iPad Sweepstakes – Autism Acceptance Month

In support of Autism Acceptance Month in April, Goody Awards launches a cause marketing campaign on April 2, 2012 (Autism Acceptance Day) that includes a sweepstakes on Facebook http://on.fb.me/H79U6R and Twitter bit.ly/H5FzdQ where individuals can make a difference by entering to give an iPad to an autistic child plus win an iPad (random drawing) thru April 30, 2012.

Dani Bowman, an autistic teen and social good leader in Los Angeles, will be recognized in April with a Golden Goody Award (like and Oscar for Social Good.) Dani animated and did the voice over for a new PSA (Public Service Announcement) with Rethinking Autism that will be released later this month, and she will select the autistic child who receives the iPad. Dani is currently doing a needs survey with Extra Special Kids on Facebook. If you have an autistic child and want to know how to apply to win for them, watch Dani’s VIDEO: Dani Bowman – Autism Acceptance Month.

This Goody Awards cause marketing campaign supports changing the conversation about Autism to acceptance and appreciation versus negative tones often associated with Autism Awareness Month. In 2002, the estimate was 1 in 150 American children had some form of autism, and with the new CDC (Center for Disease Control) estimate of 1 in 88 children, this 78% increase makes it’s even more important to increase our understanding. To recognize the many social good contributions of an individual who is changing this conversation, Goody Awards will be presenting a 17-yr-old Award-Winning Visual Effects Animator, Dani Bowman, who is autistic with a Golden Goody (our top award for Social Good.)

The iPad, like other computers, is an effective communications tool for many on the autism spectrum, as seen in the Apps for Autism story on 60 Minutes. The touch screen and layout make the iPad more accessible for children with coordination or learning difficulties; and these children may find sliding and tapping easier than either typing or writing. Moreover, the iPad can be easily carried, and thus is helpful for calming and focusing children on the go. (Social Good Shout Out #HeroGoody #GoodyAwards to former MySpace Designer and Manager, Charles Saltzman, for designing the sweepstakes graphics.)

There are many autistic children who love math, music, videos and games, and are making a great impact on digital entertainment. To help bring awareness to the digital entertainment community, Goody Awards will be speaking at a Digital LA Social Good startups event on Tuesday, April 3^rd in Los Angeles to kick off this campaign.

Enter our iPad Sweepstakes, and stay tuned for more news about the Golden Goody presentation to Dani Bowman, Powerlight Studios, and her new Rethinking Autism PSA (Public Service Announcement) later in April during Autistic Acceptance Month.

(c) Goody Awards, 2012