Fitness Inclusion Network

Today, June 19th, is Juneteenth. On June 19, 1865, enslaved black people in Texas were emancipated. Today became known as Juneteenth by the newly freed people in Texas. This is our second Independence Day, although it has been celebrated by the African American community for many years.

Today, Thursday, June 18th, is Autistic Pride Day. It is celebrated every year on June 18th and is dedicated to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), for them to be autistic and celebrated for who they are. The rainbow infinity symbol signifies the diversity of individuals with ASD and the endless opportunities and differences within the autistic community.

Today, June 17, is CDKL5 Awareness Day. CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder is a rare X-linked genetic disorder that manifests in the first few weeks or months of life with early-onset seizures. It is a neurological disorder that causes treatment-resistant seizures and often severe developmental and cognitive impairments. It affects girls more but 10-20% are boys. The CDKL5 gene was first discovered in 2004, and it was originally considered to be a variant of Rett Syndrome, but in 2012 it was officially considered a separate and distinct disorder. For more information, click the link. https://www.cdkl5research.org/what-is-cdkl5

International Albinism Day was on Saturday, June 13th. Albinism is a rare non-contagious condition that is genetically inherited at birth. The condition is found in both sexes, regardless of ethnicity, in all countries around the world. Albinism is the lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin, and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light. Almost all people with Albinism are visually impaired and are prone to developing skin cancer. If you want to learn more, click the linkhttps://www.un.org/en/observances/albinism-day

Museum of Science & Technology - MOST is having their monthly sensory-friendly time on Sunday, June 21st from 9-11 and 4-6. Sounds are turned down, air compressors are turned down, and lighting is turned down. It is free for members, $9 for adults, and $7 for youth and seniors non-members. Assistants are always free.

This Saturday, June 13th, is National Get Outdoors Day. The Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, and others, will be hosting Get Outdoors & Get Together events throughout New York. This event is to encourage active outdoor fun. You can try fishing, archery, kayaking, bird watching, and more at many locations across the state. To find a location near you, click the link https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/outdoors-day

June 7th was International Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day. Billie Eilish was recently on Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast. In this podcast, Eilish talked about her experiences with Tourette's Syndrome. She says that as a person with Tourette's, she can control her tics, but some people can't. She has to work really hard to suppress them. To learn more, click the link. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/may/06/billie-eilish-suppress-tourette-syndrome-tics-amy-poehler

Bobbie Lea Bennett was a wheelchair user and had a rare bone disease called osteogenesis imperfecta. She was a disability and transgender advocate. After having gender conforming surgery that she was told would be covered by Medicare, her claim was denied without explanation. She took her fight to the Medicare director's office thousands of miles from her home, demanding to be seen by the director to talk about why. After this conversation, policy changes were implemented, and she was reimbursed.

Today, June 8, is World Brain Tumor Day. Today we raise awareness about brain tumors and support those affected by them. There are two different brain tumors: benign and malignant. Benign tumors develop slowly and respond well to surgery and other therapies. Malignant tumors are cancerous growths within the brain and develop aggressively and quickly. It is important to detect brain tumors early so that they can receive proper medical attention. To learn more, click the link. https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/articles/world-brain-tumour-day

Do you know about the blue envelope program? It's a program to help law enforcement officers recognize and adapt their approach when they interact with a driver with autism. It also provides the drivers with a tool to reduce anxiety and help them prepare. The envelope should be in an easily accessible and visible location within the vehicle. To learn more about this program, click the link. https://nysheriffs.org/blue-envelope/