The Autism Action Partnership-Munroe-Meyer Institute celebration of World Autism Day will be held on April 2 at Omaha’s Gene Leahy Mall.
“We hope to create an opportunity to socialize, have fun and celebrate with the autism community,” said Michaela Ahrens, senior director of programs for AAP.
The community celebration will include food trucks and face painting, as well as yard games and booths featuring community partners, friends and other champions for autism. The Rose, Special Olympics, Gotta Be Me, The Omaha Children’s Museum and Why Arts are among the groups offering booths with fun activities. The Omaha Police Department’s mounted patrol also will make an appearance.
AAP and MMI are natural partners, Ahrens said.
“While our missions are similar and aligned, we do very different things,” she said. “Our partnership for this event and other efforts gives us opportunities to extend the networks we can reach and complement each other work.”
The event, which is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m., is the kick off for Autism Acceptance Month, and AAP and MMI also are collaborating on a billboard campaign, with this year’s theme being “Uniqueness Unites Us.”
The monthlong campaign to spread autism awareness and acceptance also will include an online toolbox, developed by MMI and hosted on the AAP website, for businesses, organizations and anyone who would like to learn more, promote and celebrate Autism Awareness Month.