April 1 marked the beginning of Autism Acceptance Month.

To celebrate, The Arc of Freeborn County will join The Arc’s national network, Autism Now, individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their families and friends, and advocates across the country in raising awareness about the disorder.

The goal of the month is simple: Empower people with autism spectrum disorders with information and resources they need to live their lives to the fullest potential while raising public awareness. Autism should be accepted — in the workplace, in social settings, in schools — in every aspect of life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 68 children may be impacted by autism spectrum disorders, so most people know someone with autism or someone who has a family member or friend with autism. Since this disorder is a spectrum and not everyone with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder “appears” to have autism, you may know someone on the spectrum and not even realize it.

Throughout this year’s Autism Acceptance Month, The Arc is integrating our programs to showcase how people on the spectrum are learning to travel, to live a healthy life, to be employed within their community and to learn their rights through The Arc’s National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability.

That’s why it’s important for people to see through the myths and misinformation and understand what having an autism spectrum disorder really means. The Autism Now Center exists to weed through the volumes of information out there and provide high-quality, vetted resources and information to people with autism and other developmental disabilities, their family, friends, colleagues, teachers, employers and others.

Upcoming events offered by The Arc of Freeborn County serving individuals (children and adults) with intellectual and developmental disabilities:

The Arc Bowl-A-Thon: Open to the public, sign up and enjoy with your family this special event and win prizes. The Bowl-A-Thon takes place Saturday at the Holiday Lanes Bowling complex from 1 to 3 p.m.  Registration starts at noon. For more details, please contact The Arc at 507-377-3469 or stop by the office at 407 E. William St., Albert Lea.

The Arc of Freeborn County’s 2015 annual meeting will take place May 19 with dinner served at 5:30 p.m., meeting at 6:15 p.m. and dance to follow. The annual gala meeting/dance will be at the Eagles building. This is open to the public with reservations made by calling the office at 507-377-3469.

 

Mary Goetz

executive director

The Arc of Freeborn County