Lawrence police, fire, DPW welcome Autism Awareness Day visitors

Apr. 3—LAWRENCE — Police cruisers, motorcycles, a giant front-end loader and fire trucks greeted visitors again at the Lawrence Police Department's annual Autism Awareness Day open house Tuesday.

The open house is designed to break down barriers between the public and first responders.

Dozens attended the celebration at the Lowell Street police station.

Firefighters and the Department of Public Works also joined in by sending trucks and a giant loader.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.

President Joe Biden also issued a proclamation recognizing April 2 as Autism Awareness Day.

"America was founded on the idea that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives. Today, we champion the equal rights and dignity of the millions of Americans on the autism spectrum, and we celebrate the immense contributions of all neurodiverse people, whose perspectives and experiences make America a richer nation," according to the proclamation.

Some 5.4 million American adults and 1 in 36 children have been diagnosed with autism, Biden noted.

"Their experiences with the condition vary widely, but their talents and potential are too often misunderstood or overlooked. Autistic people routinely face unnecessary obstacles to securing employment and health care and children face bullying and barriers to education. We can work to end these disparities and ensure they have an equal opportunity to reach their dreams by making sure that people with autism and those who support them have the resources and tools they need to communicate, grow, work, and achieve greater independence," according to the proclamation, posted on whitehouse.gov.

Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter/X @EagleTribJill.

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