Each year, April is recognized internationally as World Autism Awareness Month, and the United Nations General Assembly designated April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. People around the globe come together and pledge to go BLUE to spread a message of acceptance and inclusion in support of those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For the last 21 years, HDS Companies has taken part in the “Light It Up Blue” pledge.

The HDS Foundation was founded in 2008 and has served as the driving force behind the numerous charitable efforts of HDS Companies. The Foundation encapsulates HDS Companies’ commitment to pursuing corporate social responsibility initiatives in the communities in which we live, work and learn by providing viable resources and opportunities that serve Teens and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder through community-based partnerships, as well as through the volunteer efforts of its workforce community service group, the HDS Contenders.

“Light It Up Blue” is just one of the many community outreach events supported by the HDS Foundation during World Autism Awareness Month. Later this month HDS Foundation will proudly sponsor, Florida Division on Career Development and Transition’s VISIONS Conference XXVI, the annual Tropical Nights Gala, benefiting University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), and the 2nd Annual Dan Marino Foundation Autism Awareness Block Party at Marino Campus Broward, a post-secondary school located downtown Fort Lauderdale.

HDS Companies invites you to support this worthy cause by donating, wearing your blue, posting an inspiring message in support of Autism Awareness. One post, one picture and even one act of kindness can create a ripple effect that has the potential to reach an audience far beyond your imagination.

Please join us, invite your family and friends, and let’s “LIGHT IT UP BLUE!”

Here are a few ways in which you can show your support:

• Wear your Autism shirt, wrist bands, badges or anything you have showing your support. If you do not have anything, just wear blue to show your support.

• Change the frame of your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter profile photo for the month just by adding #LightItUpBlue.

• Take and post a selfie and be sure to tag it with #LightItUpBlue You can personalize it by adding where you Light It Up Blue and with who.

• You can visit the Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue website for additional resources at autismspeaks.org/how-light-it-blue.

Fifty years ago, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and fair housing became law.  By signing the Civil Rights Act, President Johnson declared, “Now, with this bill, the voice of justice speaks again. It proclaims that Fair Housing for all, all human beings who live in this country, is now part of the American way of life.” 

Co-sponsored by Senators Edward Brooke and Walter Mondale, the Fair Housing Act sought to end residential segregation and ensure all Americans had access to safe and decent housing.  The Act initially prohibited discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on color, race, national origin and religion. Later, the Act was amended to prohibit discrimination based on sex, disability, and familial status.

As part of our corporate social responsibility, and as a proponent for assisting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities who seek safe, affordable housing, HDS Companies is proud to promote and support this excellent campaign for fair housing. For more information on Fair Housing, please visit https://www.nationalfairhousing.org.