Dover Downs Hotel & Casino is shining a light on autism by illuminating its hotel façade in blue during April. The Light It Up Blue initiative begins April 2 each year, known as World Autism Awareness Day, to raise awareness about autism.
More than 7,000 landmarks in 90 countries have joined the Light It Up Blue initiative, including the Empire State Building and George Washington Bridge in New York, Sydney Opera House in Australia, Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, Table Mountain in South Africa, and Palace of The Parliament in Romania. Delaware participants in the campaign include Delaware’s Legislative Hall, The Circle in Georgetown, and numerous private households. A list of additional landmarks participating and other ideas to get involved in can be found at LightItUpBlue.org.
Autism is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impairments in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and repetitive behaviors. Additionally, some individuals with autism may have issues with sensory processing and/or obsessive interests. These behaviors can range in impact from mild to severe. Scientists are not certain what causes autism, but it is likely that both genetics and environment play a role.
Autism typically appears during the first three years of life. Increasingly, researchers are able to diagnose it at younger ages. The latest data from a survey conducted by the Centers of Disease Control suggests one in 50 school-age children has some form of ASD. School-aged boys were four times more likely to have an ASD than girls. These latest statistics continue to show a dramatic increase in the rate of autism.
According to the Autism Delaware website, it is estimated that there are about 1,500 individuals with autism in Delaware – a conservative figure based on public reporting from state agencies. In 2012, the Delaware Department of Education (DOE) reported 1,208 public school students who have an educational classification of autism. This represents a 695% increase from DOE’s reported 152 public school students with autism in 1991.
To learn more about autism, visit www.autismspeaks.org and www.autismdelaware.org.
Caregiving conference
Easter Seals of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, in partnership with the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities and Delaware MS Society, will be hosting the “Rise Above the Challenges of Caregiving” conference on Friday, April 26 from 8:30 am to 4 p.m. at the Easter Seals Conference Center in New Castle.
This year, the conference will be broadcast live in the Easter Seals Georgetown facility. The keynote speaker is John Schall, CEO of the Caregiver Action Network, a national family caregiver organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers.
The cost to attend is $15, which includes admission for one attendee and a family member, continental breakfast, lunch and resource materials. The event is limited to 90 attendees in New Castle and 30 in Georgetown). To register online, visit: www.de.easterseals.com and click on “events”. For more information, call Erin Warren at 302-221-2087.
The conference is designed to address the needs of a family caregiver. Along with the keynote speaker, there will be interactive presentations on topics such as: emergency preparedness for caregivers, how to avoid common scams, benefits of home modifications, and how to put yourself first as a caregiver. Additionally, the conference will offer valuable information and resources to help caregivers understand what respite is and how to utilize respite effectively to get the break that is so often needed. Professionals and others who support caregivers are also welcome to attend. The Caregiver Action Network is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 65 million Americans To learn more, visit www.caregiveraction.org.
Non-profit panel at UD
The John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware will host a panel titled “Non-Profit Governance Best Practices” from 9:30-11:30 a.m. On April 25, in Gore Recital Hall on UD’s Newark Campus. The panel will review non-profit governance with particular emphasis on increasing transparency through better public disclosure.
The panel will examine a model of disclosure created by Sheffield Hale, former chief counsel of the American Cancer Society, as well as general best practice governance standards applicable to non-profits. Panelists include:
– Harvey P. Dale, university professor of philanthropy and the law, and director, National Center on Philanthropy and the Law, New York University School of Law;
– Henry B. duPont, IV, president of the Board of Trustees, Hagley Museum and Library;
– Amy L. Goodman, partner, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP;
– F. Sheffield Hale, president and CEO, Atlanta History Center;
– Leo I. Higdon Jr., president, Connecticut College;
– Jack Jacobs, justice, Delaware Supreme Court;
– David B. H. Martin, partner, Covington & Burling LLP;
– Raymond J. McGuire, head, Global Banking, Citigroup, Inc.;
– Michael W. Peregrine, partner, McDermott Will & Emery LLP; and
– David P. Roselle, director, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, and president emeritus, University of Delaware.
– Charles M. Elson, Edgar S. Woolard Jr. Chair in Corporate Governance and director of the Weinberg Center, will moderate the panel.
A complimentary buffet lunch will follow the program.
There is no charge for the program, but space is limited; anyone who plans to attend should no later than Wednesday, April 17.
