Dear Friends and Colleagues,

This year’s kick-off of both Autism Acceptance Month and Neurodiversity Acceptance Month is an extra special one for us at OPWDD! Today I joined self-advocate, Autism Spectrum Advisory Board member, and OPWDD Peer Specialist, Josh Mirsky, at the magnificent Jones Beach State Park to raise New York’s very own Neurodiversity Strength Flag.   This flag was designed by Josh and selected by members of the public in 2023, as part of a contest hosted by New York State’s Autism Spectrum Advisory Board.

Today we honor all people with Autism Spectrum Disorder who celebrate their neurodiversity and appreciate the message this flag conveys through its meaningful colors and symbol. Josh said he chose red for the flag because it is a powerful color and gold because it represents value, while the infinity symbol stands for autism acceptance.

It’s also important for all New Yorkers, many of whom might be learning about this flag for the first time.

People who are neurodivergent often struggle to feel accepted, to be seen for their strength, and to be valued for all the humanity they have to offer. By telling their stories, sharing their victories, and creating welcoming spaces, as our state parks have done, we are encouraging acceptance of people for who they are, with all the diverse traits that make them unique.

In addition to Jones Beach State Park, the neurodiversity strength flag will be flown at many OPWDD buildings throughout this month. And, for the first time ever tomorrow, on April 2, 2026, World Autism Day, the colors of the Neurodiversity Strength Flag will be lit up on 16 New York State landmarks.

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal  
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

Please join me this month as we honor our differences and reaffirm our commitment to celebrating all people, including people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, for all that they are, all they bring to our communities, and all they continue to achieve.

Sincerely,

Willow Baer
Commissioner