Today, i.e., on April 2, we are celebrating the World Autism Awareness Day. Today is the day we dedicate to raising awareness about autism in a society filled with ignorance and misconceptions about this neurodevelopmental disorder. Although the entire of April is dedicated to creating awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the second day is aimed at promoting communication, education and learning throughout the world.
The United Nations General Assembly made this day official as the globally recognized autism awareness day. The decision was unanimously taken, and aims at emphasizing the need of people with autism, to lead an improved quality of life. This day is a worldwide movement for helping each and every person with autism, live a fulfilled and meaningful life.
How this day is celebrated by the world – the Light It Up Blue campaign:
Perhaps you have heard about the Light It Up Blue campaign. It’s the campaign through which Autism Speaks has been spreading awareness about the disorder from the last 10 years. The campaign is an effort in which various places in the world light up the famous attractions and other buildings with blue lights. In the last 10 years, several locations have participated actively in this campaign. A few of these places are – Christ the Redeemer of Brazil, Sydney Opera House, Leaning Tower of Pisa and Rockefeller Center of New York City.
Today is the 10th anniversary of the Blue campaign, and even more locations are going to participate in it.
Famous landmarks to Light It Up Blue today:
- Oriental Pearl Tower, China
- Trafalgar Square, London
- Metropolitan Cathedral, Buenos Aires
- International Space Station
- Niagara Falls
Besides the renowned attractions and monuments in the world, many businesses too are taking part in the Light It Up Blue campaign. Some of the companies and businesses participating are:
- Home Depot
- Toys “R” Us, Canada
- Phillips
- CBS News
Even the Sanitation Department of New York City has stepped in, by placing posters of the campaign on each of their vehicles, in order to let everyone know about the day.
Though the campaign is officially executed on April 2, people may continue the campaign for the whole of April. Individuals can light up their homes with blue light bulbs, or go for hosting an event with a blue theme. Hosting a blue themed event is a great idea, if you wish to start your own fundraiser for donating to charity.
The World Autism Awareness Day forms an effective beginning to a whole month dedicated to educate the world about the disorder. The month sees fundraisers, campaigns for increasing autism awareness, walks and several other events aimed at making the masses aware of not only what is autism, but also how the individuals with autism can be helped. With awareness and education about the disorder, we can certainly make the world a better place for individuals with ASD.
