Dare to light up blue for autism
World Autism Awareness Day, as declared by the United Nations, is celebrated on 2 April.
The entire month of April is regarded as Autism Awareness month.
According to Diane Hobbs, director of the Education and Training Hub for Autism Needs (ETHAN), the organisation has been quite busy getting geared up for this important awareness campaign.
ETHAN is a non-profit company making a big impact in autism awareness, education, training and home programme support in Mossel Bay and surrounding areas.
As a build-up to the annual ETHAN Autism Awareness Parade planned, various initiatives are under way.
ETHAN engaged in “Autism Friendly Training” involving the staff at local stores, Woolworths and Game, in Langeberg Mall. A poster competition was launched at schools and pre-schools as part of the awareness drive. Welcome flags have been given to the Mossel Bay Municipality and the cave at the Point has been lit blue. During April, blue signifies autism awareness worldwide.
According to Hobbs, there are even more training opportunities in the pipeline with accreditation awaiting businesses to become "Autism Friendly".
"An absolute highlight for us this year, is the addition Blu, the ETHAN Autism Friendly Light Bulb mascot," says Hobbs.
Blu has been a delight and absolute treat for both the young and the young at heart at Langeberg Mall during the rollout of the awareness campaign.
"Blu has been challenging everyone to ‘Light up blue’ for Autism. You too are invited to take up the challenge. Whether it is by wearing a blue T-shirt, a blue ribbon, changing your stoep, porch or braai area light to blue or wrapping some blue material around a tree or pillar. Or if you are adventurous, dyeing your hair blue. The sky is the limit."
This year ETHAN is launching the Bluest Business and Bluest Municipality Competition as well. Businesses who would like to participate, can light up blue and send a picture of their “blueness” to ethan. autismproject@gmail.com or WhatsApp it to 082 219 0117.
"Keep an eye out for Blu and save the date of 20 April for the not to be missed ETHAN Autism Awareness Parade. And don't miss the adventures of Blu as he moves around this month," Hobbs concludes.