Light It Up Blue

Camarillo, Calif., March 28, 2016 — People who live with autism are not dealing with a mental illness, but a developmental disability. Vaccines do not cause autism. People with autism have a great deal to contribute to society. No two people with autism will have the same symptoms.

These are just some of the truths about autism that advocates and educators are trying to share in order to break many of the misconceptions that still exist about this often misunderstood condition.

CSU Channel Islands (CI) will join the “Light It Up Blue” awareness campaign at 6 p.m. on April 5 by illuminating the John Spoor Broome Library with blue light.

The public is invited to the ceremony, which launches a series of events designed to honor a global initiative called the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day, which falls on April 2.

The Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sydney Opera House and the Empire State Building are among the world landmarks that will “Light it Up Blue” on April 2.

The United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 “World Autism Awareness Day” (WAAD) in 2007, with the goal of bringing the world's attention to autism, a growing global health concern affecting tens of millions. WAAD activities help to increase global knowledge of autism and stress the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention.

The objective is to shine a light, a blue light, on autism to create a better understanding about those living with autism; to highlight the resources available; and to celebrate all that these individuals have to offer.

“We want to celebrate their unique skills,” said Valeri Cirino-Paez, Assistant Director of Access, Orientation & Transition Programs at CI. “It’s also important to highlight the capabilities of these individuals. We do have students here who are on the autism spectrum, some with 4.0 grade point averages. They have the potential to contribute greatly to anything they pursue. I think we need to create more understanding and respect for those living with autism.”

At least one CI student living with autism, Jonathan Bregman, will be speaking at the event, along with President Richard R. Rush and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Damien Pena, who will start the evening. 

The fifth annual “Light It Up Blue” observance is the first of a series of events designed to increase public understanding of autism, including a community resource fair to showcase support groups like the Autism Society of Ventura County, CI’s Disability Accommodations and Support Services and other groups from the campus and surrounding community.

The CI Disability Accommodations and Support Services will co-sponsor the Autism Society Ventura County (ASVC) 4th Annual “Aut2Run!” charity 5K/10K/15K/Fun-K Race.

The Aut2Run will have a 10K trail run, a 5K run/walk, a 15K “hero run” and a short funK that will be held on the CI campus on Sunday, April 17.

ASVC was founded in 1994 by local parents and educators to provide support, community events, information and resources to families and individuals on the autism spectrum.

CI students and staff will volunteer during the race. The first run begins at 7:30 a.m. at the campus.

Visit www.aut2run.org to register, donate, volunteer and learn more.

Limited parking is available on campus with the purchase of a $6 daily permit; follow signs to the parking permit dispensers. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road with bus service to and from the campus.  Riders should board the CI Vista Bus to the campus; the cash-only fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

Persons who, because of a special need or condition, would like to request an accommodation should contact Disability Accommodations and Support Services at 805-437-3331 or email accommodations@csuci.edu as soon as possible, but no later than seven (7) business days prior to the event, so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands
(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.

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