Autism Acceptance Spirit week at MoWest

April is the month of Autism Acceptance, and to celebrate, Naomi Danso, director of the ARC (Accessibility resource center) at MoWest hosted autism acceptance spirit week through April 13th through the 17th to show support for people with Autism.

On Monday the 13th, the theme was “Light it up blue” where students were encouraged to dress in blue.

On Tuesday the 14th, the theme was “Puzzle Pride Day” with students being encouraged to wear clothes with puzzle patterns or bright colors.

On Wednesday the 15th, the theme was “Sensory Friendly Day” with “Comfy, and Cozy” clothing being encouraged

On Thursday the 16th, the theme was “Griffon Pride” which encouraged students participating to wear their Missouri Western Merch and show their Griffon pride.

On Friday the 17th, the theme was “Celebrate uniqueness day”, with the overall theme being about your uniqueness and wearing something that makes you unique from the rest.

Students participating were also encouraged to visit the ARC in Eder 201 for a free sensory tool bag.

The ARC’s mission in their own words is:

“The Accessibility Resource Center leads the campus community in its commitment to recognizing disability as a valued aspect of diversity, to embracing access as a matter of social justice, and to designing more welcoming and inclusive environments.”

The ARC helps provide support for those with disabilities, and other aspects to help make MoWest more inclusive and friendly as possible to better suit those with disabilities or impairments.

The Autism acceptance spirit week not only garnered support for those with autism, but it also raised awareness about Autism in general, with certain aspects of the spirit week having symbolic meaning, such as the “Puzzle Pride Day” theme referencing the logo for Autism awareness in general being a puzzle piece.

One of the main goals of the ARC is in their own words:

“the creation of an inclusive and safe learning environment for all students and welcomes students with disabilities into all the University’s educational programs.”

By hosting a spirit week to show support for students with autism, the ARC is making autistic students feel more accepted and informing those about Autism acceptance at the same time.