History of WAAD In 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day with the goal of bringing the world’s attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions globally. WAAD shines a bright BLUE light on autism as a growing global health concern. WAAD activities help increase and develop world knowledge of autism and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Support continues throughout the month of April in much of the world, as it is also considered Autism Awareness Month. How you can celebrate WAAD with campaigns from our community partners: Autism Ontario — Raise the Flag Campaign Autism Ontario’s Raise the Flag campaign, through the simple act of raising a flag, unites families, schools, communities, government and professionals in recognizing World Autism Awareness Day. It also brings to light to struggles and triumphs of people on the autism spectrum. Last year more than 400 Ontario schools and 340 municipalities raised the flag. This year, the following municipalities, schools and businesses will have Autism Ontario representatives at the ceremony. (Please note the date of the ceremonies - if WAAD falls on a weekend or holiday, most ceremonies will be on the following day). Click here for all Flag-raising events across Ontario. Autism Speaks — Light It Up Blue Light It Up Blue (LIUB) is a unique global initiative to help raise awareness about autism. The campaign was launched by Autism Speaks in 2010 in support of World Autism Awareness Day. Iconic landmarks around the world, including Toronto’s CN Tower, light up in blue to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day and show their support! Autism Speaks’ Light It Up Blue campaign continues to raise awareness worldwide. Nearly 3,000 structures in more than 600 cities, 45 countries and on 6 continents will light up in blue to shine a bright light on autism. Kerry’s Place Our partners at Kerry’s Place will be supporting community fundraising events across the region and even some restaurants will be fundraising on this day. Here is a list of current fundraisers and coverage from 2015. There are many ways for families, providers, schools and organizations to get involved and support WAAD on April 2: • Fundraise in support of Autism Ontario, Kerry’s Place or other organizations that support children with autism • Buy a flag and display it in your own home or business • Share awareness materials on your social media channels • Share your own story of acceptance or inclusion • Change your social media profile pic BLUE with this app • Wear blue to work or school • Learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on our online resource site Join us and thousands of others in celebrating and supporting World Autism Awareness Day!
King City - Adapted Gymnastics (Pulsars Gymnastics Partnership) - York
Adapted Gymnastics is a class for just adaptive athletes who have a broad spectrum of disabilities and severities. They will be partnered with a 2:1 coach.
Kerry's Place (FFS) - Autism: Beyond the Diagnosis - Online
This 2½-hour workshop teaches parents and caregivers strategies and tools to help their children and youth understand their diagnosis, using a strengths-based approach.
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