Each April Autism Acceptance Month, previously named Autism Awareness Month, aims to celebrate and promote acceptance. Autism affects one in every 36 children in the United States. It is a complex developmental condition affecting an individual’s ability to interact and communicate. First held in 1972 by the Autism Society, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate differences, and be more inclusive.
“Bancroft provides programs and services for those living with autism all year long, and has for over 140 years,” says Toni Pergolin Bancroft President and CEO. “But our hope is that by taking this month to focus on the acceptance of autism, we can change the lives of those we support and their families by helping to foster inclusivity in the community.”
Check out our Autism Acceptance Month stories and resources here!
Here are some ways you can help Bancroft celebrate Autism Acceptance Month:
Your gift helps us to empower the people we support to live their best lives.
Advocate
One of the most impactful ways we can help improve the lives of people with Autism and I/DD is through advocacy. Your voices are essential to letting local, state and federal policymakers know what’s important to our community — and how community-based supports and services help those with autism live their best lives.
Here are a few resources to help you get started:
If you live in New Jersey: https://njacp.org/advocacy/
If you live in Pennsylvania: https://www.par.net/action-center
If you live in Delaware: https://abilitynetworkde.org/public-policy-overview/
For federal issues: https://www.ancor.org/amplifier/
Special education advocacy: https://www.asah.org/generating-and-sharing-resources/
Learn and Educate
Raise awareness by organizing your own autism acceptance campaign or educate others by recognizing Autism Acceptance Month. Make a poster, send an email, or host a lunch and learn to talk about your knowledge of/experience with autism.
