John Horvath, Police Chief
168 Main St.
Rockport, MA 01834
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Rockport Police Department to Participate in “Light It Up Blue” Campaign for World Autism Awareness Day
ROCKPORT – Chief John Horvath is pleased to announce that the Rockport Police Department will honor World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) by participating in the “Light It Up Blue” campaign this week.
Observed on April 2, the United Nations adopted WAAD in 2007 to draw attention to autism as a growing global health priority. Through the Light It Up Blue initiative, thousands of iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes across the globe unite by turning on blue lights to recognize the millions of individuals and families affected by autism.
The Rockport police station will be lit up with blue lights from April 1-3. Rockport High School and Rockport Middle School will be partnering with the Rockport Police Department to support the Light it up Blue campaign by wearing something blue on Friday.
“We are honored to be a part of this national movement by shinning a light on autism to bring awareness to this disability,” Chief Horvath said. “We encourage anyone who would like to participate in WAAD to wear blue on April 2 or replace outside bulbs with blue lights at their homes.”
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. Children and adults with autism usually have difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication and social interactions and activities. Over half a million people in the U.S. today have some form of autism.
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