The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and Autism Ontario gathered outside the board office in Aurora to raise the flag for World Autism Day.
While the day is officially celebrated on April 2, the board opted to mark it one day earlier during the school week on April 1. The flag raising was their first in-person event this school year.
“Special education is really the reason I came to education. When we look at our students with autism spectrum disorder, that being more than 17 per cent of our students with special education needs, they are a very important part of our fabric of our board of education,” Steven Reid, associate director at YRDSB said.
He said the pandemic has presented additional challenges for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“We know that during the best of times our students with special education needs require additional support and during something like the pandemic over the past 2-1/2 years, our students with special education needs have required so much more and it’s been a challenge,” Reid said. “I know it’s been a challenge for our educators, for our students, for our families, so thank you for all you’ve given, thank you for your patience during this time and we are really looking forward to a new school year.”
Members from Autism Ontario also spoke to the crowd who had gathered for the flag raising, including Sue Walters, who was there with her son, Michael.
“It always means so much to see how invested this school board is in caring for our students with disabilities and our neuro-divergent people. It means the world as a mom to see that reflecting on how many people are here today and just many thanks,” she said. “I know we have a lot of work to do but I applaud the work the board does with the resources they have.”
Bob McRoberts, trustee for Aurora and King, echoed that sentiment.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the York Region school board staff who work directly and indirectly with our students who have a diagnosis of ASD,” he said. “You make a difference, we see you and we appreciate you.”
After the speeches, the Autism Ontario flag was attached to the pole, however it was clipped on upside down. After a chuckle from the crowd, the flag was put on properly and hoisted to the top of the poll outside the office.