EMU Today

YPSILANTI — New York Time Best Selling author Ron Fournier headlines the second annual Green March for Autism Acceptance April 12 at Eastern Michigan University.

Fournier, publisher, Crain’s Detroit Business, is a nationally respected journalist who wrote the best-selling book, “Love That Boy: What Two Presidents, Eight Road Trips, and My Son Taught Me About a Parent’s Expectations.” The book shares refreshingly honest self-reflections, perceptions and questions about his journey as a parent of a son with autism.

The march will begin at 3 p.m. in the EMU Student Center food court and will end at the Porter building. Event partners include the Autism Alliance of Michigan, the Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy and the EMU Autism Collaborative Center.

“Autism is not a choice, but acceptance is,” said Callie Boik, director, EMU’s College Supports Program, College of Health and Human Services, one of the event organizers.

One in 68 American children are born today with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Join the march to help improve autism awareness, advocacy and acceptance,” said Sally Burton-Hoyle, associate professor, Special Education, College of Education, another one of the event organizers. “Help promote understanding of the strengths, talents and contributions that individuals with autism bring to EMU and to the wider community.” 

For more information, contact Ted Coutilish at 734.487.2483 or tcoutili@emich.edu.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.