CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, and one local organization is making sure individuals have resources available for people here in western Massachusetts.  This day promotes appreciation and understanding for those with autism. Here in the local community, Sunshine Village is helping to make that difference. Every April, organizations like Sunshine Village celebrate World Autism Awareness Day.  Bradley International Airport becomes first to earn Autism Double-Checked certification This day serves as a platform to encourage conversations about autism, foster acceptance, and support those through every stage of life. "Sometimes people who are on the autism spectrum aren't given the recognition that they deserve for all the work that they do to support their community, to be part of our community," said Gina Kos, Executive Director of Sunshine Village. And at Sunshine Village, they are showing their appreciation for those with autism.  "We are gifting our first responders with handmade goods from the folks that we serve," Kos said. "We're celebrating their artwork at local libraries. We're doing all kinds of things to really celebrate people on the autism spectrum." They will be extending their appreciation efforts throughout the month of April, which is recognized as World Autism Month.  Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. According to the CDC, nearly 75 million people have autism spectrum disorder, which is 1% of the world's population. Kos said people on the autism spectrum can absolutely be meaningful members of society and can contribute in so many ways, like through employment. Sunshine Village has helped many secure jobs.  "We bring a group of individuals into a local business with a supervisor so that work can be completed, or if an individual wants to have their own job, we'll help them secure their own job and maintain their own job," Kos said. "People with disabilities make great employees." They also help provide other services like day programs and community engagement initiatives to continue to meet the needs of people with other intellectual disabilities. For more information, visit sunshine.us. More resources and services in the area can be found at mass.gov. Local News Headlines Springfield man charged with sexually assaulting minor in Somers What is causing the decline of the honey bee population? Springfield officials work together to address federal education funding Mass. lawmakers shift climate plan under Trump WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less