CI to launch autism awareness events by lighting up the library blue

CSU Chanel Islands News

Camarillo, Calif., March 28, 2016 — People who live with autism are not dealing with a mental illness, but a developmental disability. Vaccines do not cause autism. People with autism have a great deal to contribute to society. No two people with autism will have the same symptoms.These are just some of the truths about autism that advocates and educators are trying to share in order to break many of the misconceptions that still exist about this often misunderstood condition.CSU Channel Islands (CI) will join the “Light It Up Blue” awareness campaign at 6 p.m. on April 5 by illuminating the John Spoor Broome Library with blue light.The public is invited to the ceremony, which launches a series of events designed to honor a global initiative called the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day, which falls on April 2.The Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sydney Opera House and the Empire State Building are among the world landmarks that will “Light it Up Blue” on April 2.The United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 “World Autism Awareness Day” (WAAD) in 2007, with the goal of bringing the world's attention to autism, a growing global health concern affecting tens of millions. WAAD activities help to increase global knowledge of autism and stress the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention.The objective is to shine a light, a blue light, on autism to create a better understanding about those living with autism; to highlight the resources available; and to celebrate all that these individuals have to offer.“We want to celebrate their unique skills,” said Valeri Cirino-Paez, Assistant Director of Access, Orientation & Transition Programs at CI. “It’s also important to highlight the capabilities of these individuals. We do have students here who are on the autism spectrum, some with 4.0 grade point averages. They have the potential to contribute greatly to anything they pursue. I ...

Read More