Disabilities Education and Awareness on Comedy Central

An overwhelming amount of A-list star took the stage last Thursday evening to raise charitable donations and promote national disabilities education and awareness on Comedy Central.

The telethon, aptly named A Night of Too Many Stars, successfully raised several hundred thousand dollars for a host of national organizations.  Specifically, these organizations provide autism awareness and services for individuals with autism and their families.  Hosted by Jon Stewart, the television special drew the participation of many celebrities including George Clooney, Naomi Watts, Steve Carrel, and Robin Williams, among many others.  The event marked a noteworthy milestone as many high profile individuals stood together to spread disability awareness on the national stage.

At the onset of the event, host Jon Stewart reminded viewers that about 1 in 110 children are diagnosed as autistic (i).  “Tonight isn’t about curing autism or fighting it,” he continued.  “Tonight is about helping people that live with it now.”  Mr. Stewart’s distinction exemplifies much of the mission of Program Development Associates, and his words resonate powerfully with us.  Though finding cures for disabilities and disorders is imperative, proactive present-day action is perhaps more important.  Each of us has the ability to impact the lives of others in profound ways.  Spreading disability awareness is an essential catalyst, and none demonstrated this more than the stars of last Thursday night’s Comedy Central special event.

Just one of the beneficiaries of the event includes the Institute for Brain Development, based out of New York.  This organization conducts ongoing research in an effort to address the daily needs of individuals with autism-spectrum disorders, as well as other developmental disorders of the brain.

Spreading disability awareness and advocacy is perhaps the best way to support efforts to fund, study, and ultimately cure developmental disorders.  There are a range of disability products available to business professionals, educators, and parents who wish to become proactive advocates of disability.

(i)  http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/ent-life/articles/Too_Many_Stars_to_help_raise_money_for_autism.html