Tuesday, April 2, 2013 is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and is celebrated throughout the world. The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman (SNFC) is teaming up with Rotaract Blue Cayman to bring autism awareness to the local community.
Light it up Blue is an Autism Speaks campaign where buildings and landmarks throughout the world are lit up blue to help shine a light on autism. All over the world places such as the Eiffel Tower, the Great Pyramids, Christ the Redeemer, the Empire State building and many other renowned attractions will ‘light it up blue’.
Maria Ruffer, Board member of SNFC stated “We are pleased to be participating in this worldwide celebration and raising awareness for autism in our community. Early identification and intervention are key to improving the long-term prognosis of children with autism. Unfortunately, many people are still unaware of the developmental signs and many children remain undiagnosed. Even when children are diagnosed, crucial services may still be out of reach.”
“The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman is dedicated to helping parents and families obtain the information, education and support they need to help their children reach their maximum potential”, Ruffer added.
In honour of WAAD, Camana Bay will be lighting up the Town Centre from Friday March 29th to Tuesday April 2nd. SNFC and volunteers for Rotaract Blue Cayman will have an information booth set up at the base of the Observation Tower on Tuesday April 2nd from 11am – 3pm.
Rotaract Blue President, Jacqueline Golding-McDonald stated “We are honored to be teaming up with the Special Needs Foundation in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day. Bringing awareness and promoting non-discrimination for our disabled community is one of the key focuses of our Open Arms programme. We are confident that with the support of the public, awareness of this disability will become stronger.”
The SNFC are also encouraging local schools and businesses to participate in a “wear blue” day to raise money for Autism Awareness. Participating businesses will be asked to wear blue to work on Tuesday the 2nd of April and to donate $5 for Autism Awareness. Schools are asked to wear blue to school on Friday the 19th of April and to donate $2 for Autism Awareness.
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. It is estimated that 1 percent of the world’s population is affected by autism, or 70 million people. A new case of Autism is diagnosed every 15 minutes, affecting four times as many boys as girls.
The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman (SNFC) is a charitable, non-profit organisation providing support, information and education to families with children having special needs. In addition to autism, SNFC also focuses on special needs such as: learning disorders, ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, gifted learners and mental health.
The corporate sponsors of the event are Intertrust and Tower Marketing. To become a member, volunteer or donate to the Special Needs Foundation of Cayman, visit www.specialneedsfoundation.ky, www.facebook.com/SNFCayman or call 917-0502. For more information on WAAD visit www.lightitupblue.org.
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