The Arc of Loudoun Celebrates Autism Awareness Month
THE ARC OF LOUDOUN ENCOURAGES THE COMMUNITY TO PROMOTE AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE OF THOSE WITH AUTISM THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF APRIL
Free Showing of “This Business of Autism” at Tuscarora High School April 6
Leesburg, Virginia, April 1, 2019 –The Arc of Loudoun is going blue for the month of April in support of Autism Awareness. The Arc of Loudoun is dedicated to creating a lifetime of opportunities for people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities and their families.
The Arc, in partnership with Tuscarora High School’s Husky Buddies, is showing “This Business of Autism” on Saturday, April 6th at 1:00pm at Tuscarora High School in Leesburg, VA. This screening is open to the public and there is no charge, but registration is requested. Go to thearcofloudoun.org/tboa to learn more and to sign up.
According to NCHS Data Brief No. 291, November 2017; 2017 ACS Census Data there are 244,223 children ages 0-19 with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the greater Washington area – 18,890 in Loudoun County alone. The Arc of Loudoun, which has served Loudoun County for more than 50 years, offers autism support services through the Aurora Behavior Clinic, The Aurora School, Open Door Learning Center Preschool and the ALLY Advocacy Center.
“At the Aurora School, we are able to provide a reduced ratio, often 1:1, to maximize our students’ opportunities for learning. This 1:1 ratio allows us to provide individualized, meaningful Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) instruction in a therapeutic environment at the student’s instructional level. Having this 1:1 ratio allows us to quickly become “experts” about each of our students. This dedicated support allows rapid progress both behaviorally and academically. We involve our families in every step of the way-we truly are a team,” said Amy Metaxa, Administrative Director of The Aurora School.
Kendra McDonald, Director of Clinical Services for The Arc of Loudoun, knows firsthand the benefits of the types of services that The Arc provides as she has a son with autism. Through ABA therapy she has been able to develop curriculum to help students progress and function in ways never thought possible. “My experience as a mom with a son who has autism makes me a better therapist every day and I’m grateful that The Arc of Loudoun supports this work for our families”.
Lisa Kimball, CEO of The Arc of Loudoun shares that, “We assume intelligence, competence and potential in every one of our students and clients. Whether an individual’s challenges are physical, intellectual, developmental or behavioral, we strive to bring out the very best in each person by providing exceptional instructional, therapeutic, advocacy, legal and emotional support to everyone whose life is impacted in any way by disabilities. At The Arc of Loudoun, our goal is to ensure that every person has every opportunity to live A Life Like Yours”.
The community can show their support on the 12th World Autism Day (April 2), and throughout the entire month of April by:
- Participating in “Light It Up Blue” on April 2nd by using blue light bulbs in outside fixtures and wearing light blue clothing
- Attending the showing of “This Business of Autism” on April 6 at Tuscarora High School
- Wearing a blue ribbon throughout the month – and telling people why you’re wearing it
- Donating to The Arc of Loudoun to help support people with autism
The public is also invited on Tuesday, April 9th at 6:00pm to attend the Autism Employment Policy Discussion, a Reception, and an additional screening of “This Business of Autism” at the Congressional Auditorium located in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. These events are free and more information is available on the film’s website www.ThisBusinessOfAutism.com.
To learn more about options and opportunities for people with disabilities and resources for their families, please visit The Arc of Loudoun’s website at www.thearcofloudoun.org.
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