World Autism Awareness Day/Light It Up Blue - April 2, 2016

Each April 2, Autism Speaks celebrates Light it Up Blue along with the international autism community in commemoration of the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day.

Local Light It up Blue events for this year include:

• Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers - Autism Awareness Game - Sunday, April 3, 2016 @ 5:30 p.m.-
• Oakland Zoo Goes Blue - Autism Awareness Day - Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Oakland A's vs. Houston Astros - Autism Awareness Game - Saturday, April 30th, 1:05 pm

In addition, the Stockton Police Department and Bay Area Microsoft retail stores will have Light it Up Blue activities in honor of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2016. Several mayors in the Bay Area have signed proclamations declaring April as World Autism Awareness month.

Last year over 18,600 iconic structures, buildings and landmarks in 142 countries around the world shined a bright light on autism as a growing public health crisis. Thousands of buildings and landmarks have gone “blue” year after year, including the Empire State building in New York, Sydney Opera House in Australia, Niagara Falls in Canada, The Great Pyramids of Giza, The Freedom Tower in New York, John Hancock Center in Chicago, and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Bay Area residents can get involved with the Light It Up Blue Campaign in three key ways:

Illuminate: Change your white bulbs to blue. Light up your home, business, school, place of worship or even your website blue to show your support. Wear blue clothing.

Donate: Text 25383 to donate $10 to Autism Speaks* or make a donation on www.autismspeaks.org/liub.

*Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. Must be authorized by account owner. Must be 18 years or older to participate.

Social Media: Tweet, blog, Instagram, Facebook: Capture your favorite “Light it Up Blue” pictures and post them on social media networks.

Visit www.autismspeaks.org/liub for more fun and creative ways that you can support your neighbors and friend.