The Autism Program of Illinois and AMC Theaters partner on Autism Awareness Month Activities

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr. 1, 2011 - The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) today announced a partnership with AMC Theaters designed to promote Autism awareness among moviegoers across the state of Illinois.  April is World Autism Awareness Month, and during the month special public service announcements will appear on 167 screens at select AMC Theaters across Illinois.

The public service announcement, entitled “29,000”, informs viewers that 29,000 Illinois children have an Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  The PSA may be viewed on YouTube at the following link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6Ig_6FY1Ig.  The PSA directs viewers to a new website, http://www.29000.org, to increase awareness and support for individuals with ASDs.




The 29000.org website was unveiled today to celebrate the beginning of Autism Awareness Month.  The PSA will also be featured on and available from the TAP web site and the organization’s social networking page on Facebook.

Georgia Winson, executive director of The Hope Institute for Children and Families, lead agency for TAP, said: “We are very excited to lend a voice to the children in Illinois with an ASD and to educate others who may have heard of Autism, but want to learn more. Autism Awareness Month is a national initiative, but we wanted to focus on the children in our communities where the need for continued support and understanding is most important.”

“AMC is an excellent partner and strategically selected theaters that are in or near communities where we have TAP Centers. This promotes many layers of awareness, including seeing the advertisements in theaters, visiting the website and having the option for direct contact at centers in participants’ own communities,” said Winson.

The participating theaters are
•   600 North Michigan 9, Chicago
•   River East 21, Chicago
•   Showplace Cicero 14, Cicero
•   Showplace New Lenox 14, New Lenox
•   Webster Place 11, Chicago
•   Showplace 12, Edwardsville
•   Showplace Carbondale 8, Carbondale
•   Savoy 16, Savoy
•   Showplace Mattoon 10, Mattoon
•   Showplace Springfield 8, Springfield
•   Showplace Pekin 14, North Pekin; Willow Knolls 14, Peoria
•   Showplace Rockford 16, Rockford

The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) is the nation’s largest statewide autism services and resource network. Administered by The Hope Institute for Children and Families, TAP has 12 regional centers across Illinois, and more than 30 partners, including universities and nonprofit organizations providing diagnosis, treatment and support to children with an ASD and their families.

For more information visit: http://www.29000.org

EDITORS NOTE:  Media contacts are available at each of the 12 TAP centers across Illinois.