Submitted by: Amanda Givens, BCBA
Saturday April 2nd was World Autism Awareness Day. It is a day to celebrate Autism. Autism organizations around the world came together to celebrate, with unique fundraising and awareness-generating events. One of the trademark support campaigns for autism awareness is to “Light it up Blue”, and it marks the beginning for Autism Awareness month.
Light It Up Blue is an international campaign,” observed on April 2, was adopted by the United Nations in 2007 to shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health priority”, (https://www.autismspeaks.org/liub/what-liub). What is truly inspiring is every year on this very day, “Thousands of iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes across the globe unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism” – as stated by Autism Speaks (https://www.autismspeaks.org/liub/what-liub).
This past April, over 157 countries with their own landmarks, lit up blue for autism awareness. Countries and landmarks such as, the CN tower in Tornado Canada, the Flame Towers in Baku Azerbaijan, and the Forte Sangallo in Nettuno, Italy. In Washington D.C the Washington Harbor near Georgetown, lit it up blue. In New York City: Park Avenue, Macy’s, and the Empire State Building, also lit it up blue in April. Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri joined the campaign. Locally, in Florida the Royal Park Bridge in Palm Beach lit it up blue too. The list goes on, but the fact that over 157 countries participated this year is truly outstanding. Let’s all support this campaign and make next April 2nd a “bluer day”, show your support for Autism Awareness in 2017!