November 15, 2021, Akron, OH -- The Autism Society today launched a new brand that represents the diverse experiences and needs across the Autism spectrum, emphasizing connectivity of Autistic self-advocates, parents, siblings and caregivers to each other and the broader community.
“No matter how you engage with the Autism Society,” said Autism Society of America’s President and CEO, Christopher Banks, “we want you to feel welcome, included, and connected to the resources, support and community you are looking for.”
The brand was developed over the past year with the Autism community in an inclusive process that ensures accessibility standards for those seeking connection to resources, support and community, core services of the Autism Society and its affiliates.
Banks continued, “That’s why I am so deeply inspired by our new tagline - The Connection is You™. This is a call to action for every one of us in the Autism community to create connections intentionally. When you come to the Autism Society looking for information, you are the connection. When you create a local support group for parents of Autistic children, you are the connection. When you are an Autistic self-advocate showing up to share your story for policy changes, you are the connection.”
Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) Executive Director, Laurie Cramer, stated, “We would like to thank the Autism Society of America for its leadership and acknowledge the hard work of so many who got us to this launch day. As an affiliate of the Autism Society of America since 1987, ASGA has served as the local “hub” of information and resources in our community for individuals, families and professionals who are living the Autism journey. We are also on the front lines of raising awareness and understanding of Autism with our Autism Friendly Communities training. We believe this new brand better represents who we are – and what we stand for – as part of a system that not only connects us to each other, but also works to remove barriers to feeling connected and included ton the broader community.”
“In our conversations with members of the Autism community,” said Kristyn Roth, Chief Marketing Officer, Autism Society of America, “the one thing that kept repeating was a sense of disconnection – disconnected to opportunities, to basic needs. Connection, therefore, was the universal response to these disconnected experiences.
“Our vision is to create a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it. We will do this while embodying our values of Dignity, Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Integrity.”
Banks concluded, “The rebranding effort embraces that life experiences are far more complex than labels. The Autism Society embraces the infinite ways in which people live their lives and this brand – including our new mission, tagline and values – better reflects today’s Autism Society.
Learn more about the brand, the creative process, and the impact the organization expects it will have HERE.
Background
One hundred and fifty individuals in the Autism community participated in the brand development, including self-advocates across the spectrum, parents, siblings and caregivers to those with Autism at all life stages. It also included professionals and researchers in the field, and many leaders across the Autism Society’s affiliate network.
The Autism Society of America partnered with Portland, Oregon-based Watson Creative to develop a brand that could bridge the diverse experiences across the Autism spectrum. Watson’s research-based creative process included interviews, focus groups, and the use of advisory councils, which developed an understanding of the depth, diversity, and complexity of needs within the Autism community.
The work resulted in an inclusive color system, “threads” that visually tie in our story of connection with line fluidity that helps create a calm, visual stimulation. The new brand will support the organization, including the other 75 affiliates across the country, as it aims to deliver its mission to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.
About the Autism Society
The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its 75 local affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it - including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan for more information, go to www.autismsociety.org, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
About the Autism Society of Greater Akron
The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) will now adopt the same mission, to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. Parent volunteers of children with autism founded ASGA in 1987. With nowhere to turn and a lack of information and support, they started ASGA to share information, educate themselves about autism, and learn how to advocate for better outcomes for their children. They also worked locally to bring awareness and understanding of autism to the community. ASGA serves Summit, Medina, Portage, Wayne, and Stark county communities. You can learn more at www.autismakron.org, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.