Autism Awareness Day celebrated at Hyland Heights

April 8, 2015 · 0 Comments

On Thursday, April 2nd, Autism Awareness Day was celebrated in the town of Shelburne.
Events took place at Hyland Heights Elementary School in the day, and at Town Hall in the evening.
Bringing these events to Shelburne was concerned grandmother of twin autistic children, Deanna Avison.
Avison approached Shelburne council, asking for April 2nd to be declared ‘Autism Awareness Day’ and her wish was granted.
As her grandchildren attend Hyland Heights, it was only natural that festivities kicked-off at the school.
At 10 a.m., while some municipalities were raising the flag for autism awareness, Avison and a group of mothers/grandmothers/care givers and their autistic children, along with Shelburne councillor Wade Mills, and principal Mitch Zuk, were releasing blue balloons.
Following the balloon release, Mr. Mills read a proclamation from the Town of Shelburne to the study body. It read:
Whereas, autism is a pervasive developmental disorder affecting the social, communication and behavioral skills of those affected by it, and,
Whereas, as more health professionals become proficient in diagnosing autism, more children are being diagnosed on the autism spectrum, resulting in rates as high as 1 in 68 children nationally,
Whereas, while there is no cure for autism, it is well-documented that if individuals with autism receive early and intensive treatment throughout their lives, they lead significantly improved lives, and,
Whereas, individuals with autism often require a lifetime of specialized and community support services to ensure their health and safety and to support families’ resilience as they manage the psychological and financial burdens autism can present,
Now, therefore be it resolved that I, Wade Mills, on behalf of the Council of the Town of Shelburne, do hereby proclaim April 2nd 2015 as Autism Awareness Day in the Town of Shelburne, and urge all residents to participate in our municipality’s Autism Awareness activities, in order to become better educated about autism and create a better community for individuals with autism.
Every child at Hyland Heights was given a “puzzle piece” bracelet, the symbol for autism, and a ribbon, also bearing the puzzle pieces image.
Later on April 2nd, Shelburne Town Hall was lit-up in blue – the colour of autism awareness.
Avison has also spearheaded a fundraiser for Autism Canada, to fund research and awareness programs. ‘Acapella for Autism’ encourages residents of Shelburne, and beyond, and those with a connection to an autistic child to donate.
This can be done in two ways:
• Tape yourself singing a snippet of your favourite song, and then post it to Facebook. Then challenge four of your friends to do the same, and make a donation to Autism Canada under Avison’s page (www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1096988&supId=420388738), or;
• Simply make a donation to Autism Canada (autismcanada.org)
The initiative has raised $325 so far. A number Avison is hoping you’ll help her increase.
“I’m challenging all businesses to donate to Acapella for Autism at Autism Canada along with every resident of this community,” said Avison. “You do not have to do a video, but a donation would be greatly appreciated. There are receipts available for income tax purposes.”
“I am a very proud Grandma of twins who have autism. They are my inspiration behind this fundraiser. I have many mommy friends that I have met with children who have autism and along with my grandchildren they are the reason I am on this mission to make a difference,” Avison adds. “We need to spread the word about autism awareness and support all these beautiful children and their families. Thank you for supporting Autism Canada Foundation. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.”
Avison is hoping that the Town will support her quest by recognizing Autism Awareness Day again in 2016. She also hosts a grandmothers autism support group on Facebook to keep the issue and the conversation alive, every day of the year.

By Wendy Gabrek

Photos by Wendy Gabrek
Standing in solidarity for autism awareness – Until there is a cure, concerned citizens of Shelburne will work towards building an awareness and understanding of autism and the families it affects. Pictured: Shelburne moms and grandmothers gather at Highland Heights ES in honour of Autism Awareness Day. They are joined by school officials and town representatives, and their children, who have autism. Pictured, from left: Councillor Wade Mills, Meghan Smith, Deanna Avison, Sherri-Lyn Ferguson, Aunie Schneider and Highland Heights principal Mitch Zuk proclaim April 2nd ‘Autism Awareness Day’ in Shelburne.

Mairi MacRae (right) presents Deanna Avison with a framed print. The hands represent the bond between children and their grandparents. The colorful ribbon represents autism, and the blue ribbon represents childhood cancer – both of which have affected Avison’s family in recent years. “Mairi is my lean-to. She’s my rock,” said Avison after being presented with Mairi’s gift.