April is World Autism Awareness Month and, as you may have seen on our Facebook page, last Tuesday members of the Bordas & Bordas firm proudly wore blue in support of World Autism Awareness Day. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 45 children nationally and is one of the fastest-growing developmental disabilities. Advocacy groups such as Autism Speaks seek to spread awareness and acceptance of people with autism with their “Light It Up Blue” campaign. While we wore blue, landmarks, buildings and other structures were lighted up blue to show support of World Autism Awareness Day.
Autism Speaks is a national organization. However, a number of local organizations also provide advocacy services for people with autism. One such organization is Easter Seals. Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities, and their families, for more than 80 years in the Ohio Valley. Its mission is to provide “exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities.” Easter Seals offers programs such as early intervention, outpatient medical rehabilitation, medical services, and a variety of educational programs.
I have seen firsthand the impact Easter Seals can have on a child, and, as a nonprofit organization, it is in need of our help. This Sunday the 15th, Easter Seals will hold its 44th annual telethon to raise money for its various programs. The telethon will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on WTRF-CBS. All funds raised will stay local and be used to help individuals here in the Ohio Valley. I ask everyone to consider donating. Any donation, even a small one, can go a long way to helping support this great organization.
If you are interested in learning more about Easter Seals, please feel free to call them at (304) 242-1390 or visit their website at http://www.easterseals.com/wv/.
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