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http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/national-autism-awareness-month/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">from the Autism Society:
http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/national-autism-awareness-month/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nearly a quarter century ago, the Autism Society launched a nationwide effort to promote autismawareness, inclusion and self-determination for all, and assure that each person with ASD is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. This year we want to go beyond simply promoting autism awareness to encouraging friends and collaborators to become partners in movement toward acceptance and appreciation.
http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/national-autism-awareness-month/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Let’s embrace a new perspective. For over 50 years we have worked in communities (both large and small) to ensure our actions, through our services and programming, supported all individuals living with autism. Let’s expand this work to focus on the rest of us – ensuring acceptance and inclusion in schools and communities that results in true appreciation of the unique aspects of all people. We want to get one step closer to a society where those with ASDs are truly valued for their unique talents and gifts.
http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/national-autism-awareness-month/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Join us in celebration for 2016 National Autism Awareness Month! National Autism Awareness Month represents an excellent opportunity to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance and to draw attention to the tens of thousands facing an autism diagnosis each year.
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2016/04/01/light-it-blue-world-autism-awareness-day" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">from Autism Speaks:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2016/04/01/light-it-blue-world-autism-awareness-day" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">"...To me going BLUE is essential this year. Today autism is the fastest growing developmental disability out there. The number of individuals being diagnosed with autism when I was a kid was 1 in every 1000; today those numbers have increased over 100%. Every day our lives are touched by autism, whether it is in your immediate family, a friend, or maybe an acquaintance who you converse with over coffee every morning at work.
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2016/04/01/light-it-blue-world-autism-awareness-day" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">That’s why I’m thankful for people like you who go BLUE and, most of the time, stay BLUE throughout the entire month of April, Autism Awareness Month. I hope when you read this letter you know that you are making a difference by being involved with this important cause.
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2016/04/01/light-it-blue-world-autism-awareness-day" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">BLUE is so much more than just a color now to us. BLUE is a movement to help make people aware and more understanding of those with autism. For that I will be forever grateful for all of you who decide to get involved. With your continued support, we will make autism heard around the world, not only in April but all year out."
BrainFood from the Heartland listeners know, well, knew Peggy Gurneyhttp://www.vindy.com/weblogs/brain-food/2016/mar/02/peggy-b/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">. I blogged last month about Peggy's passing . Peggy, or, Peggy b , as I called her, was tireless in promoting awareness, understanding and compassion. What I didn't realize was how much of a one-woman force that Peggy b. was, and, what a void she left. I went from a blue shirt,blue light and one blue nail, to blue stripes in my hair, to the total bluing of my nails and head ! Peggy did call-ins, appearances, posts, and sent ALL the announcements that I made every hour/every day on the show. Peggy requested access to my schedule and filled it with SO MANY interviews promoting autism awareness, education, etc. She sent guests to me, brought others on the show, and didn't let me miss an event!
This year, I received none.
I heard nothing from ANY of the agencies, schools or organizations this year.
So, I just slathered my head with https://www.manicpanic.com/high-voltage-cream-formula-hair-color" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tish and Snooky's 'rockabilly blue, Manic Panic cruelty-free,vegan hair dye....for autism awareness AND Peggy's memory.
I was surprised at the response when I first went blue for autism awareness - the number of people who wondered why, at my age, I'd dye my hair blue. Each time I had the opportunity to make folks more aware, more autism-awareness...hopefully, more compassion. I know it's late in April, but never too late to make people more aware for the struggles and progress of those 'on the spectrum' and, the amazing work that ONE WOMAN did to RAISE that awareness...compassion and help in and for OUR community.
Maybe next year, possibly someone will step up, but, no one can take the place of Peggy Gurney, in the meanwhile....Peggy b. I'm blue for YOU, and to raise autism awareness !
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