Charles County Citizens Encouraged to “Light It Up Blue” for Autism Awareness

The Charles County Commissioners are pleased to show their support of autism advocacy, awareness, and research by encouraging all residents to participate in the Autism Speaks’ “Light it Up Blue Campaign” (LIUB), in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, April 2.
 
LIUB is a unique, global initiative created to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day and to help raise funds and awareness of autism as a growing public health crisis. LIUB 2011 begins on the evening of Friday, April 1, when more than 500 structures in over 120 U.S. cities and 25 countries will join Autism Speaks to shine a bright light on autism. Iconic landmarks around the world—including the Empire State Building, the Willis Tower in Chicago, Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia—as well as airports, bridges, museums, concert halls, schools/universities, restaurants, and retail stores, will light up in bright blue to help kick off Autism Awareness Month and celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
 
Individuals interested in finding fun and creative ways to participate in LIUB should visit www.LightItUpBlue.org. The website provides a number of ideas: from hosting autism-themed gatherings, to viewings of autism-themed films and television programs, to wearing the Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin.
 
Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly commented, “I’m proud that Charles County is able to participate and recognize the importance of advocacy and awareness of autism this month and throughout the year.  It is estimated that 1 in 166 children will be diagnosed with autism.  The more we can do to support research, the more likely the causes of and a cure for autism will be discovered.” 
 
For more information, contact the National Capital Area Autism Speaks Office at 202-955-3112 or by e-mail at nationalcapitalarea@autismspeaks.org. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.