Events of the 2016 Autism Summit
The second annual Autism Summit proudly held by the Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) to help nurture and create an “Autism Friendly” community through awareness and education, is pleased to announce the note card contest winners and impact of the two-day event.
Laurie Cramer, Executive Director of ASGA, said, “It’s one thing to plan an event and see it on paper, but I think it’s safe to say because of the passion and enthusiasm of the audience and attendees, the event met and exceeded all of our expectations. Well over 800 community leaders and members, including 77 first responders who were trained in autism, participated in the two-day Autism Summit.”
The Autism Summit was held Nov 3rd and 4th, starting at the Akron Civic Theatre for the Art of Autism, and continuing on Friday at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn for a full-day conference.
ART OF AUTISM
The Art of Autism included an art display by people who submitted pieces about the autism journey. The audience voted on eight pieces to be presented as note cards that can be purchased to benefit the Autism Society of Greater Akron. The winners of the note card contest are:
ABC's, Joel Rogers, 66, Hudson
Butterfly Racing Hot Air Balloon, Alexis Gerak, 32, Ravenna
Cece's Kirigami, Cecelia "Cece" Dudley, 19, Ravenna
Ethan's Clock, Claudia Olaes, 17, Hudson
Fish Out of Water by Xavier Sledge, 11, Copley
Guardian's Light by Oxana Dallas, 45, Canton
Pieces of the Puzzle, Monica Doyle, 18, Akron
Wizard of Oz, John Hornsby, 19, Ravenna
The evening at the Civic, attended by over 450 people, also included live performances and screening the award winning documentary, “Life, Animated,” shown for the first time in Akron.
CONFERENCE
On Friday, November 4, some 250 individuals with autism, caregivers, professionals, educators and first responders convened for a full day conference. The first responders were trained in the characteristics of autism and how to keep everyone safe in an emergency situation. Lt. Mark Farrar, Akron Police Department and Board Member of ASGA, conducted the training.
Cramer continued, “It was an incredible honor to hear the author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and disability advocate, Tony Coelho, speak about the importance of implementing and enforcing the ADA and how important it is to include people with disabilities at all levels of government. He also shared his personal story and journey as a person with a disability, making it his life work to overcome stigmas and stereotypes about what people with disabilities can and cannot achieve.”
“Education is the key to achieving the goal of the Autism Summit, creating a world where everyone’s is included and treated equally” Cramer concluded, “and we came a few steps closer this past week.”