Thursday, April 4, 2024
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Society of America’s theme is #CelebrateDifferences and wants to acknowledge the various experiences within the Autism community. April is a time to celebrate all of those differences as we recognize the importance of building inclusive schools and workplaces with equal opportunities for all. There are many opportunities in Wisconsin to learn about Autism including DPI grant funded resources as well as statewide family support and advocacy groups supporting people with neurodiverse needs.
- The Supporting Neurodiverse Students (SNS) Professional Learning System is designed to support educators serving students with individualized education programs in the area of social and emotional learning. There are still learning opportunities available for spring 2024. For additional information on in-person trainings, quick videos, interactive self-guided modules, and virtual cohorts, please visit the SNS webpage.
- Wisconsin is home to several Autism Societies, who are offering Autism Acceptance Month activities and events. Several of the activities can be found on the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin Autism Acceptance Month webpage. Additional ways to promote inclusion in our communities and practice acceptance in everyday life can be found on the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin Autism Acceptance Month webpage and the events page on the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin webpage.
April 2, 2024, was Autism Acceptance Day. An event was held in the Senate Panel at the Capitol in Madison and included a panel of Autistic speakers and family members who shared their stories and discussed policy issues affecting individuals with Autism and their families in Wisconsin. Governor Ever’s official proclamation can be found on the Governor’s Proclamation of Autism Acceptance Month Proclamation.