The Newark Board of Education, Office of Special Education (OSE), celebrated its 6th Annual Autism Acceptance Kickoff on April 9, 2024, with the theme “Make It Personal: Autism Acceptance.” Staff and students across the district participated in the kickoff and Light It Up Blue by wearing blue in honor of Autism Acceptance. The OSE introduced the Infinity Symbol to represent the infinite potential, possibilities, abilities, talents, and strengths of individuals with autism.
The kickoff also launched school-based inclusive activities, pairing autism program classes with grade-level general education peers to promote awareness, acceptance, and compassion. Central Office staff celebrated “Minds of All Kinds” by creating decorated infinity symbols for the OSE Autism Infinite Potential Mural and participating in Autism Acceptance Month activities, including a Central Office Do-A-Thon. The month-long initiative encouraged educators, students, and families to promote greater understanding of neurodiversity and practices that support the success and acceptance of all students.