2-day Autism Awareness interactive display reaches FTC community
By Isabella Escobar
Five Towns College recognized World Autism Awareness Day & Acceptance Month with an Autism Acceptance interactive tabling event in the Upbeat Cafe. The event took place over two days, Wednesday, April 2nd, and Thursday, April 3rd, and focused on promoting awareness and acceptance for those who have autism and are on the spectrum.
“My twin brother has autism, and I’ve seen how easily he’s misunderstood. At a diverse college like ours, autism awareness is key to creating a more inclusive campus where all students can feel understood,” said Mass Comm student Daniel Garcia.
Students who stopped by the table were welcomed with infographics and a selection of sweet treats such as candies, cookies, and donut holes. They could also leave with fidget toy and pin.
Mara Strenger, Learning Specialist in the Student Accesses Office, highlights the event’s significance for students. “We have a table to help raise awareness for autistic people and autism. It’s an educational program where we’re showing several different videos. We’re asking people to watch these videos made by people who are on the spectrum about their own lives, and we’ve asked [students] to let us know one thing they learned from the video.”
WATCH: BBC Select series, “Inside our Autistic Minds”
Dr. Desiree Wiltshire, Director of the Students Access Office and Assistant Dean of Student Services encourages students with documented disabilities or questions to visit the Student Access Office in Room 100A or email student.access@ftc.edu with any questions. “We’re always there to help. We support, we provide tutoring support, we support one-on-one and are a safe space,” said Wiltshire.
Five Towns students appreciated the tabling event. “Autism awareness is extremely important on the Five Towns campus. Five Towns makes sure that everyone is treated equally and that it is a judgement-free zone. Everyone has a place here and we all work together,” said Mass Comm student and TA Kate Miller.
