Wichita State University will host the second annual Neurodiversity Awareness Week: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a series of events to take place April 22 - 25, 2019. The events are being held to recognize and highlight National Autism Awareness Month in April. The week’s activities have been designed to be informative and fun while bringing more awareness around neurodiversity. All events are open to the WSU community and general public.
Monday, April 22
DJ “Deej” Documentary on ASD
3:30 – 5 p.m.
Ahlberg Hall, Room 201
Sponsored by Riverside Health Foundation
In this groundbreaking, new documentary on autism and inclusion, DJ “Deej” Savarese, a nonspeaking young man with autism, makes his way through high school and the transition into college, as he confronts the terrors of his past, obstacles to inclusion and the sometimes paralyzing beauty of his own senses.
Tuesday, April 23
Opportunity Fair
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wichita State University Bookstore
Eight community agencies who provide services for individuals with disabilities, including those with ASD, will be available to discuss their mission and provide WSU students with the opportunity to sign up for volunteer activities and/or apply for part/full time work.
Wednesday, April 24
“Brown Bag” Panel Discussion
12 – 1:15 p.m.
Ahlberg Hall, Room 200
Sponsored by Riverside Health Foundation
Individuals with ASD will discuss the joys and challenges of navigating university life. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with panel participants. Bring your lunch and enjoy this insightful discussion.
Presentation by Kerry Magro
7 – 8:30 p.m. (Visit the food trucks and vendors from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.)
Wichita State University Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Lowe Auditorium
Sponsored by Kansas Technical Assistance System Network Autism and Tertiary Behavior
Supports Project and Benjamin & Bettie Gibson Breeding Lectureship Fund
Kerry is an award-winning professional speaker who has written best-selling books about his life as a person with Autism.
Thursday, April 26
Human Puzzle Piece
12:30 p.m.
Rhatigan Student Center Courtyard
Sponsored by Wichita State University Division of Student Affairs
Members of the WSU community and greater Wichita area are encouraged to gather to form a human puzzle piece. A group photo will be taken at 12:30 p.m. Pizza, drinks and t-shirts will be free for participants. Support this event and help break the record!
The mission of Wichita State University is to be an essential educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas and the greater public good. Wichita State is a doctoral research university enrolling nearly 15,000 students and offering 59 undergraduate degree programs in more than 150 areas of study in seven undergraduate colleges. The Graduate School offers 45 master's and 12 doctoral degrees that offer study in more than 100 areas. Wichita State's Innovation Campus is an interconnected community of partnership buildings, laboratories and mixed-use areas where students, faculty, staff, entrepreneurs and businesses have access to the university's vast resources and technology. For more information, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wichitastate and Facebook at www.facebook.com/wichita.state.