May 23, 2018

City Hall Celebrates Autism Awareness

Hoboken, NJ - Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018

Hoboken Mayor Ravinder S. Bhalla will join City Councilperson Emily Jabbour and the Hoboken Special Needs Parent Group in proclaiming Wednesday, April 4, 2018 Autism Awareness Day in the City of Hoboken at a 1 p.m. at City Hall.

In honor of Autism Awareness Day, City Hall will be lit up in blue lights in the evening.

“It’s a privilege to help bring awareness to the needs of those in our community with Autism,” said Bhalla. “I ask Hoboken to join us in recognizing the important role children and adults with Autism play in our community.”

Speakers at the event will include:

  • Mayor Bhalla
  • Captain Rich England, Hoboken Fire Department
  • Kerry Magro, a Hoboken resident and award winning speaker diagnosed with Autism
  • Alexander Dallara, a Hoboken eight-year-old diagnosed with Autism
  • Sheillah Dallara, co-director of the Hoboken Special Needs Parent Group

Inspired by his autistic son, Mason, Captain England is coordinating Autism Shield Training for Hoboken first responders.

“The Hoboken Fire Department is committed to creating a safe environment for all Hoboken residents,” said England. “With the population of individuals with Autism growing, we believe it’s necessary to create awareness and sensitivity among our first responders.  We are dedicated to working with the Board of Education to host POAC Autism Shield Training this year.”

Speaker Alexander Dallara’s mom Sheillah Dallara is the co-director of the Hoboken Special Needs Group and an organizer of the event.

“I am so proud of Alexander for his eagerness to share with Hoboken what it’s like being au-some, as I like to call it,” said Sheillah Dallara. “I encourage everyone to come out, and I’m looking forward to the chance to help spread understanding and acceptance in our city!”