Autism Acceptance Month event held at local Aquarium

ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) - A decade-long tradition hosted by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara was held on Sunday morning. The annual Autism Acceptance Day at Via Aquarium aims to spread awareness about autism and celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. Santabarbara partners with the Via Port Rotterdam Mall Aquarium to hold a 2-hour-long special preview of the aquarium for those with autism and their families before it opens to the public for the day.

Over 100 people explored the aquarium for free. Sensory-friendly accommodations were made to the aquarium, which allowed for those with extra sensory needs to explore the aquarium at their own pace and comfort level. Santabarbara said that everyone should be able to take advantage of the experiences in their community.

"We have gone above and beyond to have specialized training for the people that work here," Santabarbara said. "You have to be able to interact with people like my son. To make sure they have an enjoyable experience as well."

Santabarbra said adding accommodations within the community creates a space for those impacted by autism and their families to talk about shared experiences. 

"Some people make friends in here; over the years they have met other families and have had such a great interaction that they go on to maintain that relationship," Santabarbara said.