Making Autism Work in the Community Day at Coppin State University

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States today. In the state of Maryland, 1 in 49 children are diagnosed with autism. Autism may affect a person’s behavior and ability to communicate in social situations for a lifetime. Since April is Autism Awareness month, we are inviting individuals with autism, parents, caretakers, and community members to Coppin State to enjoy a day a fun and learning on campus. We will have a virtual reality demonstration, resume building workshop, mock interviews, employers attending for possible on site hiring, a forum dedicated to autistic Coppin State students where they will talk about the college experience, ask a first responder forum, and much more! Participants are also invited to our free Lady Eagle softball game where we will make a big announcement that you don’t want to miss! Hope to see you there!

Event goals:

1. To create a space for connections and information sharing to facilitate neurodiversity acceptance and inclusion.

2. Provide community resources (i.e., resume building, job opportunities, interactions with first responders) to autistic individuals and family members.

3. Provide autism-related instructional strategies to Coppin State faculty members.

4. Showcase some of Coppin State’s innovative programming and technology.

Event schedule:

9:00-9:15-Welcome

9:15-9:55-Resource Fair

10:00-10:45- Community Forum with First Responders

11:00-11:45- Autistic Coppin Student Forum

12:00-1:30- Free Softball Game Attendance for Families

2:00-3:00-Resource Fair

(Autistic individuals will be able to receive resume support from 9:15 am-9:55 am)

On-site mock interviews, on the spot job interviews, and online applications 12:00-3:00 pm