Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month

SAS will host events to promote acceptance understanding

April will celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, and Wednesday is World Autism Awareness Day, declared by the United Nations.

The Autism Society of America shifted from using “Autism Awareness Month” to “Autism Acceptance Month” in 2021.

“The awareness is already out there but, now, we wanna focus more on the acceptance part and understanding these individuals,” said Jarlin Chavez, a part-time employee for Student Accessibility Services and the lead mentor for Student Accessibility Mentoring Services.

The Rider asked Chavez about some of the challenges students with autism may face in educational spaces.

“Understanding these students with autism … understanding certain behaviors, you know,” she replied. “Certain professors or others may see certain behaviors as maybe rude or defiant.” 

Student Accessibility Services will host several events throughout the month.

A fidget giveaway will be held Wednesday in the SAS offices, located in University Center Room 108 on the Edinburg campus and in Music, Science and Learning Center Room 1.107 on the Brownsville campus. It will be a first-come, first-served event for the first 25 students wearing blue, the autism-acceptance color.

SAS will host a friendship bracelet event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 15 in the University Ballroom Cenizo Room on the Edinburg campus, and at the same time April 17 in Music, Science and Learning Center Room 1.105 on the Brownsville campus. 

For UTRGV students, SAS exists to provide equal access to university programs and services, promote student learning and development, foster independence and self-advocacy, and provide leadership to the campus on disability issues, according to its website.

“[Students] can stop by our office, call us or email us, but the first step is for them to complete an application online,” Chavez said on how to access these services. “… If students are unsure about some questions, they can come in person, and we can help them or assist them over the phone in completing the application.”

Reynaldo Reyes, program specialist for SAS, said the department’s main purpose is to provide students with disabilities the tools and accommodations they need to succeed in their academic journey.

“Student Accessibility Services is here to level the playing field for students,” Reyes said. “We provide academic accommodations to students with temporary or permanent disabilities, such as needing a note taker for a broken bone.”

The program specialist recalled a success story where SAS helped a student with state exam accommodations.

“We made adjustments to fit the student’s needs, ensuring they had an equal exam,” Reyes said. “The student did very well and later interned in Washington, D.C.”

He emphasized the importance of visibility for SAS services.

“We can’t reach out to students due to confidentiality, but we try to be visible,” Reyes said. “If you know someone with a need, just reach out to us.”

He encourages the community to be more compassionate. 

“Be aware and learn about the subject … and just educate yourself on the different scenarios that can happen, so you know how to respond better to the population,” Reyes said.                                                                                                                              

For more information about SAS and its resources, email ability@utrgv.edu, call (956) 665-7005 or visit its website.