Alexis Wineman, former Miss Montana 2012, will join a panel discussion on Inclusive Education. The 2016 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) on Friday, April 1 will look ahead to 2030 and reflect on the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their implications for improving the lives of people with autism. The event is organized by the United Nations Department of Public Information and Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Miss Wineman, also voted by viewers of the 2012 Miss America Competition as the “America’s Choice” contestant, has been an active speaker since her 2012 reign ended. Wineman speaks about her diagnosis, which she received late at the age of 11, after many years of misdiagnosis and treatment. She is a regular speaker for Future Horizons, where she has presented among such notables as Dr. Temple Grandin, as well as headlined events for Jenny McCarthy. Wineman talks openly about being bullied because of her autism and how, with her family’s support, she was able to break out from being a shy introvert, whose only friend was a stuffed Winnie the Pooh doll, to a Miss America contestant and now public speaker. Wineman is currently in her third year of college in Alabama.
WHEN: Friday, April 1, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (event)
WHERE: United Nations Headquarters, Trusteeship Council Chambers
WHY: The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on the individuals, their families and communities. In the U.S., the Center for Disease Control estimates 1 in 68 children are identified with an autism spectrum disorder.
The stigmatization and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapies, an issue that must be addressed by both public policy-makers in developing nations, as well as donor countries. The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
About The Miss America Organization
The Miss America Organization, a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, is the nation’s leading advocate for women’s education and the largest provider of scholarship assistance to young women in the United States, awarding millions of dollars annually. The Miss America Organization is comprised of 52 licensed organizations, including all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Miss America contestants contribute tens of thousands of community service hours annually and have raised over $13 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Miss America scholarships since 2007.
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