By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – Uptown Normal’s Marriot Hotel & Conference was the home base Tuesday for a launch of a new campaign aimed at making Bloomington-Normal an Autism Friendly Community.
The campaign was initiated by Autism McLean and Marcfirst. Part of the goal is to help businesses and other community organizations better understand and work with people with autism.
“People with autism are often overlooked and misunderstood,” said Autism McLean Vice President of Adult Programs Kari Sandhaas. “Both in terms of the abilities and the challenges that they face.”
The effort is part of Autism Awareness month. The issue hits close to home for State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington), whose son is on the autism spectrum.
“There’s not anything you cannot overcome when you surround yourself with good people, and this room is an example of it,” said Brady. “From all the employers that have been involved thus far and will continue to grow – it’s fabulous. It’s heartwarming, but it’s something that is obviously needed.”
Sandhaas encouraged people to head to a website launched by the campaign: www.autismfriendly.community.
“On the website we have a brief survey that we invite businesses and organizations to do, we collect testimonials, and we offer resources on autism,” Sandhaas said.
The campaign will hold a celebration of the effort on April 30. Details on the event have yet to be announced.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
