Leon County Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month with a Series of Virtual Programs

Leon County Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month

with a Series of Virtual Programs

WHO:	Leon County Public Library System
WHAT:	Celebration of Autism and Neurodiversity
WHEN:	April-Autism Acceptance Month
WHERE:	Virtual Events through Zoom

Beginning on World Autism Awareness Day (April 2), Leon County will host a Celebration of Autism and Neurodiversity featuring virtual programs that celebrate and expand the acceptance of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The County will present this year’s celebration in collaboration with Arts4All Florida, the FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FSU CARD) and the Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Music Therapy Program. Programming will be open to all community members and accessible to neurodiverse children, teens and adults.

This year’s kick-off event is a viewing and panel discussion of the 2015 short film, Spectrum: A Story of the Mind. The film’s director, Jill Jones, will discuss how the first documentary to explore sensory issues through the lens of unique individuals continues to educate and inspire.

Register to participate in event programming at LeonCountyFL.gov/Celebration.

Upcoming Events

• Viewing of Spectrum: A Story of the Mind with a panel discussion featuring Jill Jones, the film's director.
  • Friday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m.
• Introduction to Music Therapy with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare
  • Wednesday, April 14 at 12 p.m.
• Adulting 101 for Teens: Gaining Independence on the Spectrum with FSU CARD
  • Wednesday, April 21 at 4 p.m.
• Expression from the Spectrum: A Musical Showcase
  • Friday, April 23 at 6 p.m.
• Resources and Strategies for Caregivers of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders with FSU CARD
  • Thursday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m.
• Virtual Sensory Storytime (all children welcome)
  • Fridays at 11:30 a.m.
• Artists and Autism: How I See the World with FSU CARD and Arts4All Florida
  • Virtual art exhibit available throughout April

Leon County continually enhances its materials on neurodiversity and autism. Find library resources including a diverse array of fiction and nonfiction titles by visiting the Autism and Neurodiversity Bibliography, or for a more interactive experience, pick up a new Sensory STEAM Adventure Bag each week in April. Bags include supplies to make a calming glitter jar, water bead stress ball, rainstick, fidget bracelet, and instructions for sensory adventures patrons can create using supplies at home.

Leon County has worked with the FSU CARD to ensure all library locations welcome and engage all individuals. As a CARD Designated Autism-Friendly Business, all library staff have been trained to meet the unique needs of the neurodiverse community.

For more information, contact Mathieu Cavell Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

About the FSU CARD

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at FSU (CARD-FSU) in the Autism Institute was established in 1994 and is one of seven centers funded by the Florida Legislature and coordinated as a grant program through the Florida Department of Education. The FSU CARD serves 18 counties in the panhandle of Florida with offices in Tallahassee, Panama City, and Pensacola. CARD has extensive experience serving individuals with ASD and provides direct services for communication, social, and behavior problems, as well as provides information, consultation, and technical assistance to families and professionals associated with CARD clients. Find more information about CARD-FSU at https://fsucard.com/.

 

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