April is Autism Awareness Month. Today, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day. Autism Speaks – an organization dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a possible cure for autism as well as raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society – celebrates its international “Light It Up Blue” campaign to spread awareness and understanding of autism, celebrate & honor the unique talents and skills of people with autism, and bring attention to the needs of all people with autism.
In a show of support, Roselle Park School District (RPSD) will take part in the ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign with a district Denim Day on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Staff and students have been encouraged to wear blue shirts. Additionally, some activities planned by school district to recognize autism and other differences include:
- Denim Day
- Autism Awareness T-Shirt Sale
- RP Varsity Baseball Team Autism Awareness Challenge (April 17th)
- Bake Sales
- Zumba Night for Autism Awareness
- Friends Like You, Friends Like Me Assembly
- Mentoring programs
- Ribbons and blue lights
- Staff participation in walk-a-thons
- School wide bubbles
- Bulletin boards depicting puzzle pieces/differences
One of the shirts on sale was designed by a Roselle Park students with autism and students in the the school program have baked some goods. Proceeds will go to Autism Speaks. More information on autism and Light It Up Blue can be found at Autism Speaks’ website (link).