Microsoft, Software Startup Host Autism Events Throughout April
TROY (WWJ) -- The Microsoft store at Somerset North in Troy will host a series of events on autism in April in partnership with InSilico, a company founded by West Bloomfield Township resident Calvin Gee that produces software to help children with autism.
One in 88 children is now diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, so almost everyone is affected by autism in some way. All throughout April, in honor of Autism Awareness Month, these two companies have teamed up with some of the top organizations and leaders within the special needs community to cover topics such as Autism 101, community resources, assistive technology and more.
The public is invited to attend these free events at the Microsoft store at Somerset, 2800 W. Big Beaver Road.
The schedule is:
* Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 at 9 a.m.: Autism 101 and Kickoff Brunch - Presented by Easter Seals
* Saturday, April 12 at 9 a.m.: Educational Development -- The staff from Autism Compass will help attendees through the process of developing an individualized education plan.
* Monday, April 14 at 6 p.m.: Community Resources -- The presentation will focus on resources for children with autism including communication devices and many mobile applications that are currently available.
* Monday, April 21 at 6 p.m.: Henry Ford Autism -- This presentation aims to help educate families and individuals about the resources that the Henry Ford Health System offers.
Also, on Sunday May 4, there will be a Family Appreciation Night starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Weinberg Village inside the Friendship Circle, 6892 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield Township. The event focuses on networking and community building.
InSilico, a health and tech start up company that focuses on bringing software to better diagnose and treat autism, was started by Gee in 2011. Gee, 23, a West Bloomfield native and University of Michigan bioinformatics grad, became interested in autism activism through technology while attending Walled Lake Central High School. In addition to launching InSilico, Gee works full-time as executive director of digital operations and on-air personality with the Mojo in the Morning Show on 95.5 WKQI-FM in Detroit.
The events are free, but participants are asked to register in advance to save a space. Register at http://madeinsilico.com/event/. People can also text "AUTISM" to 95500 for more information.
