Toledo turns blue
One in every 42 boys and one in every 189 girls — the Center
for Disease Control and Prevention says that’s how many U.S.
children have autism.
Since April is considered National Autism Awareness Month, the
University of Toledo’s chapter of Alpha Xi Delta has been
working to bring to light the prevalence of autism spectrum
disorder.
“As a chapter, one of the key values that are instilled in us
is service,” said Katie Smith, vice president of programs for
Alpha Xi Delta and third-year communications major. “Many of
our members have family members or friends who are affected by
autism spectrum disorder.”
On Autism Awareness Day, April 2, the sorority hosted an event
called the AmaXIng Race, which consisted of minute-to-win-it
style challenges around campus where teams competed in a race
to collect puzzle pieces and finish their puzzle.
All funds raised from their events will be donated to the
Autism Speaks foundation, the national philanthropy of Alpha
Xi Delta. Smith said that UT’s chapter also volunteers
regularly at Sunshine Communities, a group home for those with
disabilities, and Bittersweet Inc., an organization that aims
“to positively impact the lives of individuals with autism and
those whose lives they touch,” according to their website.
The Autism Speaks foundation serves as an autism advocacy
organization that sponsors autism research and conducts
awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, the
government and the public.
The sorority also joined in a global event called Light It Up
Blue. On April 4 at dusk, Alpha Xi Delta was joined by
students and staff in an official lighting ceremony. During
the entire month of April, the University of Toledo’s bell
tower will be lit with blue lights.
UT will join in the tradition shared around the globe and
hundreds of other iconic landmarks that will be lit up blue,
such as the Empire State Building, the Citadel in Egypt and
Forte Sangallo in Italy.
During the ceremony, sisters of Alpha Xi Delta gave
testimonies of how autism spectrum disorder has personally
affected them.
Jennifer Huffman, a sister of Alpha Xi Delta choked back tears
as she talked about her younger brother who has autism.
“People with autism are just really misunderstood,” Huffman
said. “The best part of being in ΑΞΔ [Alpha Xi Delta] for me
is seeing what this chapter has done for people with autism.”
Kaeli Peer, another sorority sister, shared a testimonial of
her experience teaching autistic children to swim.
“Before you say they have autism, you have to say they’re
people and that’s how we should treat them,” Peer said.
Alpha
Xi
Delta
will
also
be
hosting
their
bi-annual
philanthropy dinner, Fuzzie Funnelcakes, on April 8 to reach
their goal of donation. Smith says their overall goal is to
raise $3,000 by the end of the week.