Finley Lights Up Blue in Support of Autism Acceptance

J. Taylor Finley Middle School lit it up blue in support of Autism Acceptance Month, as students and staff came together to celebrate acceptance, understanding, and the power of inclusion.

“Hallways were filled with blue and with a shared sense of pride, reminding us that our differences make our community stronger,” Finley Dean Amanda Schaffer said. “At Finley, we don’t just recognize awareness; we actively create a space where every student feels seen, valued, and supported every day.”

Autism Acceptance Month is a period dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. “It is a time when walls come down as communities, organizations and individuals all take to the streets to raise awareness about ASD,” according to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation. “This period is also marked by advocacy for better rights and living conditions for people with autism.”

Autism Acceptance Month starts on April 1 and lasts throughout the month. World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated worldwide on April 2.

Why Is Autism Acceptance Month Important? “Although there is a large-scale global movement aimed at increasing autism acceptance, the reality is the fight is far from over,” according to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation.”