Did you know that April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day? On this day, people worldwide honor individuals with autism by participating in the Light It Up Blue Campaign. This year, the Farmington Police Department, in conjunction with 4 Corners Families with Autism and the New Mexico Autism Society, will show their support as they host San Juan County’s Light It Up Blue Resource and Information Fair. The event will take place on Thursday, April 2 from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Farmington Civic Center.
This safety focused, free event will provide individuals and families the opportunity to explore resources available to people with special needs. Guest speakers will include representatives from law enforcement, the New Mexico Autism Society, and Special Olympics. Farmington Police Department will be present to assist individuals with completing the C.A.R.E. (Children and Residents Encounter) Special Needs Questionnaire. This voluntary form provides law enforcement and other first responders with critical information regarding individuals with special needs. Time is precious when a child is missing. First responders require accurate, up-to-date information to aid in their search efforts. Certain factors, such as a child’s special needs, may affect the way a search is conducted. Farmington Police Department’s C.A.R.E. questionnaire provides such information and is made readily available to first responders. The form may also be used for adults with special needs, such as Alzheimer’s or mental health issues.
Vendors at this year’s event will include:
- 4 Corners Families with Autism
- New Mexico Autism Society
- Farmington Police Department
- San Juan County Communications Authority
- San Juan Center for Independence
- United Health Care
- DD Waiver
- San Juan Pediatrics Outpatient Rehab
- Autism Strong
- Presbyterian Medical Services – Head Start, Early Head Start, & Roundtree
- Special Olympics
- The ARC
- Basin Coordinated
- Southwestern Home Health & Private Services
- San Juan County March of Dimes
- Navajo Nation Growing in Beauty Program
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Mexico
- Parents Reaching Out
- Farmington Exceptional Programs Office
- ATI
- UNM Autism Program at the Center for Development & Disabilities
- Pet Therapist (walk around for meet & greet)
Event Schedule:
3:30 – 8:30 p.m. Vendor Booths Open
4:30 p.m. Guest Speakers
6:30 p.m. Repeat of Guest Speakers
8:00 p.m. Light It Up Blue in Outside Courtyard
Guest Speakers:
Officer Derek Booker
Farmington Police Department
Sarah Baca – Executive Director
New Mexico Autism Society
Farmington Police Department Blog 