Hayward proclaims April as Autism Awareness month, community advocates urge follow-through

Mayor Mark Salinas read a proclamation recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month and April 2 as Autism Awareness Day at the Hayward City Council meeting on May 6.

Advocates and family members who accepted the proclamation asked the city to follow the symbolic recognition with concrete actions. Rhea Lancaster, founder and president of the nonprofit Fearless Path, thanked the council and asked for continued support for inclusive community events and partnership with Hayward Unified School District (HUSD). “This proclamation represents such a major accomplishment and sends a powerful message of inclusion and compassion,” a speaker representing HUSD advocacy groups told the council while accepting the proclamation.

Speakers described local, grassroots efforts already underway. Lisa Tass, principal at Winton Middle School, said Winton was the first HUSD site to raise an autism-awareness flag and organized a student assembly this spring. Jessica Pinchilotti, who identified herself with the nonprofit Autism Yesterday and Today, said her group has provided more than $100,000 to public schools over the past decade and offered to help fund public art and murals to raise awareness in Hayward. “We would love to do something like that here in Hayward,” Pinchilotti said.

Parents and school staff said the proclamation is a first step toward broader inclusion. Joshua Radenauer, a parent, described the learning and advocacy burden families face and said awareness must be paired with services and supports in schools. Several speakers named HUSD staff and individual students, describing how recognition and small changes make students feel included.

Council members and the mayor praised the advocacy groups and school leaders. The council’s formal action on the item was to accept the proclamation; no policy or funding decision was taken at the meeting.

Speakers asked the council to consider follow-up steps such as coordinated events, partnerships with local nonprofits for art projects, and collaboration with the police department and city staff to ensure inclusive public programming. Several community members said they would continue working with city staff to develop programs and volunteer-led projects.

The event was ceremonial in form but accompanied by multiple public comments urging the city to convert the proclamation into ongoing programs and partnerships to support students and families affected by autism. The council did not set a follow-up deadline at the meeting but several speakers and staff indicated a willingness to coordinate future events and projects.