WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Smith & Warren is pleased to announce a continuation of their partnership with the Autism Society of Greater Orlando (ASGO) for Autism Awareness Month in April 2024. This marks the second year of this partnership with 10% of proceeds from the sale of Blue Autism Awareness Badges donated to cause partner ASGO. In 2023, Smith & Warren met its goal of a $5,000 fundraising donation and, with the rising popularity of the program, our goal for 2024 is to exceed this amount. ASGO’s Autism Awareness Training for First Responders was developed in partnership with public safety agencies and has trained over 40,000 first responders to date.
The color blue was specifically chosen for autism awareness since the color is associated with calmness and acceptance. Acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity are what make ASGO’s program so special. “We believe this is an important cause because interactions between public safety workers and people on the autism spectrum happen regularly,” says Lee Galperin, President of Smith & Warren. “By supporting a program that provides training on recognizing people on the autism spectrum and fostering positive interactions, we hope to bring awareness to this type of program. We are proud to support ASGO and their incredible work.”
“With the rate of autism increasing to 1 out of 36 children (CDC, 2023), the chances of officers coming into contact with someone on the spectrum is great, “ says Donna Lorman, President of ASGO. “They need the tools to ensure a successful interaction between the officer and the individual on the spectrum.” ASGO’s training program is committed to having individuals on the autism spectrum play a part in the training sessions they host. “We never train on autism without autism being present and represented,” says Lorman. “The partnership with Smith & Warren has started strong and we hope to work with them and the blue awareness badge program for years to come.”
Smith & Warren is a leading manufacturer of metal badges and insignia for public safety professionals. All Smith & Warren custom badges are made in the USA in one wholly owned facility in White Plains, NY. Smith & Warren is recognized in the industry for high quality, short lead times, and excellent customer service. To learn more about Smith & Warren visit www.smithwarren.com
Autism Society of Greater Orlando (ASGO) was founded in 1996 by a group of volunteer parents to better assist families of children and adults with autism in the Central Florida area. The mission or goal of the ASGO is that all individuals within the autism spectrum will be provided a lifetime network of opportunities to become fully accepted, included, and actively participating members of our community, through family support, education, advocacy, and public awareness.