5th Annual Autism Acceptance Video Game Tournament

Video Games tournament spreads autism awareness [VIDEO]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2016

Video Game Tourney to spread message of Autism Acceptance

Community can learn about condition that affects hundreds of thousands in U.S.

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Bellevue College will hold the fifth-annual Autism Acceptance Video Game Tournament during National Autism Awareness Month on Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. to increase understanding about autism and raise community awareness of its innovative Autism Spectrum Navigators program.

Admission to the event is free and for just $10, players of all ages can enter and compete in a Nintendo Wii U Super Smash Bros. tournament, with prizes handed out to the top competitors. Past year’s prizes have included systems, games, and other exclusive items from the Microsoft Xbox Development Team, Fish, Suckerpunch Productions, and ArenaNet among others. All video game equipment will be provided.

Other attractions include:

  • Student panel from the Autism Spectrum Navigators Program with Q & A
  • Trevor Pacelli, alumni, author, & university graduate will speak about his experiences in college
  • Vendors, a quiet room, kids’ play room, board games, food for purchase, and more!

Bellevue College created the Autism Spectrum Navigators program in 2011 to help autistic students successfully gain access to campus programs and services. Students in the program utilize a network of support, including meetings each week with trained peer mentors and participation in cohort classes along with their chosen programs of study. Other colleges are taking notice: Central Washington University partnered with Bellevue College and started their own Autism Spectrum Navigators program last spring. BC is currently in talks with several other colleges and universities interested in bringing the ASN program to their campuses.

“Part of our mission is to educate the campus and community about autism spectrum disorders to dispel the myths that abound about autism. Autistic students deserve to be recognized for the diversity and strengths they bring to our community,” said ASN Program Director Sara Gardner, who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder herself.

WHAT:  Fifth-annual Autism Acceptance Video Game Tournament

WHEN:  Saturday, April 9; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE:  Student Union, C Building, Bellevue College, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue, WA

WHO:  People of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in the tournament

COST:  Free admission to event; $10 fee to participate in the tournament

PARKING: Free weekend parking on the Bellevue College campus. Metro Transit route 271 stops on the Bellevue College campus.

QUESTIONS:  Visit http://www.facebook.com/ASNavigators or contact (425) 564-2764 or asn@bellevuecollege.edu

Media Contact:

Evan Epstein | Public Relations Manager

(425) 564-2486| evan.epstein@bellevuecollege.edu

Last Updated April 14, 2016