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Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to be lit blue to raise awareness for autism

The Daily Nonpareil - 3/31/2018

The Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Autism Action Partnership are collaborating in a cross-state event on Monday to help raise autism awareness. At 7:19 p.m., the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge will light up blue to mark World Autism Awareness Day, the kickoff of World Autism Month.

Participants will wear blue and gather on either the Iowa or Nebraska side of the bridge at 7 p.m. Each group will meet at the center of the bridge at 7:19 p.m. for the official lighting and some brief remarks from leaders. Sunset will actually occur at 7:50 p.m. on Monday.

The bridge will join a number of regional, national and international landmarks which will be lit blue on Monday to mark the day and raise awareness of autism.

Dr. Karoly Mirnics, director of MMI, said in a release he was pleased to take part in the worldwide event.

"In the wake of recent events, understanding of those on the autism spectrum has become more important than ever," Dr. Mirnics said. "Light It Up Blue is an attempt to educate the wider community about people living on the autism spectrum, to highlight what they can accomplish and to increase awareness and acceptance."

Autism Action Partnership is pleased to work with MMI to promote autism awareness, acceptance and activism, Michaela Ahrens, president of the organization, said in a statement.

"Our hope is for all individuals to be able to participate fully in community life - from where they go to school, where they get medical care, where they work, where they play and where they worship," Ahrens said. "We cannot accomplish this alone. We need an inclusive, supportive community to walk alongside us in pursuit of our mission."