Chester County Intermediate Unit
Media Release
April 3, 2025
Chester County Intermediate Unit Celebrates World Autism Awareness Day with Countywide Initiatives
Contact:
Christa Fazio Raechel Meyer
Communications, Marketing and Engagement Director Communications Specialist
Chester County Intermediate Unit Chester County Intermediate Unit
484-237-5171 | christaf@cciu.org 484-237-5338 | raechelm@cciu.org
DOWNINGTOWN, PA – On April 2, 2025, the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) proudly hosted a countywide celebration for World Autism Awareness Day, highlighting the strengths, talents, and contributions of students with autism while fostering awareness across local schools and communities.
The event placed a spotlight on students with autism, dedicated staff members, and classrooms throughout Chester County. Through a series of engaging activities and educational opportunities, CCIU reinforced its commitment to supporting individuals with autism and their families.
A key feature of the day was the distribution of Autism Peer Awareness Kits, developed in collaboration with the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). These kits, provided to school administrators across Chester County, offer vital resources and practical strategies to help foster peer-to-peer understanding in classrooms.
“We are honored to partner with CCIU to provide these essential resources,” said Kimberly Ha, senior director of research and programs at OAR. “Peer education is a crucial step toward creating more supportive learning environments where all students feel understood and valued.”
The celebration also featured a wealth of educational, community, and family resources designed to empower and support individuals with autism and those who care for them. Through informative sessions and direct engagement with local organizations, families and educators gained valuable insights into available services and best practices for fostering a supportive learning environment.
Peer awareness efforts were a focal point of the event, as CCIU introduced innovative ways for students to engage in meaningful conversations about autism. The OAR Peer Awareness Kits provided teachers and students with practical guidance to enhance support and understanding.
“We are incredibly proud of the work being done to elevate autism acceptance and to provide schools with the tools they need to foster supportive communities,” said Kristen Powell of the CCIU Training and Consultation Team. “Through collaboration with OAR and the dedication of our educators, we are making strides toward a more informed school culture.”
Through continued collaboration with organizations like OAR and the dedication of our educators, CCIU remains committed to building a future where all learners are empowered to succeed.
For more information about autism-related resources and CCIU’s initiatives, please visit www.cciu.org or contact Kristen Powell at kristenp@cciu.org or 484-237-5311.
Photo (Left): An Autism Acceptance Day “Save the Date” promotional card stands alongside the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Peer Awareness Kit, highlighting the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s event on April 2, 2025.
Photo (Right): School administrators review the OAR Peer Awareness Kits, which provide educators with resources and strategies to foster understanding and support for students with autism across Chester County schools.
About the CCIU: The Chester County Intermediate Unit is an educational service agency that exists to provide quality, cost-effective services to the community and its residents. The Chester County Intermediate Unit administers instructional, enrichment and administrative programs and services to Chester County’s 12 public school districts and to over 45 private and parochial schools in the county. These programs include instructional, remedial and enrichment services for regular and special education students. Other IU services support teachers, school administrators and school directors. The diversity of CCIU programs enables IU staff to interact with school district personnel at all levels and to maintain a cohesive educational network throughout Chester County.
About OAR: The Organization for Autism Research is a national non-profit organization formed and led by relatives of children and adults with autism. OAR is dedicated to promoting research that can be applied to help families, educators, caregivers, and individuals with autism find much-needed answers to their immediate and urgent questions. Learn more at their website: www.researchautism.org.
The post Press Release: OAR Partners with CCIU to Promote Peer Education Across Chester County, PA first appeared on Organization for Autism Research.
