CVUSD kicks off 1st annual Autism Awareness Week
April is National Autism Awareness Month and the Coachella Valley Unified School District is joining the movement by promoting acceptance and support in its schools and communities.
Students, teachers and staff at Desert Mirage High School in Thermal, 86150 66th Avenue, are proud to announce their first annual Autism Awareness Week from April 20-25. The event will include several guest speakers, an informational community fair, a student walk-a-thon, and a 5K autism run/walk open to the community at Desert Mirage Stadium.
According to the National Autism Society, more than 3.5 million Americans live with autism and one out of every 68 children are diagnosed with the disorder.
“Autism affects students of all ages and backgrounds and that is why the Board of Trustees and I support our educational programs that provide the best education possible for these students as well as support for their families,” said Dr. Darryl Adams, superintendent for CVUSD.
D.M.H.S. is integrating a Life Skills Autism program on campus for the first time, helping students with moderate to severe symptoms have an equal opportunity to grow and thrive in a traditional school setting, officials said in a release.
Parents said they’re pleased over the amount of growth they’ve seen this year in their children.
“They [Teachers] are teaching them how to develop new skills and learn daily living tasks and take them out to the community,” said Silvia Leon, a parent who has her son in the autism program at D.M.H.S. “Our children are developing security and confidence. My son is having the exposure of acceptance and the opportunity that is rarely available. I am so grateful for this team of professionals.”
Officials with CVUSD said they are looking forward to growing support for our autistic community and encourage all to participate in the cause.
April 20-23:
Speaker Series: Young adults living with autism, parents with children who have autism, and representatives with Coachella Valley Lighthouse will be speaking at Las Palmitas Elementary School, Toro Canyon Middle School, and Desert Mirage High School (Times vary for each school)
April 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m:
Community Informational Fair at Desert Mirage High School
Vendors: Angel View, Inland Regional Center, Desert Occupational for Kids, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, Easy Speech, Team of Advocates for Special Needs, California PsychCare, Sunline Transit, Boys & Girls Club
April 24 at 10:45 a.m:
Desert Mirage High School Pep Rally & 3K Student Walk
April 25 from 9 a.m. to noon:
1st annual 5K Autism Walk (sponsored by the Coachella Valley Autism Society) at Desert Mirage High School Stadium, 86150 66th Avenue
Officials said community leaders are expected to participate in the run to raise awareness, including State Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia. CVUSD invites the whole community to come out and support a great cause.
