Another Way to Get A Message Out
November 12, 2007 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
A billboard on I-190 in the town of Niagara in upstate New York. The billboard reads “Buy A Home For Autism”: Monica Moshenko and her 14-year-old son, who has autisn, are planning to “sell their home, buy an RV and begin a cross-country tour to champion the cause of those with autism and other related disabilities,” the November11th Niagara Gazette notes. Definitely a bigger way to send out a message than via a puzzle ribbon car magnet……..
Nothing works quite like an old-fashioned billboard. And it runs with a free newspaper advertisement.
So long as they are ready for it, I applaud them for their journey. I would have a hard time getting displaced from my home and going around in a RV, but if that works for them, good for them. Of course, what exactly they would be doing is unclear to me.
Cliff
I dont know, I think this tour is whacky. selling the house going on tour?? If she bought a rv without selling the house, I wouldnt say anything.
I had heard earlier about this planned roadtrip—-I’m not sure how Charlie would handle being in an RV. He does like to get out and around, but I think that might be too much traveling.
You have something against puzzle ribbons and car magnets? Awareness ribbons and car magnets are common to many disability awareness efforts. Why disparage these tools that everyone can fit into their daily lives?
Some people live as regular life as possible and such tools help maintain a steady everyday awareness of particular disabilities. There is more to autism awareness than cross country trips or lecturing people about metaphors.
I do think, though, that there is a tackiness and a serious disregard of ribbons and novelties of that sort. For example, if you have a decal of an American flag on your car, it doesn’t really bring people to think about patriotic values. Some people might look and laugh, nothing that most of those decals are made in China.
There’s nothing wrong per se with having a ribbon or a magnet, but they’re just not effective. A person might look and say, “Well, that’s nice”. They might not even know what the cause is for. If the person isn’t already concerned, that sticker will be another dismissive reminder.
There is more to autism awareness than road trips and metaphors, but it isn’t all going to be found in decals and magnets.
Cliff
Hi
I am the mother who has been planning to go on the road in RV across the country to raise awareness about autism and disabiitllies with my 14 year old son. We can’t wait! As host of DisAbility News & Views Radio I plan to interview people in small towns and big cities for the next year so folks can share their experiences.. A documentary will be made and book after the road trip. My son also hosts his own radio show on his favorite subject, so we are thrilled to take this new journey in our lives to raise awareness and make a difference. Check out the radio show website at http://www.disabilitynewsradio.com and learn more about us.