Seaway raises flag for Autism awareness

Staff, students and members of the community raise a flag for Autism Awareness at Seaway District High School. – Phillip Blancher/Cornwall Newswatch
Staff, students and members of the community raise a flag for Autism Awareness at Seaway District High School on Monday, April 4, 2016. (Newswatch Group/Phillip Blancher)

IROQUOIS — Students and staff from Seaway District High School, along with members of the community took part in Autism Ontario’s “Raising the Flag” event at the school Monday. April 2nd was World Autism Awareness Day.

“Canada is described is a mosaic. And a mosaic means there’s lots of little tiles that makes something beautiful when it’s together,” stated Tania Stover, SDHS vice-principal. “Today we are recognizing one of those coloured tiles with our students on the autism spectrum. We’re talking about how we support differences and celebrate differences.”

Community members including Lisa Vreman, member of the Upper Canada Chapter of Autism Ontario, and South Dundas Mayor Evonne Delegarde also spoke at the event.

Seaway District High School Vice-Principal Tania Stover(left) addresses students during Monday's Raising the Flag event promoting Autism awareness. - Phillip Blancher/Cornwall Newswatch
Seaway District High School Vice-Principal Tania Stover, left, addresses students during Monday’s Raising the Flag event promoting Autism awareness. – (Newswatch Group/Phillip Blancher)

World Autism Awareness Day was adopted in 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly, recognized as the 2nd of April each year. It is one of four official health-specific UN Days. Autism Ontario celebrates World Autism Awareness Day by raising an Autism Ontario flag in municipalities and schools across Ontario.