10 Reasons Why Individuals with Autism Should Wear the I’M A-OK® logo in Tulsa

Jennifer Sollars Miller, Co-Founder and Co-Director Autism Center of Tulsa & Autism Friendly Locations,

Autism Friendly Locations is a program designed to increase autism awareness and support by recognizing the I’M A-OK® logo as the official autism identification.

  1. Tulsa is the first Autism Friendly City in the United States declared by the Mayor and Tulsa City Council on June 5, 2014!
  2. All First Responders in Tulsa recognize the I’M A-OK® logo as the official autism identification.
  3. Autism is an invisible disability. There are no defining physical features or supports to identify their disability.
  4. Autism affects 1 in 68 and is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. By wearing identification, we are spreading awareness.
  5. Behaviors associated with autism are oftentimes misunderstood by the public. Autism identification gives others a reason for a behavior, not an excuse.
  6. It is easier for individuals with autism to learn and practice newly acquired skills in an understanding environment where they are recognized as having a disability.
  7. Over 100 businesses have registered as Autism Friendly Locations in Tulsa. This means the business employees have been trained to recognize the I’M A-OK® logo and will understand that these individuals are covered under ADA.
  8. Safety concerns. It is a layer of protection. Individuals with autism may wander. Identification will alert the public that this person might need assistance or help.
  9. It will provide a level of comfort to individuals affected by autism. They will be more likely to participate in the community and utilize skills they have worked so hard to acquire through years of therapy. All of which will lead to increased independence.
  10. Individuals with autism have so much to offer! They are intelligent, curious, honest, and compassionate people. Giving them the proper supports (in the form of identification) will ultimately give them more opportunities to be active and meaningful members of the community.

*Our philosophy recognizes that giving labels is not appropriate in all situations. Individuals with autism WILL get labeled. We want to give them the correct one. 

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