Easter Seals and Google SketchUp Encouraging People to Sketch-A-Space for Autism Awareness

Who:

Join disability service providers from across the country, Denver-area residents and those interested in the autism community to learn about a new nationwide online contest supported by Google SketchUp and sponsored by Easter Seals, the leading service care provider for individuals living with autism. The contest calls for entrants to use the Google SketchUp software to design a room of their dreams for a chance to win $2,000 to make their space come true.    

What:

Easter Seals' Sketch-A-Space, a first-of-its-kind online contest, raises autism awareness, especially around the importance of life-long services and supports, and encourages development of design solutions to address the unique needs of people living with autism.  When it comes to living with autism, a person's physical space and environment can be particularly important. Many individuals with autism report increased sensitivity to sounds, smells, tactile and their visual stimuli.  

Why:

A lumpy chair, a flickering light, an incessant car alarm in the distance. Minor distractions for most, but for many people with autism, such basic components of a room – the buzz of florescent lighting, a zigzag pattern on carpet, a vibrant wall color, or random furniture arrangement – can often prove debilitating.  

Google SketchUp was originally developed for users to design and communicate in 3D. After its introduction, Google learned its free software was very popular among people with autism, many of whom are visually and spatially gifted and especially adept at creating 3D models. Today, Google SketchUp is helping people with autism use their strengths to express their creativity and develop marketable employment skills.

When & Where:

Monday, April 26 at 10 a.m.

Marriott City Center Hotel – Colorado Ballroom EF

1701 California Street, Denver, CO 80202 (303.297.1300)

Interview

Opportunities:

• Jim Williams, president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals
• Patricia Wright, Ph.D., MPH, national director autism services, Easter Seals
• Tom Wyman, Manager of Business Development, Google
• Maurice Snell, Sketch-A-Space judge and adult living with autism

About

Easter Seals:

Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com.

Contact:

Kristen Barnfield, [email protected] and 312.551.7147

Becky Offill, [email protected] and 708.253.7436