Autism Speaks’ Autism Treatment Network Lights it up Blue

April 2, 2012 was World Autism Awareness Day and the entire month of April, Autism Awareness Month. To draw attention to the increasing number of lives affected by autism around the world, Autism Speaks’ Autism Treatment Network ushered in the month with unique and moving displays of support and a variety of promotional activities.

ATN centers across the US and Canada enlisted the participation of their facilities, staff, families, local landmarks, public relations and media personnel, and even political leaders in a celebration of autism awareness.

Here’s a brief look at how some of our ATN sites celebrated Autism Awareness Month, April, 2012.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Vanderbilt has hosted a large number of awareness events throughout April, and had one of their families highlighted in the Tennessean. Click here to read the article [1].

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Here’s a nice seven-minute clip from Daytime Columbus that features Nationwide’s ATN Site Coordinator, Amy Hess. It promotes Light It Up Blue, acknowledges AIR-P Dissemination funds that that support the ATN’s community lecture series, alludes to the ATN, the August Family Conference, and other events. Click here to see the clip. [2]

Toronto ATN

Surrey Place Centre lighting it up blue

Staff from Surrey Place Centre

Staff from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Oregon Health and Science University

OHSU site coordinator, Lisa Voltolina preparing a room for the Light it up Blue awareness event

Alberta Health Services/Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital façade illuminated in blue

Alberta ATN Staff wearing blue for autism awareness

Edmonton (Alberta) City Hall Edmonton City Hall (Exterior view)

Edmonton City Hall (Interior view)

University of Arkansas for Medical Science

Staff at UAMS/ Dennis Developmental Center wear blue for autism awareness

University of Colorado, Denver / Children’s Hospital Colorado

The Denver ATN attended, and was one of three beneficiaries of, Light It Up Blue Aspen this April 1-3, where part of Aspen mountain was lit up in blue
(Photo credit: Robert Millman)

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Lights it up Blue

University of Missouri/Thompson Center

Collage of various Light it up Blue events at the Thompson Center

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Here is a nice photo-montage of the Light it Up Blue event from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. And below are some links to local media coverage to the hospital’s weekend’s events, which enjoyed wide participation.