The Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Autism Action Partnership are collaborating in a cross-state event on Monday, April 2, to help raise autism awareness. At 7:19 p.m., the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge will light up blue to mark World Autism Awareness Day, the kickoff of Autism Speaks’ World Autism Month.
Participants will wear blue and gather on either the Nebraska or Iowa side of the bridge at 7 p.m. Each group will meet at the center of the bridge at 7:19 p.m. for the official lighting and some brief remarks from leaders. Sunset will actually occur at 7:50 p.m. on Monday.
The bridge will join a number of regional, national and international landmarks – including the Nebraska State Capitol – which will be lit blue on April 2 to mark the day and raise awareness of autism.
Karoly Mirnics, M.D., Ph.D., director of MMI, said he was pleased to take part in the worldwide event.
“In the wake of recent events, understanding of those on the autism spectrum has become more important than ever,” Dr. Mirnics said. “Light It Up Blue is an attempt to educate the wider community about people living on the autism spectrum, to highlight what they can accomplish and to increase awareness and acceptance.”
Autism Action Partnership is pleased to work with MMI to promote autism awareness, acceptance and activism, said Michaela Ahrens, president of the organization.
“Our hope is for all individuals to be able to participate fully in community life – from where they go to school, where they get medical care, where they work, where they play, and where they worship,” Ahrens said. “We cannot accomplish this alone. We need an inclusive, supportive community to walk alongside us in pursuit of our mission.”
MMI’s mission is to be world leaders in transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and communities through outreach, engagement, premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.
The Autism Action Partnership’s mission is to improve the quality of life of persons on the autism spectrum and their families through education, advocacy and support, thereby enabling them to be an integral part of the community.
About World Autism Month
Every April, Autism Speaks kicks off World Autism Month beginning with UN-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
Joined by the international community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world will be lit blue in recognition of people living with autism. Autism-friendly events and educational activities take place all month to increase understanding and acceptance and foster worldwide support.
Munroe-Meyer Institute is committed to unlocking the potential of children and adults with developmental disabilities and genetic disorders through exceptional patient care, education and research. MMI provides more than 70,000 services annually to children and adults with special needs
We are Nebraska Medicine and UNMC. Our mission is to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.
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