Thu, Jun 5, 2008, 11:29 PM | Newsletter
e-Speaks || June 6, 2008
NASCAR “Best Buy 400 benefiting Student Clubs for Autism Speaks” Raises Funds and Awareness
The “Best Buy 400 benefiting Student Clubs for Autism Speaks” NASCAR race, which was won by Kyle Busch on June 1, 2008 at Dover International Speedway, raised $76,000. The race not only raised funds from ticket sales and fan donations, but it also generated tremendous awareness for autism and the new Student Clubs for Autism Speaks program. Read more and view photos here.
Chevrolet Contributes $1 Million to Autism Speaks and Increases Autism Awareness Nationwide
The Help Chevy Help Autism campaign, held during Autism Awareness Month in April, resulted in Chevy donating $1 million to support the efforts of Autism Speaks. During the promotion, more than 58,000 visitors to autismspeaks.organd chevy.com took a free virtual test drive of the all-new Chevy Malibu, the 2008 North American Car of the Year. Read more.
Weekend Walks Raise Nearly $450,000
Nearly 6,000 walkers raised almost $450,000 at Walk Now for Autism events in Wheeling, W.Va. and Paramus (Northern), N.J. Read more and view photos and video from the Wheeling and Northern New JerseyWalks. Walk Now for Autism events occur this weekend in seven cities in the United States and Canada – click here to find a Walk near you.
Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey Lead “Green Our Vaccines Rally”
The Green Our Vaccines Rally, intended to promote safer vaccines, was lead by celebrities Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey and sponsored by Talk About Curing Autism (TACA), Generation Rescue, HEAL Foundation and Moms Against Mercury. The event, which took place June 4 in Washington, D.C, began with a march through the streets of the nation’s capitol and concluded at a rally site in front of the Capitol Building. Read more and watch video here.
Autism Insurance Bill is Moving Forward in New Jersey
New Jersey has become the latest state to address autism insurance reform legislation in its statehouse. Assembly Bill 2238 and Senate Bill 1651 will include coverage for therapies such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and evidence-based behavioral interventions, including applied behavioral analysis and other evidence-based, medically-necessary treatments. Autism Speaks and New Jersey COSAC are working together to move these bills forward. To receive updates on the New Jersey legislation, read the bills and find out what you can do to help pass A2238 and S1651, visit www.autismvotes.org/newjersey. To stay informed about autism insurance reform legislation in your home state, sign up for action alerts here.
Autism Speaks Honored with Prestigious Advertising Effectiveness
Autism Speaks’ public service announcement campaign, “Odds”, was awarded a prestigious Bronze Effie Award in the PSA category at the 2008 Effie Awards Gala in Manhattan last night. The Effie Awards recognize the most effective advertising campaigns of the year. In its first two years, the campaign has garnered more than $115 million in donated media, and according to Ad Council research, it has directly resulted in a 43-percent increase in autism awareness. Read more and watch video of the awards gala here. Award
Autism Speaks Launches Spanish Language Materials to Enhance Bilingual Awareness Efforts
In an effort to better convey important information about autism to Spanish speakers, Autism Speaks has begun to make key pages on its web site, including What Is Autism?,Facts, FAQ, Learn the Signs, and Diagnosis available in Spanish. The organization is also releasing a new Spanish-language version of its 100 Day Kit this summer for newly diagnosed families and has created Walk Now for Autism materials in Spanish. Read more.
Over 1500 Newly Diagnosed Families Have Received the 100 Day Kit
In late February, Autism Speaks launched its 100 Day Kit, a personalized resource to assist families in getting through the critical time following an autism diagnosis. During the first 100 days following the kit’s release, the family services team spoke with, and personalized kits for over 1500 families who had recently received a diagnosis of autism. In addition, thousands of visitors to autismspeaks.org viewed the online version of the kit. Read more.
Score a Hole-in-One in the Autism Speaks Golf Shop
Hit the links in style while promoting autism awareness with the newest items available in the Autism Speaks online store. The Autism Speaks Golf Shop now offers polo shirts for men and women, caps and golf balls, all with the Autism Speaks logo. Dad’s not a golfer? How about a fabulous tie from the Autism Speaks online store? Order Father’s Day presents now from the Autism Speaks online store!
In Their Own Words: Follow Your Feelings
In our latest “In Their Own Words” essay, a mother tells how she found success in simply following her feelings when trends in treatment didn’t seem appropriate for her daughter with autism.
Read more.
International Badass Activists 