Every year during April, we celebrate some amazing students who are right here in our school district. April 2nd is National Autism Awareness Day, and during April (and all year long) my sister Lucy and I work hard to spread awareness and acceptance of Autism.

     My name is Isabelle Hance and I am a 10th grader at Hempfield High School; my sister, Lucy Hance, and is a 7th grader at Landisville Middle School. We have a younger brother, Tommy, who is 9 years only and in the Autistic Support Classroom at Mountville Elementary School, one of six autistic support classrooms throughout the Hempfield School District. Lucy and I are dedicated to celebrating the students with Autism and what an amazing impact they have. Lucy and I consider ourselves two of Tommy’s biggest Advocates and want to express to everyone how important it is to include ALL of these students.

     The term ‘inclusion’ means including everyone in school, at home, and in the community. Staff, teachers, and students should be doing all that they can to promote inclusion and to be sure that everybody feels and is included.

     Although Autism comes with many challenges that Lucy and I see Tommy battle every day, we want to celebrate all of his ABILITIES and not dwell on the label of disability. Every person with Autism will have different abilities and challenges – some that others can see, and some others can not see. For our brother Tommy, it is not being able to talk and needing constant care 24/7. However, he is learning to overcome and reach his own goals by learning to use a communication device. He continues to grow, learn, and make us so very proud of him.

     Lucy and I will continue to Advocate for Tommy and all these amazing students. We will fight, educate, promote positivity, and spread love and acceptance for everyone. We ask all of Hempfield students to please be kind, whether this means offering a high five or fist bump or simply saying hello in the hallway to all the students in these classes. We ask for a school community of inclusion and respect for Tommy and all these students to grow and learn in.

     Lucy and I are always available to any students who may have questions about Autism or may just need a friend! We have found there are many students here at Hempfield who have siblings, neighbors, or a family member with Autism and feel alone – YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I leave you with a quote that Lucy and I always use when speaking about Tommy: “He is our heart and we are his voice!”