Autism Academy of South Carolina to Hold Autism Awareness Month Events in April 2016

Columbia, SC, April 11, 2016 (Newswire.com) - ​The Autism Academy of South Carolina (AASC) will hold several events – from dyeing Columbia’s iconic Five Points Fountain blue to hosting a “Blue Bash & Dash” family fun run to the new Spirit Communications Park – during their annual Autism Awareness Month campaign throughout April 2016, with the help of the Columbia Chamber’s Leadership Columbia Class of 2016.

AASC’s Autism Awareness Month kicks off on Saturday, April 2 on annually-observed World Autism Awareness Day. AASC, along with more than 60 local businesses across the Midlands, will observe Autism Speaks’ universal event “Light It Up Blue,” showing support for people and families affected by autism by holding special events, offering exclusive discounts, hosting autism awareness information and illuminating the exterior or interior of their business blue, with kits provided by the Leadership Columbia Class of 2016.

In January, the Leadership Columbia Class of 2016 selected AASC as the subject of their class project after recognizing the value the school offers and realizing the needs of the local nonprofit. The Class has been working with AASC to renovate the school, located at 1505 Blanding St.; organize and market AASC’s Autism Awareness Month events; and plan an open house and reception for families, staff and sponsors on April 29.

AASC and Leadership Columbia invite the Midlands community to participate in Autism Awareness Month. Each event is listed below, and more information can be found on the Autism Academy of South Carolina's website.

Autism Academy of South Carolina | Autism Awareness Month, April 2016

Light Up the Five Points Fountain Blue, April 2

Saturday, April 2, 2016, 11:00 a.m.| Free

Five Points fountain at Saluda and Greene Streets, Columbia, S.C.

Join the Autism Academy of South Carolina, Autism Speaks and Leadership Columbia Class of 2016 as they dye Five Points’ iconic fountain at Greene and Saluda Streets blue to honor Autism Speaks’ international “Light It Up Blue” day, in observance of World Autism Awareness Day, Saturday, April 2. Don blue apparel and bring the whole family to Five Points to see the fountain dyed blue and support autism awareness. Several businesses across Columbia will participate by offering retail and dining deals and specials on April 2; lighting their businesses with blue lights and wearing blue in support.

The Blue Bash & Dash, April 9

Saturday, April 9, 2016; Bash: 5-7 p.m.; Dash: 7-9 p.m. | Bash: free; Dash: $10-12.50

Autism Academy of South Carolina, 1505 Blanding St., Columbia, S.C., 29201
Join the Autism Academy of South Carolina for a free, family-friendly carnival “bash” with inflatables, games, food trucks, face painting & more at the Autism Academy on Blanding St. from 5-7 p.m., then “dash” in a walk/run/roll race ­– complete with blue AASC capes – to Spirit Communications Park (the brand new Columbia Fireflies baseball stadium on Bull St.) and back to the Academy, from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Register for the “dash” ($12.50 for adults; $10 for kids; $40 for group of 4) online at AASC's website.

Autism Academy of South Carolina Day at the Fireflies Game, April 18

Monday, April 18, 2016, 7:00 p.m. | Columbia Fireflies game ticket prices vary

Spirit Communications Park, Bull St., Columbia, S.C.

Play ball – and learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder! Join the Autism Academy of South Carolina for their community night at the Monday, April 18 Fireflies baseball game at the brand new Spirit Communications Park, home of the Columbia Fireflies. Students from the Autism Academy will present special entertainment during half time. The Autism Academy will have a station where families and community members can enjoy free games, face painting and snacks; and gather information and resources about autism. Purchase game tickets online at AASC's website.

Walk to the State House for Autism Awareness, April 19

Tuesday, April 19, 2016; 10:00 a.m. | Free

Autism Academy of South Carolina, 1505 Blanding St., Columbia, S.C., 29201

Help build awareness for autism by walking to the South Carolina State House to reach legislative attention and talk to lawmakers with the Autism Academy of South Carolina, Autism Speaks and Leadership Columbia. Meet at the Autism Academy, 1505 Blanding St., at 10 a.m., where the walk will start and finish, and end up at the State House at 11 a.m. Bring signs, balloons, bikes and wagons; and wear blue to show your support! More information on "Ryan's Law" and current autism-related health care legislation online at AASC's website. 

About the Autism Academy of South Carolina

The Autism Academy of South Carolina is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as parent training, school consultation, social skills groups and summer camps. AASC was founded in 2010 by local concerned parents Dan and Lorri Unumb, fellow Autism Spectrum Disorder-affected families and professionals as a response to the rapidly growing need for Autism Spectrum Disorder resources and support in South Carolina. 

About Leadership Columbia

Leadership Columbia is a Columbia Chamber program that recognizes emerging and existing community leaders who hold potential to move Columbia, S.C. forward, offering them a unique opportunity to grow professionally and personally among likeminded individuals. Over a period of 10 months, more than 50 Class of 2016 participants take part in one class retreat, 10 leadership sessions, and a hands-on class project. The program, founded in 1973, has graduated more than 1,600 professional alumni across the country.

Source: Leadership Columbia Class of 2016