Kansas City, Kansas (NAPSI) - Whether it’s knitting, scrapbooking or finger painting with kids, millions of people in the U.S. take part in crafting. Many of them are also supporting an initiative to raise awareness about developmental disabilities and autism. It’s A.C. Moore’s Crafting a Better World for All Kids campaign.
Responding To A Need
It’s estimated that every year, 1 million children with unidentified disabilities enter school with learning and health issues that put them far behind their peers. A new case of autism is diagnosed every 20 minutes.
To address these issues, for the fourth year in a row, A.C. Moore has partnered with Easter Seals to support early intervention and autism services in communities that the stores serve. Crafters who shop at A.C. Moore are being asked to donate $1 at checkout to support Easter Seals.
To date, $500,000 has been raised by A.C. Moore for Easter Seals. Money raised during the campaign supports the Easter Seals Make the First Five Count® initiative, which offers free online screenings, early intervention and autism services, and gives thousands of children access to services that help them live, learn, work and play in the community.
Early Intervention Is Key
“We know that through early detection and individualized intervention, children with autism can make significant progress,” said Dr. Patricia Wright, MPH, Ph.D., Easter Seals national director of autism services.
If parents think their child may have a developmental delay or autism, they are urged to trust their instincts and share their concerns with their health care provider. Parents and grandparents can also monitor their child’s milestones at MaketheFirstFiveCount.org and take the Ages & Stages Questionnaire® if they are concerned about their child’s development.
A.C.Mooreis a specialty retailer offering a vast selection of arts, crafts and floral merchandise to a broad demographic of customers.
Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities.
To learn more, visit www.easterseals.com and www.acmoore.com.
