St. Joseph Catholic School raises World Autism Day flag
FERGUS – St. Joseph Catholic School made a proclamation to continue its dedication in “promoting autism acceptance, inclusion and celebrating autistic joy” on April 2, also known as World Autism Day.
The school honoured the day by raising its World Autism Day flag, which will fly below the Canadian flag for the month of April.
“More than 323,000 children and youth in Ontario are autistic, representing about one in 50 youth under 18 in Canada,” principal Todd Goodwin told students gathered outside the school.
“Ontario’s built environments and social systems and how they are developed and maintained influence not only autistic people, but also their families, friends and communities.”
He continued, “Autistic people experience social and built environments differently, and these experiences can change over time. Assuming these environments are universally accessible is flawed and recognizing this is the first step toward meaningful positive change.”
He also noted the importance of encouraging everyone to learn how to create a more equitable school environment for all students.
The proclamation was created by Jessica Di Cintio who is heavily involved with Autism Ontario, a charitable organization with a history of over 50 years representing thousands on the autism spectrum and their families.
Her autistic son Matteo was also chosen to raise the flag.
PHOTO 1: Students gather for the ceremony outside the school. PHOTO 2: The World Autism Day flag flying high on April 2. PHOTO 3: Di Cintio preparing to raise the flag. PHOTO 4: Di Cintio’s classmates and teachers helped raise the flag. Photos by Georgia York
“We gladly accepted because it’s beautiful and it encompasses everything we believe and our dedication to a day of awareness for autism,” Goodwin told the Advertiser.
He noted the proclamation is just the first step in making “our environment around us more accessible to those that have autism and any disability for that matter.”
St. Joseph has been raising the Autism flag for nine years – ever since the Wellington Catholic District School Board provided them.
“We need to keep an open mind and be aware of those around you and everyone being unique,” Goodwin said.
Following the flag raising ceremony Matteo said he was “feeling a little shaky, but I was very, very excited to raise the flag.”
He noted feeling “popular” and “very included” while participating in the ceremony. The event is important for autism awareness, Matteo added.
He ended the interview with a passionate, “Happy World Autism Day!”
