April is Autism Acceptance Month, a yearly observance to promote understanding, inclusion, and self-advocacy for autistic members of our community. At Michigan Technological University, we aim to go beyond awareness and actively celebrate the diversity of minds and perspectives that autistic students, faculty, and staff bring to our Husky family.
In April 2011, the Autism Society celebrated the first Autism Acceptance Month. Throughout the decades, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have received negative attention, and individuals with autism were portrayed as deficits to society. Thankfully, it’s become more accepted as one’s identity. In honor of April’s heritage month and the spirit of autism acceptance, I would like to share my journey as someone on the spectrum.
Deaf History Month, observed March 13 to April 15, is a celebration of the accomplishments of D/deaf* and hard-of-hearing individuals and Deaf culture. The month begins on March 13 with the anniversary of the founding of America’s first Deaf college, Gallaudet University. April 15 closes the month by honoring Gaulldet’s first Deaf president, King Jordan.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and all members of the Michigan Tech community are encouraged to participate. The purpose of NDEAM is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.