Autism Awareness Month occurs each April with a wide variety of events and activities across the US. It is a time that is near and dear to each student and staff member at CIP’s (College Internship Program) Brevard Center in Melbourne, Florida. CIP Brevard offers comprehensive programs for teens and young adults ages 18-26 with Autism and other Learning Differences.
To kick off Autism Awareness Month, CIP Brevard will decorate their offices in blue as part of Autism Speaks’ Light It Up Blue campaign. In addition, students and staff will participate in many Autism Awareness Month activities that will be taking place throughout the community.
Over the past several weeks, a Brevard Center team of 22 students and staff have been fundraising for the April 2nd Walk Now for Autism Speaks (Treasure Coast) and have raised over $3700 thanks to Dan P., team captain, and the support of many CIP families.
On April 1st, students will volunteer at the 5th Annual Uncorked wine tasting event to raise money for Brevard PALS, an organization supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as their families and local programs. In addition, CIP students and staff will volunteer at another Brevard PALS event, the Family Festival 2016, which will take place at the Field of Dreams. The festival will feature food, games and lots of fun activities.On April 5th, Brevard Center Program Director Dr. Michele Ramsay and two students will be guest speakers as part of autism awareness panel presenting at a Melbourne Chamber of Commerce small business council event.
On April 8, Michele Ramsay and CIP student Megan M. will be interviewed by Dr. Judy Ramos for a feature program entitled Dr. Judy which will air on The Autism Channel.
CIP will also present and participate as a booth vendor in the ASK US Florida Annual Autism Conference and Resource Fair on April 10th from 10am-2pm at the Melbourne Auditorium.
To wrap up this special month, CIP students who have been involved with internships at the Brevard Zoo will participate in a meet and greet event with special guest Temple Grandin in conjunction with the zoo’s annual Safari under the Stars fundraiser. Dr. Grandin is renowned for her achievements as a leading advocate for the autism community and for her pioneering work in the fields of animal welfare and behavior.
To learn more about CIP, visit www.cipbrevard.org.
To receive information about CIP Brevard activities, sign up onFacebook https://www.facebook.com/cipbrevard/. On April 6th, the Brevard Center will host a monthly Brevard PALS game night from 6:30-8pm for adults (ages 18 and older). For more info, call the CIP Brevard Center at 321-259-1900. Also, this summer, CIP will present MPloy, a two-week job readiness seminar for young adults (ages 18-26) on the autism spectrum. Go to http://cipworldwide.org/mploy/mploy-program-overview/ to learn more about MPloy.