David Woods, Fund Development and Engagement Director, and Susan Campbell, Community and Volunteer Specialist with Autism Delaware discussed ways to interact with their community, especially now during the 44 Days of Acceptance and Inclusion, a national campaign to raise awareness to the public and opportunities for people with autism. We discussed the difference between ‘Autism Awareness Month’ and the 44 Days initiative; as Dave points out, we all know someone or some family living with Autism. One in 44 children each year will receive this diagnosis. The new approach is to include theses children and families and create ways for us all to interact.  Susan discussed volunteer opportunities in programming and social events and asks us to reach out to her. Volunteers serve on committees, help in the office, help at recreational events and form the teams that run their annual fundraising events. They need advocates, too, people who will speak up for the autism community, tell their story to legislators, write letters and write op-eds.  They ask businesses to hire, support and sponsor teams at events and to open their doors for designated quiet times.

We discussed their big fundraising events each year, the Blue Jean Ball and Blue Jeans Days and the annual walks, but they also invited the public to create their own events and recognition for the community and to share them with Autism Delaware.

For more information visit autismdelaware.org