Turning Pointe will celebrate Autism Awareness Month this April by reaching out to the community to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder.Â
Hoping to shed light on the growing prevalence of Autism, Turning Pointe will conduct outreach into the community by offering cobalt blue light bulbs, free of charge, to area businesses and individuals willing to “Light It up Blue” to promote awareness of Autism.
During the month of April, Turning Pointe staff or students will visit the Naperville Chamber of Commerce, attend a City Council meeting, and visit service organization meetings to distribute blue light bulbs.
Individuals and business representatives also may stop by 1500 W. Ogden to receive their free blue light bulb.
Local landmarks including the Naperville Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon and Turning Pointe itself (which resides in the former Naperville Sun building) will cast blue lights during the month of April.
The Foundation and its students also will conduct service projects and release balloons to commemorate the need for open dialogue about and acceptance of Autism.
Other events and opportunities are featured on the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation website throughout the year.
The Spectrum of Autism
The Autism spectrum —a group of complex, closely-related disorders of brain development with a shared core of symptoms— is wide. For instance, ten years ago an estimated one in 10,000 children was diagnosed with Autism. Today, according to the Center for Disease Control, estimates are that one in 50 children and one in 54 boys in the United States will be diagnosed with some form of Autism, using the term to to refer to the wide variety of autism spectrum disorders that have been identified.
April opportunities to support
Locally, strong corporate support for Turning Pointe’s endeavors continues to grow. Businesses who are partnering with Turning Pointe Autism Foundation again in 2014 during Autism Awareness Month include the 4th Annual “Test Drives for Autism” initiative started by the Dan Wolf Automotive Group. Participating Chicagoland area automobile dealerships will donate $20 for every test drive taken in the month of April. This year’s goal is to raise $130,000 in support of educational services for those impacted by Autism.
Also during April, at any of the 290 Chicagoland area Walgreens, customers can donate $1 to the scannable Pin- Up Campaign. All donations received at checkouts will support Turning Pointe Autism Foundation’s mission to assist children, young adults and families as they navigate the lifelong long journey of Autism.
Going beyond April, golfers can benefit Turning Pointe Autism Foundation by participating in the Turning Pointe Golf Tour is slated July 20-21 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove and Aug. 25 at Edgewood Valley Country Club in LaGrange.
Runners can run for the foundation in the Naperville Marathon on Nov. 9, 2014. And car enthusiasts can attend the Chicago Auto Show’s First Look at Charity on Feb. 13, 2015, when Turning Pointe Autism Foundation again will be one of the featured beneficiaries.
About Turning Pointe Autism Foundation
Turning Pointe Autism Foundation’s goal is to be a beacon of opportunity for individuals with Autism and to serve as a touch point in the community. It’s aim also is to be the conduit that brings Autism to the forefront of our community’s consciousness.
Turning Pointe Autism Foundation provides services and resources for families seeking to meet the emotional, educational and employment needs of children and young adults with Autism. The Turning Pointe CN Therapeutic Day School offers an alternative educational setting for junior high and high school age students severely impacted by Autism.
Turning Pointe Career College
Turning Pointe Career College, in partnership with companies such as Walgreens, Office Max and Naperville Toyota and regional businesses, provides life skills and career skills classes for young adults impacted by Autism. The curriculum affords students the opportunity to receive hands-on training in model work environments, along with teaching the life and works skills necessary for a lifelong career.
For more information about the services provided at Turning Pointe Autism Foundation or to help raise awareness, call (630) 570-7948 or e-mail contactus@turningpointeaf.org.
