Wichita State University will be hosting the first annual Neurodiversity Awareness Week: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a series of events to take place April 23-28, 2018. The events are being held to recognize and highlight National Autism Awareness Month in April.
All events are open to the WSU community and general public.
Monday, April 23
Opportunity Fair
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Rhatigan Student Center East Foyer
Sponsored by the Wichita State University Bookstore.
Nine community agencies that 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.
Tuesday, April 24
“Brown Bag” Panel Discussion
12 – 1:15 p.m.
Ahlberg Hall Room 201
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.
Wednesday, April 25
WSU Light it up Blue
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Rhatigan Student Center North Entryway/Shocker Dining Hall
The WSU community is encouraged to take photos, use the WSULightItUpBlue Snapchat filter and post them using #WSULightItUpBlue. Two photo booths will be set up for group photos.
Thursday, April 26
Human Puzzle Piece
12:30 p.m.
Rhatigan Student Center Courtyard
Sponsored by 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!
Saturday, April 28
Heartspring Autism CARE Walk
10 a.m.
Downtown Waterwalk
This event is held to raise awareness for individuals impacted by autism in our community.
The week’s activities have been designed to be short, interactive and fun while bringing more awareness around neurodiversity.
“We put these events in place to create more awareness,” says Trisha Self, associate professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders. “As a university we want to be as friendly and open as possible to those who are neurodiverse. Nationally, autism awareness has come a long way, but there’s still more to be done.”