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Alpha Xi Delta receives proclamation from mayor to honor World Autism Month

Alpha Xi Delta receives proclamation from mayor to honor World Autism Month
Alpha Xi Delta receives proclamation from mayor to honor World Autism Month
Alpha Xi Delta receives proclamation from mayor to honor World Autism Month / Photo provided by Alpha Xi Delta

 

Riverside held a City Hall meeting on March 21 to award Alpha Xi Delta, an organization dedicated to its national philanthropy Autism Speaks. A proclamation that Riverside will be honoring World Autism Month in April and World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.

“This recognizes the need for increased understanding and acceptance for those on the spectrum,” said Rebecca Reese, philanthropy president of Alpha Xi Delta. “Alpha Xi Delta has been the national philanthropic partner to Autism Speaks since 2009. Since then, we have raised nine million dollars nationally for the cause. At Wright State University, we participate in year-round philanthropy events to raise help raise funds as well as awareness for the work Autism Speaks is doing, including Football Frenxi, Roller Disco, a Jingle Bell Bash, restaurant takeovers and tabling events. Further, we will be lighting different locations up blue and are asking other locations on campus to participate as well! For example, we will be painting the rock blue and have some blue light bulbs and encouraging offices to go blue for the month of April.”

According to Reese, 1 in 59 children are affected by autism and therefore struggle with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.

To celebrate World Autism Month, Alpha Xi Delta will be hosting a Chipotle Takeover April 1-9.  They will also be tabling for World Autism Awareness Day April 2 and beginning their Columbus Autism Speaks Walk on Oct. 6. More activities are to come.

“People on the spectrum are all unique. Despite some encountering challenges in social situations, [they] deserve to be understood and accepted in a way that allows them to feel comfortable. Many of our sisters have personal relationships to people on the spectrum, my cousin Addy Mae is and is currently in early intervention. We believe that taking part [in] World Autism Month will help address the many diverse needs by those affected by autism,” Reese said. “While autism awareness is important, what individuals on the spectrum truly need now is increased acceptance as they move through life and encounter many challenging social situations. We truly believe that by supporting Autism Speaks we are providing more access for everyone impacted by autism to have access to reliable information and helping to advance research and advocacy efforts.”

For those who are interested or have a family member affected by autism and would like to learn more, resources such as autismspeaks.org are available to learn more about research, supporting the community and how to get involved.

“It is important to note that every person affected by autism is different and thus different methods for understanding must be taken, but there are so many ways to show appreciation and to be an advocate,” said Reese.

The Wright State campus is encouraged to help show support by wearing blue and, along with the Nutter Center, light up blue with light bulbs and other blue décor.

Shaddia Qasem

Former Wright Life Editor

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