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Woodbridge raises autism-acceptance flag, announces accessible playground and outreach events
Summary
The mayor read a proclamation recognizing April as Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month; police unveiled an autism-awareness patrol car and the township announced plans for an accessible playground at the former School 14 site and a community theater event in May.
Woodbridge Township marked Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month during the council session, with Mayor John McCormick reading a proclamation and police and community partners outlining outreach plans.
The proclamation recognizes local groups (POAC and PACE) and school programs that support children on the autism spectrum and notes the township's commitment to training, support groups and public awareness. Sergeant Brian Vella of the police department described a patrol car wrapped for autism awareness the department will drive during April and emphasized the department's role in outreach: "We are here as a sense of security for you guys to help you guys whenever you need, but we can also learn from you guys too," he said.
Mayor McCormick also announced plans to convert the former School 14 site in Fords into a handicap‑accessible playground with accessible swings; he said the grand opening may happen early next year and promised that a local child, Zach, would have the first ride. The mayor promoted a local theater production about parenting a child on the autism spectrum at the Avenel Performing Arts Center on May 30 and noted school and recreation programs that support students with disabilities (including the RISE program and summer enrichment classes).
A town employee who identified as having Asperger's spoke about personal experience and said, "I am proud to be me." The meeting included thanks to volunteers and recognition of municipal partnerships that serve families and students with special needs.
The council did not take formal policy action tied to these announcements during the meeting; they were presented as proclamations, community updates and planned programming.
