succeeding in their
chosen communities; and
WHEREAS the Hawai`i Chapter of the Autism Society, is proud to celebrate Autism
Acceptance Month with its "Celebrate Differences" campaign, recognizing that the diversity of
our people is what our society is built upon, and that our greatness depends on it.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MITCHELL D. ROTH, Mayor of the County of Hawai`i, do hereby
proclaim April 2022, as
AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH
in the County of Hawai'i and encourage our citizens to learn more about autism and to reach out
in acceptance and in support of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Together
we can foster acceptance, spread awareness, and ignite change for autistic individuals to live
fully across all areas of life.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused The Seal of the
County of Hawai`i to be affixed. Done this l'day ofApril 2022 in Hilo, Hawai`i.
MITCHELL D. ROTH
MAYOR