From sensory-friendly classes in yoga and Zumba® to a silent disco with headphones to a sensory-friendly planetarium show and everything in between, Autism Acceptance Month on West Chester University’s campus is all about spreading awareness and acceptance of autism. D-CAP, which provides support to degree-seeking West Chester University students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is offering a host of events and activities throughout the month of April at the University. All events and activities have been planned by the many neurodivergent students who comprise D-CAP and are free and open to the community.

Highlighting Autism Acceptance Month, the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation College Program at WCU will host an out-door Walk for Autism on Apr. 19 at 6:00 PM around the track at Farrell Stadium, located at 855 South New Street in West Chester (South Campus); members of WCU’s Golden Rams football team will join the walk. Community members are invited to take the 1.36-mile stroll. The walk’s distance recognizes that one in 36 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The walk, which costs $15 per person to participate, precedes the annual spring football game; all walkers are welcome to register at the event.

The popular WCU Golden Rams football scrimmage will follow at 7:00 PM, rain or shine, at Farrell Stadium. Before the game, a D-CAP student will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at 6:55 PM. Student members of the University’s chapter of the Philadelphia Eagles Foundation will sell raffle tickets, apparel, wristbands, and other merchandise.

Capping-off Autism Acceptance Month will be a celebration of D-CAP graduates. Ten (10) D-CAP seniors will don caps and gowns on Apr. 29 as they participate in a graduation ceremony that will have family and friends watching with pride.

“Having an inclusive campus is critical for all of our students, faculty, staff, and community members,” said Director of Autism Services/Dub-C Autism Program Cherie Fishbaugh. “I am especially proud that the West Chester University community embraces knowledge, acceptance and inclusion of our diverse learners. D-CAP extends its sincerest gratitude to its many campus partners. It is with support that D-CAP is and will continue to be able to spread inclusivity and acceptance of autism and neurodiversity.”

Autism Acceptance Month partners for 2024 include West Chester University’s Student Recreation Center, the Mather Planetarium, West Chester University Libraries, the WCU Alumni Association, the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation College Program at West Chester University, EmpowerU Specialty Fitness, and the Fitness Factory.

Discover the many sensory-friendly activities that all are invited to immerse themselves in at West Chester University during Autism Acceptance Month.

Learn more about West Chester University (WCU), a comprehensive public institution offering a diverse range of more than 180 academic opportunities in 40 fields of study across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.