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Union County Hosts Virtual Programs in April for Autism Acceptance Month

bookmark design contest flyer
A student bookmark contest is one of the activities planned for Autism Acceptance Month in Union County.

Union County, NJ – In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month this April, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a series of inclusive programs hosted by the Union County Department of Human Services’ Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Union County has been providing virtual programs for all residents to enjoy, and it is especially important for persons with special needs to stay connected,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are happy to expand our inclusive programming for special needs families in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month.”

To honor Autism Acceptance Month, the Union County Courthouse and Administration Building lobby will be lit up in blue from April 1 through April 30. Banners will also be hung in the County Administration Building’s lobby, and the Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs (OPDSN) will be distributing Autism Acceptance ribbons.

In addition, a variety of virtual activities are planned throughout April. These programs are free, but advance registration is required. To register online, visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

The schedule includes a virtual dance party celebration on April 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for a fun night of social distanced dancing with friends.

There will also be a virtual BubbleMania performance on April 18 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This unique performance combines comedy with intricate and imaginative bubble tricks.

OPDSN will also host a bookmark design contest. The contest will run from April 1 to April 30 and is open to all students in grades 6-12 living in Union County. The winning bookmarks for each age group will be used to promote Autism Acceptance Month in 2022.

Bookmarks should be 2” x 7” and may be created in any 2D art medium. Designs should focus on honoring Autism Acceptance Month. Students who wish to submit bookmarks may do so in person at the drop-off box within the Union County Administration Building lobby at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth, or by visiting ucnj.org/autism-awareness-bookmark-design-contest.

OPDSN has hosted virtual activities for Union County residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including yoga, karate, arts and crafts, magic shows, wildlife education, and cooking classes. More information and registration for these programs can be found at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

OPDSN is a unit of the Division of Individual and Family Support Services, in the Union County Department of Human Services. For more information on all programs and services of the Office, visit online at ucnj.org/opdsn.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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