Activities to Celebrate Autism Month

It’s Autism Month and activities held across the country are led by Autism Belize. This young organization is creating awareness, bringing the needs of autistic people and their families to the forefront of discussions around inclusivity.  Today, News Five spoke with Christy Castillo Almeida about the acceptance, understanding and education of autism.

Christy Castillo Almeida, Founder/Executive Chair, Autism Belize

Christy Castillo Almeida

“Blue is the universal color for autism. It is calming and cool so that’s being used. So we are asking all the companies, homes, everybody to put a blue bulb out – Benny’s has a twenty percent discount on select blue bulbs. And then we ask everyone to wear blue on Fridays. Some of the companies are taking a little donation that can come back to Autism Belize for our activities, but we are asking everyone to do that – to show your support that you are trying to be aware and understanding. And then we are doing teach blue. So companies like Digi, De la Fuente Pharmacy in Orange Walk, Central Bank, National Library Service, Transparent BPO – all of these companies are inviting to come and educate their staff and their employees. The airport staff, the Blue Economy – there are all of these companies that are trying to learn more and that their employees understand. And then we are going to end the month with a countrywide “Walk Blue” that’s gonna happen on April thirtieth.  You see some of the councilors around because we are working with all the city and town councilors with responsibility for persons with disabilities. In Belize City we are going to work with Karen Rosito because she knows how to put on a fun thing. So we are doing a run walk dance thing. The morning from BTL to the Belize Sign and back and there will be prizes. But in the different districts, there is something unique too. I know Pauline has gotten the fire trucks and stuff again for the kids. Dorette in Orange Walk is doing glow run that evening. So every district– Corozal is full planning mode. So every district will have it and the idea is so you can come out. We will be giving out information about autism at the time and so use it as an education tool. And so that’s how we are going to end the month.”

Check in with your town and city council about events being organized near you.