Local Homes, Schools Light Up Blue in Support of Autism Awareness

On April 2, 7,000 landmarks in 93 countries and seven contents  were lit blue in hopes of shedding more light and awareness on autism and on April 12, Kings Park schools will shine with blue lights to join in that support.

Local mom, a tireless supporter of autism awareness and research hopes that not only the schools light up blue, but also area homes is support of Autism Awareness Month, which is April.

Lanese’s involvement with the cause is personal; she has two sons who are autistic. Her tireless efforts include chairing the Autism Speaks Walk at Jones Beach, the largest such walk in America and sitting on the board of the Nassau Suffolk Autism Society of America.

“We do blue light bulbs on our porch,” said Lanese. “So this year I thought, why not see if we can get more to participate.”

As a result, the Kings Park High School Student Council and peer leadership program have been selling blue light bulbs at events along with t-shirts designed by students of the life skills class offered by the high school and a company called Spectrum, that employs individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

"They do beautiful work and provide meaningful employment," said Lanese. "My kids loved it and everyone who went got into it."

On Friday, students and teachers can show their support by wearing blue or even by getting a blue hair extension being offered at Shears of Elegance in Kings Park, the proceeds of the latter will be donated, including stylists tips, to the cause.

"It's all very exciting and the school district jumped in with two feet to support it," said Lanese. "We want our students educated and the more they know they better the school environment will be. The students have been some of our best ambassadors."