April 2, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has directed the county government to observe World Autism Day today, April 2nd, to increase awareness and understanding for those living with autism. He will be lighting the George Howard Building blue to raise awareness and support the Autism Speaks campaign #LightItUpBlue. County Executive Ball also sent out an internal email yesterday encouraging all county employees to wear blue for World Autism Day.
“I believe we should work together to increase our community’s understanding of autism’s complexities and our support for all people on the autism spectrum,” said Ball. “We are turning Howard County blue today to send a message to our autistic brothers and sisters: we see you, we support you, and you are loved in our community.”
Locally, the Howard County Autism Society has events planned throughout Autism Awareness Month. Patrick Boxall, Howard County Autism Society President, said “Autism Awareness Month presents an opportunity to celebrate our community and to highlight the great local resources available for self-advocates, their families, and the community-at-large.”
For those looking to learn more and get involved throughout Autism Awareness Month, the Howard County Autism Society has a full list of events here.
For more information and resources, visit the HCAS website at www.howard-autism.org or contact our office at 410-290-3466.