Woodbridge proclaims April 2024 Autism Acceptance Month; local leaders, families highlight services
April 03, 2024 | Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey
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Mayor John McCormick presented a proclamation declaring April 2024 as Autism Acceptance Month in Woodbridge and invited members of the Woodbridge Township Parents Organization (POAC) and PACE to accept it.
The proclamation, read at the start of the meeting, recognized work by the Autism Society of America and local partners and called attention to the town’s inclusive programs for children with developmental disabilities. "It's something we've been doing for how many years... a long time," McCormick said while introducing Sue Borden of the Woodbridge Board of Education to accept the proclamation.
Sue Borden, who serves on the board and is a parent of a child in district programs, thanked the township for years of support and singled out accessible town fields and extracurricular opportunities that she said give children with disabilities a chance to participate. "Woodbridge is a great town to live in for any kid," she said, describing POAC and PACE outreach and training for families and school staff.
Lina Suarez Angelino, a social worker who described herself as founder of Central Jersey Special Needs Community, told the council she started the group to connect parents, caregivers and providers and to make services and sponsorships more affordable. She also noted challenges families face with insurance denials for basic supplies.
Dan Harris, president of the Woodbridge Board of Education, highlighted employer partnerships that host RISE students for workforce and independent-living training and thanked more than 20 local employers for offering placements. State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, who attended and spoke in support, praised the town’s leadership and inclusion programs.
Council members and attendees then prepared for an indoor flag-raising because of rain; the meeting proceeded with the pledge of allegiance and other business. The proclamation and the speakers’ remarks framed the month as a citywide effort involving schools, parents, nonprofit partners and local employers.
The meeting record shows the council moved on to routine business after the ceremonial remarks; there was no formal vote associated with the proclamation beyond its public reading and presentation.
The proclamation, read at the start of the meeting, recognized work by the Autism Society of America and local partners and called attention to the town’s inclusive programs for children with developmental disabilities. "It's something we've been doing for how many years... a long time," McCormick said while introducing Sue Borden of the Woodbridge Board of Education to accept the proclamation.
Sue Borden, who serves on the board and is a parent of a child in district programs, thanked the township for years of support and singled out accessible town fields and extracurricular opportunities that she said give children with disabilities a chance to participate. "Woodbridge is a great town to live in for any kid," she said, describing POAC and PACE outreach and training for families and school staff.
Lina Suarez Angelino, a social worker who described herself as founder of Central Jersey Special Needs Community, told the council she started the group to connect parents, caregivers and providers and to make services and sponsorships more affordable. She also noted challenges families face with insurance denials for basic supplies.
Dan Harris, president of the Woodbridge Board of Education, highlighted employer partnerships that host RISE students for workforce and independent-living training and thanked more than 20 local employers for offering placements. State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, who attended and spoke in support, praised the town’s leadership and inclusion programs.
Council members and attendees then prepared for an indoor flag-raising because of rain; the meeting proceeded with the pledge of allegiance and other business. The proclamation and the speakers’ remarks framed the month as a citywide effort involving schools, parents, nonprofit partners and local employers.
The meeting record shows the council moved on to routine business after the ceremonial remarks; there was no formal vote associated with the proclamation beyond its public reading and presentation.
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