From OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Owens Community College will host its fifth annual Autism Awareness Week, March 30 – April 3, bringing together students, faculty, community members, and regional experts for a series of events designed to raise awareness of autism and neurodivergence and connect attendees with helpful resources.
All events are free and open to the public. The week coincides with April being designated Autism Awareness Month in the United States, with National Autism Awareness Day falling on Thursday, April 2.
Events during Autism Awareness Week include:
- Autism awareness discussion panel – Monday, March 30 at 11 a.m., College Hall 100
- Panelists with personal and professional connections to autism will share their experiences. Panelists include Jennifer Repka, board of directors member for Avenues for Autism; Katelyn Stevens-Merzke, mother of two sons with autism and ADHD, and Owens adjunct professor; and Rachael Brooks, Owens occupational therapy assistant student who was recently diagnosed with autism.
- Neurodivergent-friendly networking expo – Tuesday, March 31, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Veterans Hall 201
- Neurodivergent students and community members are invited to network with transfer educational institutions and employer partners from across northwest Ohio in an environment with their needs in mind.
- Autism awareness workshop – Thursday, April 2, from 2 – 4 p.m., College Hall 100
- The workshop will feature four breakout sessions led by regional experts and Owens faculty, including Dr. Clarissa Barnes, associate professor of special education and counseling services at Owens; Chris Hendricks, director of the Disability Resource Center at Owens; and Dr. Kristin Price, professor of psychology at Owens.
- The BIG Read: “Faces Of” art exhibit – Opens Thursday, April 2, and is on display throughout April, Heritage Hall Lounge
- An exhibit of student-created artwork exploring themes of identity and lived experience connected to autism and neurodivergence. Pieces were created as part of coursework across multiple Owens programs and will remain on display throughout the month.
