April was National Autism Awareness Month, which, according to the Autism Society, “represents an excellent opportunity to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance and to draw attention to the tens of thousands facing an autism diagnosis each year.”

The Pascack Valley Regional High School District club, Camp Raspberry, strives to bring awareness to disabilities all year long by having “students work together in order to create a fun and safe environment for children with special needs within the community.”

Hills’ student Chair of Camp Raspberry, Grace Falanga said, “by bringing awareness to disabilities, especially in a school setting, it makes typical [students without disabilities] students feel more comfortable– they understand what it is that makes their classmates different, and aren’t afraid of it.”

Photography/technology student executive Cameron Boggio said, “I believe that it is important to raise awareness for students with special needs as it makes us more connected with the world around us.  It gives us a different perspective on things.”

Many organizations around the world focus on raising awareness year-round- not only in April. For example, the Autism Society is the “nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, [that] exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism.”

Not only are there specific organizations all year, but there are also events. One of the most well-known events is the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics “is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability.”