Despite a social media push from Autism Speaks, the White House says it will not be lighting up blue in honor of World Autism Awareness Day next month.
Autism Speaks encouraged its members to flood the White House with messages on Facebook and Twitter to encourage President Barack Obama to light his home blue on April 2 in honor of autism awareness.
Already, over 250 landmarks around the world will participate in the advocacy organization’s annual “Light It Up Blue” initiative including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Niagara Falls, Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
“Lighting the White House, America’s most prominent building, blue would certainly elevate awareness of autism and World Autism Awareness Day to another level,” said Adam Pockriss, an Autism Speaks spokesman.
But the White House told Disability Scoop on Friday that 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. will not participate. No reason was given for the decision.
“The administration looks forward to commemorating autism awareness month and world autism day and remains committed to finding the causes and treatments for autism as well as providing community-based services and support for persons on the autism spectrum,” said White House spokesman Shin Inouye.
Last year, more than 200 buildings went blue in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, which was established by the United Nations in 2007.
I find this so insulting. They lit the White House up Pink for Breast Cancer awareness month, back in October, but won’t do this for Autism? Its like they are telling me that they don’t care about autism or my child.
I think it’s more like they’re telling people they don’t support Autism $peaks. Good for them.
Does anyone know, or care, that MARCH is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month? -yeah, Autism Speaks has co-opted the diagnosis.
I, too, hope the White House not participating in this Autism $peaks event is our administration saying “no thanks” to endorsing this organization. I’m the parent of an autistic and recognize Autism $peaks as a powerful political lobby not representing all in the autism community or what is in the best interest of those with autism. re: insurance reform, research, etc.
I think it’s awesome Auti$M $peaks is about nothing but the $$. They are NOT a recommended charity by the Better Business Bureau. I think they’re snubbing the organization, not the concept. And that’s about the only thing I’ve ever agreed with in the current administration! I LOVE IT!
That shows you right there that Obama is NO friend to ANYBODY with a disability what so ever. He is a heartless man. He is a communist that has Fabian Socialist leanings and Fabian Socialist HATE the disabled of ALL types.
President Obama and his administration are totally over their head. We don’t need a community organizer in the most important office in the world. What America needs is leadership. Does it surprise me that they would refuse to honor of autism awareness day? Not in the least. Remember not to vote for Obama in 2012. This next election is going to be very important to vote for someone with Managerial experience like a business leader or a state Governor. Vote for someone who understands how to get the job done and puts American citizens first.
This REALLY ticks me off! I have been trying for well over a year now to get my son services, but because our government decides to cut all the special funding my son is still # 146 on the waiting list and holding. HE desperately needs therapy, we have tried everything to get him on the waiver. We have even tried to “go it alone” but was told that the therapy program that was suggested by his school counselor WON”T help him UNLESS he’s on this darned waiver. Then of course insurance doesn’t cover half the stuff.
And YET our government can’t light a few stinking blue lights to support and bring awareness to THE ONE most diagnosed disorder amongst children today. You can bet your bottom dollar my senators and anyone else I can think of will be hearing from me!! Including this Shin Inouye! Whoever the heck that is!
I am thoroughly disgusted, I will let my precious son know too that his President won’t show support for Autism!
God Bless all those that are stricken by this and may God give you all the strength to lead a better life, you really are given a gift, whether it be in a child with Autism or that you have Autism.
I understand why people might have issues with the organization behind it, but for me it’s all about bringing awareness to Autism PERIOD! Awareness is the first step to understanding, and that goes for ANY disability! They all deserve recognition! First and foremost by our country’s leaders.
After listening to all of President Obama speeches on the Disability Acts and how he supports autism and other childhood disorders this is really sad to read. I totally agree with mamachrissy below. This is a global awareness event that is showing support not only to the ones dealing with autism but also the educators, doctors, teachers, support groups, etc. As a preschool teacher and a parent of a child with autism, I STRONGLY disagree with the decision of the White House not lighting blue for April Autism Awareness. I’m very disappointed and hurt as a U.S. Citizen who is raising a special needs child. You have NO idea what parents of autistic children go through just trying to get services, intervention, and of course a FAPE. Autism is a wide spectrum that shouldn’t be overlooked all because of a misreading. Show your support White House and light up blue. I’m raising 3 children and 1 with autism and tourettes. I work in a preschool setting full time and go to college full time at night. Those in the White House need to really think about this because autism is starting to take over. The signs are noticeable before a child is 3 years old. My son didn’t get dx until he was almost 5 right before entering school. I stayed on the doctor about a developmental testing about my son and all they want to do is medicate. He almost died taking medicine that could of been treated with individualized early intervention, and behavior therapy. He’s 3 yrs behind now all because he didn’t get intervention when I first noticed a delay. This should be addressed to the public about the red flags and should be supported by the President as he stated in his speeches. Millions of American’s will be insulted by this…Please re-think this and light up blue for support.
With a heavy and dejected heart, I am not surprised by this announcement. I look at Facebook and am shocked at how few folks have even taken the time to “Light It Up Blue” today, even for 5 minutes yet for Breast Cancer Awareness, it seemed as if all of Facebook turned pink! The newest statistics out are showing that 1 in 88 children will be diagnosed with Autism today and still the ignorance surrounding this disability is astounding!
Please, Mr. President, for the parents and the children who don’t have a voice, please, for today, “Light It Up Blue”! NOT for any organization but to show that you support US in our efforts to continue to try to educate, educate, educate!!!
~Twenty-five years later and counting. . .~