April is World Autism Month, and the “Light It Up Blue” campaign works to bring awareness of the disorder and acceptance of those on the autism spectrum. Today autism is prevalent in 1 in 68 births, and there is no known single cause of autism. An increase in awareness, early diagnosis and intervention, and access to appropriate services and supports can lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Chicopee City Hall will be illuminated blue on Friday, March 31^st for “Light It Up Blue” to begin the celebration of the start of Autism Speaks signature campaign that, along with the international autism community, recognizes the United Nations’ sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2^nd and the entire month of April being World Autism Month.

A resource fair and ceremony hosted by Chicopee Light It Up BLUE on April 1^st from 1:00pm to 3:30pm will occur at the Main Library on Front Street. The community is encouraged to attend the event at the City’s landmark building, which will join thousands of other iconic buildings that will be illuminated with blue lighting, and to shine a blue light at their business or homes in order to create awareness and support for people on the autism spectrum.

Sunshine Village, a local non-profit organization that supports people on the autism spectrum, will “light up” the Mayor’s Hallway in City Hall and has decorated the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce’s window. Everyone is invited to stop by and view the art exhibit and window display.

“City Hall has participated in ‘Light It Up Blue’ in past years,” said Mayor Richard Kos. “Now that the repairs are completed on our façade, we will again be able to join in this effort to help raise awareness for autism and show our support to people on the spectrum and their families.”

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