Autism Rainbow Day

Run your fingers through my soul. For once, just once, feel exactly what I feel, believe exactly what I believe, perceive as I perceive, look, examine, and for once; just once, understand." ~ Oscar Wilde (from the website of Rainbowland Autism Services).

Facebook is helping to spread awareness about autism. Recently I joined the Autism Rainbow Day (30th April 2010) group, created by Rainbowland Autism Services.

“Rainbowland Autism Services (RAS) is a modern, innovative
and energetic organisation that demonstrates its passion
for helping families living with autism through its dynamic services and
commitment to global autism awareness. RAS strives to advocate for the human
rights of its families and promote community awareness and inclusion at
every opportunity."

I was intrigued by the beauty and simplicity of their awareness campaign, Autism Rainbow Day, which will take place on Friday, April 30, 2010. They are urging "businesses, schools and social groups from all over the world to help raise awareness for autism by wearing different colored T-Shirts that represent the colors of the rainbow and to read an autism awareness sheet." According to an online article by the examiner, Autism Rainbow Day is happening in towns throughout the world; and it all started with one small family in Australia."

Three years ago, Allison and Shane Dix's three-year-old twin sons were diagnosed with autism, and their eight-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. "We had been talking a lot about how beautiful rainbows are because we had already established a family support group called ‘Rainbowland Play Time'. We thought it would be nice if the public associated people with autism with something so beautiful. We then spoke about having a special day for autism awareness and came up with. . . Autism Rainbow Day."

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Learn 2 Be Buddies blog made it easy for us. Just follow these simple steps:

• Join the Autism Rainbow Day Facebook Group
• Download your Rainbow Day Poster - print it and hang it everywhere.
• Tell your school and workplace about it - and hang more posters.
• On Friday 30th wear a plain coloured t-shirt (and keep a few in your car to share with those who have forgotten :) )
• When people ask why you are wearing bright colours, tell them about Autism. To help you with this, Allison has put together an Autism Awareness Sheet which you can pass on to people. *

On April 30, 2010, we can choose to celebrate the lives of autistic people living within our community.

("This video is a tribute to the adventures of Josh, who is autistic and is from England. Compiled by his father Phillip for Autism Rainbow Day, this video portrays his deep love for his son. "Autistic children are happy and can have fun doing day to day things. We are so blessed to have Josh. He is my whole world, and I would not change a thing,” Phillip says of his son. Samantha E., a 17-year-old autistic girl, is the singer on the track and gave permission to use it on this video. (Phil is raising money for his son’s school (Curnow is a large special school in Cornwall. They cater for children and students between 2 and 19 and all have severe learning difficulties (SLD), with many also having sensory or medical needs and prefound multiple learning difficulties. A number of their children/students have difficulties in managing their own behaviour resulting from their Autistic Spectrum Disorders) in England by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro this summer (June 25th to July 7th 2010). For more information, go to http://www.justgiving.com/phillip-wills.)

Wordless Wednesday

(Okay, a few words are in order. I found this video ("Difference is an Artist's Game")on About.com: Special Needs Children's website. It's a sister's view of Down syndrome - her "take on society's labels and stereotypes.")

"The Life That's Chosen Me"

Recently a friend on Facebook sent all her friends a beautiful video. As she eloquently wrote in her note:

"It is Autism Awareness Month and I bring you a treasure... from the heart and soul. It truly is a beautiful, must have and it is my absolute privilege to be connected to such a gorgeous piece of art. This is a gift. The entire album is just amazing! My very dear friend, Randy Grossman, has one of the biggest hearts I know. Please read what follows, listen to the title song, "The Life That's Chosen Me " or click here to purchase this beautiful CD NOW...

Harmonizing with Humanity recognizes that music is a powerful force for change in the world.

While listening to a friend talk about his children, who both have special needs, Grammy nominated songwriter and artist Karen Taylor-Good sat down, wrote, and put to music the inspirational lead song for the album, The Life That's Chosen Me.

This song, and album, is produced by Harmonizing with Humanity, an organization dedicated to unite like-minded and “positive music” artists and fans who love listening."

"This parent who was the inspiration for Karen Taylor-Good happened to be Randy Grossman, Vice-President of Harmonizing with Humanity.

“The Life That’s Chosen Me” is meant to uplift the spirits of all families and caregivers of children and adults with special needs. They are often the last to be thanked, the most overwhelmed, and the most underappreciated – we want to recognize their constant attention, heartache, and struggle in caring for their children."