Five HoCo Organizations Recognized For Inclusion Efforts

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Five local autism-friendly organizations have been recognized by the Howard County Autism Society for their inclusion efforts during the 2nd Annual Donor Appreciation Event.

The winners included Howard County’s first LEED Certified Platinum Robinson Nature Center, as well as the Howard County Library System, Howard Tech, The Children’s Spot and Verbal Beginnings. The awards are part of the Autism Society’s ongoing effort to encourage and celebrate community inclusion.

The recognized organizations enable those affected by autism and their families to visit safe places in the community, actively working to include them through sensory-friendly events, employment, inclusive products and services, Autism 101 training for staff members and with HCAS volunteers.

“I congratulate our wonderful community partners at Howard County Library System, Howard Tech, The Children’s Spot, Verbal Beginnings, and our very own Robinson Nature Center for receiving this award. Their collective efforts to support people living with autism reflect Howard County’s core belief that every person deserves to feel safe and included,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in a statement. “From Sensory-Friendly Stories at our libraries to Sensory-Friendly Sundays at the Robinson Nature Center, our community continues to be a leader in including all people with sensory processing differences.”