Autism Awareness and Bridgeway Academy

April 1, 2017

National Autism Awareness Month has been celebrated each April since the 1970s. On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to shine a bright light on autism, increase world knowledge and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. World Autism Awareness Day also celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism, brings together autism organizations all around the world, and gives a voice to the million worldwide affected by autism spectrum disorders. Recently, World Autism Day has been linked to Autism Speaks “Light It Up Blue,” campaign intended to raise international autism awareness and support of both World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness month in the United States.

During the month of April, Bridgeway Academy will participate in and/or host several events in conjunction with National Autism Awareness Month. In partnership with Autism Speaks Columbus, we’ll host a kid’s activity at the Columbus Blue Jackets game on Sunday, April 2^nd; and, we’ll purchase and enjoy delicious puzzle-piece cookies from Panera.

The weekend of April 6 – 9^th, Bridgeway Academy with partner with Jazz Arts Group (JAG) to commemorate National Autism Awareness Month and Jazz Appreciation Month. The Columbus Jazz Orchestra will perform, “Soul Session: From Ray Charles to Whitney Houston,” in the Southern Theatre and Bridgeway Academy will be present in the theatre lobby to share information about the organization and autism awareness. On Friday, April 7, 2017, Bridgeway Academy’s Co-Founder’s will join JAG Artistic Director Byron Stripling on stage for a brief discussion around autism and the programs of Bridgeway Academy. Listen to Co-Founder Erin Nealy and Byron Stripling as they discussed this partnership opportunity on All Sides Weekend with Christopher Purdy. Discounted tickets are available for Bridgeway Academy’s friends and family  using the discount code SOUL5.

Finally, the month conclude with Bridgeway Academy’s premier fundraising event, “Raise Your Glass to Raise Awareness,” on Friday, April 21 at the Ohio History Center. This event, raising important funds for the children, families, staff and programs of Bridgeway Academy, features delicious wines selected by Vintage Wines, craft beers from MadTree Brewing, cocktails with Watershed Distillery including a special Bridgeway Bourbon Mule, wonderful food from local restaurants and great entertainment from Colin Lazarksi and POPGUN. More information and tickets are available on Bridgeway Academy’s website or by calling 614-262-7520. Special thanks to our Signature Sponsors, Huntington and Resch, Root & Philipps, and to everyone who has already purchased their tickets for this wonderful event.