Aurora - ON - Today, in recognition of World Autism Day on April 2, York Region District School Board hosted a flag raising ceremony and proudly raised the Autism Ontario flag at the Aurora Education Centre. The theme for the event this year is Celebrate the Spectrum.
This is the first in-person flag raising for YRDSB for the 2021-2022 school year and the event was attended by over 30 individuals. In attendance were students, families, staff, trustees and representatives from our valued partner organizations.
Also in attendance was Stephanie Maguire, Autism Ontario Regional Program and Volunteer Coordinator.
Speaking at the event was Board Trustee Bob McRoberts, Dr. Steven Reid, Associate Director Education Programs, Education and Community Services, Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Webb, Program and Volunteer Coordinator in Central East Region and Sue Walters, Autism Ontario YRDSB Special Education Advisory Committee representative.
“Together, we support our learners with ASD by understanding and valuing their individual strengths and needs, and by building learning environments where they matter and belong,” said Dr. Reid.
Fact
YRDSB supports over 3,500 students with ASD, which is almost 17 per cent of our students with special education needs.
Information from Autism Ontario.
Autism exists on a spectrum, which means that while all people on the spectrum will experience some of the differences mentioned above, the degree to which each autistic person experiences them and the amount of support they need, will vary.
In March 2018, the National Autism Spectrum Disorder Surveillance System (NASS) released the most up-to-date Canadian prevalence rate: 1 in 66 Canadian children and youth (ages 5-17) are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 128,000 students in 180 elementary schools and 33 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about the York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow YRDSB on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Corporate Communications