The Autism McLean campaign reached an official culmination May 14, with an event at the Uptown Station within Normal. About 90 people attended the celebratory event by forming a colorful circle.
(Photo courtesy Torii More)

Inclusiveness is a word that has been discussed at length in recent years as policy decisions aimed at increasing the rights of once-marginalized groups of people have entered the national spotlight.

Several local organizations are taking that concept in a new direction by advocating for the rights of people who are not always able to speak up for themselves.

Organizers within Autism McLean, an organization with roots going back about two decades, teamed up this spring with Marcfirst, a Normal-based nonprofit agency that serves people with developmental disabilities.

“People on the autism spectrum have a lot to offer, but are an often misunderstood and hidden part of our community, especially once they’ve grown into adulthood,” said Kari Sandhaas, an officer with Autism McLean, who helped coordinate the recent campaign.

The collaborative effort yielded a month-and-a-half-long awareness event, Autism Friendly Communities, which attempted to bring disparate companies and organizations — including local businesses and other nonprofits — into the fold. The groups’ efforts kicked off in early April, which each year is designated as Autism Awareness Month.

Area resident Mike Matejka served on a committee that planned a series of activities throughout the month-and-a-half-long campaign. The program, he said, was about seven years in the making.

In the past, Matejka said most of the discussion surrounded employment opportunities for persons with autism. While it remains a major area of focus, Matejka said the focus extends beyond that one issue.

“We wanted to take this to another level and create a greater vision for McLean County,” Matejka said. “It’s about much more than just employment issues. We want to raise the bar … in terms of community inclusion.”

The recent campaign included several meetings and events, including a kickoff gathering in early April that included participation from a number of local businesses and organizations.

After a few additional brainstorming sessions, the campaign reached an official culmination Saturday, May 14, with an event at the Uptown Station within Normal. About 90 people attended the celebratory event by forming a colorful circle.

The gesture was a replication of one of the campaign’s visible accomplishments: a logo. Autism McLean and Marcfirst are inviting inclusive businesses and organizations to display a decal of the logo in their windows.

The six-colored image depicts the various themes that were explored throughout the campaign:

*Welcome me (purple) — expand awareness and serve people with autism

*Learn with me (red) — create educational opportunities

*Work with me (green) — employ people with autism

*Play with me (blue) — create recreation and leisure opportunities

*Partner with me (gold) — Create social supports and civic engagement opportunities

*Celebrate with me (orange) — Recognize and celebrate autism champions

Sandhaas considered the program a success as she looked back at the assorted activities and discussions that ensued throughout the recent campaign.

“Our hope was to broaden awareness of autism, acceptance of people on the autism spectrum and open new possibilities for employment, community involvement and social acceptance for those on the spectrum,” Sandhaas said.

While the campaign has officially come to a close, Matejka said the work has just begun.

“We’ve had some businesses respond positively, and we will continue working with them,” Matejka said. “We want to continue to build community awareness.”

Efforts to advocate for persons with autism have extended beyond McLean County. In Springfield, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would make ID cards available to persons with autism.

If approved, the cards could be presented to first responders and other related professionals in emergency situations.

“I am committed to helping bring awareness and understanding about autism,” state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, who sponsored the legislation, said in a statement. “Individuals with autism often are misunderstand and their behavior misinterpreted, which is why an autism ID card is necessary.”

Kifowit added, “My legislation makes it easier for law enforcement and first responders to be able to quickly and property understand a situation.”

— McLean County organizations advocate for persons with autism —