Becomean Autism Speaks Lighting Partner-Frequently Asked Questions
What is autism?
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders — autism spectrum disorders — caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by social challenges, communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors. Autism now affects 1 in every 68 children.
What is Autism Speaks?
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Our mission is to change the future for all who struggle with autism.
What is Autism Awareness Month and why does it matter?
Each April 2, Autism Speaks, along with the international autism community, celebrates the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day. In honor of this historic day, Autism Speaks asks iconic landmarks, buildings and universities around the globe to kick off Autism Awareness Month by LightingUp Blue. Light It Up Blue spreads awareness and acceptance all over the world, which helps promote earlier diagnosis and intervention, and reduces stigma, particularly in underserved communities where autism is not well understood.
What buildings and landmarks have gone "blue" in the past?
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,the SagradaFamilia in Barcelona,Capitol Tower in Los Angeles, and many others.
What products do I need to light our building(s) blue for Autism Awareness Month in April 2015 and how can I order these products?
Lighting options vary depending on how you would like your building to “go blue.” For example, you can ask your Facilities Manager to switch LED lights to blue, or cover existing exterior lighting fixtures with blue gel sheets. Most buildings are able to cover their exterior fixtures with one 24” x 25’ Roll, which can be ordered for approximately $117. You can order these products by visiting the link below:
Order Autism Speaks Blue Gel Sheets
If you would prefer to order blue light bulbs for your building then you can purchase Phillips Light It Up Blue Bulbs from Home Depot:
Order Blue Light Bulbs from Home Depot
Other options include projecting the Autism Speaks puzzle piece or Light It Up Blue logo on the walls of your building using a GOBO projector or simply light the front entrance light blue. The Autism Speaks website has all the information you need to decide how you would like to light it up blue:
Autism Speaks: How to Light It Up Blue
Will I receive additional promotional materials from Autism Speaks?
Please reach out to your Autism Speaks contactfor more information on promotional materials including posters, brochures, signs, press release templates and other helpful resources.
What other ways can we show our support along with lighting our building blue?
-Placing posters in entrances or public areas with information about Autism Speaks and World Autism Awareness Day;
-Displaying an elevator slide highlighting Light It Up Blue and Autism Awareness Month;
-Encouraging employees to wear blue on April 2nd, taking a group staff photo, and posting on social media with the hashtag #LIUB to show up on Autism Speaks’ Light It Up Blue website at
-Fundraise during the month of April in your company offices, or in stores.
-Host a “Hit the Switch” gathering on April 2nd when your building goes blue and invite the local media to raise awareness about your company’s involvement in the cause.
Who do I contact to sign up and ensure our building(s) go blue in April 2015?
Please send your name, title, phone number, email address, building name and address toYOUR NAME, YOUR TITLEat YOUR r PHONE NUMBER. He/ She will send you a confirmation email and you ensure your toolkit is sent to you.