At this year's Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, we were excited to nominate and recognize Alex Curry with an Outstanding Community Volunteer award! Alex is an absolute rockstar volunteer at Hope Studios and has been volunteering up to 40 hours every week for nearly two years now. From organizing the Gallery to attending Studio events to collaborating with artists to assisting with sales during weekend events—Alex has done it all. They have built connections, learned job skills, and become a part of our Art Studio team.

We’re so grateful for everything Alex brings to the Studio and to the community, and this luncheon was a perfect opportunity to say THANK YOU!

Plant-based eating focuses on consuming foods derived primarily from plants, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Some people follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets, while others simply focus on reducing their intake of animal products. Vegetarians avoid meat but may consume dairy and eggs, while vegans eliminate all animal products, including dairy and eggs. A plant-based diet, on the other hand, does not have strict rules but emphasizes plant-based foods.

Research suggests that plant-based diets offer a variety of health benefits, including a reduced risk of diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. They can lead to improved cardiovascular health, and due to their high fiber content, can support weight management. They also have a lower environmental impact compared to diets rich in animal products.

Although a well-planned plant-based diet can be very nutritious, there are key nutrients to consider. Protein can be sourced from beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu, and quinoa. Vitamin B12, absent in most plant foods, must be obtained through fortified foods or supplements. Iron, found in spinach, tofu, and lentils, is less bioavailable from plants, so it’s beneficial to pair with vitamin C from citrus fruits to improve absorption. Fortified plant milks, kale, and calcium-set tofu are good sources of calcium. Omega-3 fatty acids, important for heart and brain health, are found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds, or can be supplemented with algae-based DHA. Zinc is abundant in fermented legumes, whole grains, and seeds. For vitamin D, sunlight exposure or supplements (like D2 or vegan D3) are essential. Iodine can be acquired from iodized salt or sea vegetables like nori.

A healthy plant-based diet follows the same general principles as any well-balanced diet—focusing on whole, minimally processed foods while ensuring adequate macro- and micro-nutrient intake. Consulting a registered dietitian can help tailor a plan to meet individual nutritional needs. Whether fully vegan, vegetarian, or simply incorporating more plant-based meals, making thoughtful food choices can support long-term health and well-being.

Simple plant-based swaps to try

Making plant-based choices may be easier than you think! Try these simple swaps:

• Meat—tofu, tempeh, seitan, jackfruit, chickpeas, or lentils
• Milk—almond, soy, oat, cashew, rice, or coconut milk
• Butter—vegan butter (made from coconut, olive, or avocado oils), coconut oil, or (most) margarines
• Eggs—tofu scramble, chickpea flour, flax/chia egg, mashed banana, or applesauce (for baking)
• Cheese—vegan cheese (made from nuts, soy, or coconut oil) or nutritional yeast

Thank you to the great group of students from the University of California San Diego who spent their spring break giving back! They traveled to Alaska for a week of service learning and volunteered for three days with Hope, from collaborating with our artists in Hope Studios to assisting our maintenance team.

Light it up Blue for Autism Awareness Day!

What is World Autism Month?

April is World Autism Month, a time dedicated to promoting understanding and acceptance of autism. April 2nd is specially recognized as World Autism Awareness Day. Throughout this month, we encourage discussions on the language and symbolism associated with autism and participation in events that promote wellness and inclusivity.

Autism Awareness Events in April

In honor of World Autism Month, join one or more of the following events to raise awareness and acceptance for Alaskans with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families, and supporters.

• April 2: Light it up Blue'! Every April, the world comes together to recognize World Autism Month, and on April 2nd—Autism Awareness Day—we invite you to 'Light It Up Blue' to show your support for the autism community! Light It Up Blue is a global initiative that encourages people, businesses, and landmarks to shine blue lights and wear blue in honor of people with autism. By participating, you will help spark conversations, raise awareness, and promote acceptance for autism.
  • 💡 Wear Blue – Show your support by dressing in blue and encouraging friends and family to do the same.
  • 💡 Light Up Your Space – Change your home or business lights to blue or display blue decorations.
  • 💡 Spread Awareness – Share autism facts, stories, and resources on social media using #LightItUpBlue and #AutismAcceptance.
  • 💡 Support Autism-Friendly Organizations – Donate, volunteer, or get involved with initiatives that empower people and families with autism.
• April 4: Join us at the Kenai Community Center for a FREE training on Understanding Autism, Neurodiversity, and Challenging Behaviors.
• April 26: The Alaska Autism Resource Center (AARC) is hosting an in-person Walk in Anchorage to raise awareness and acceptance for Autism. The event will feature family-friendly activities, and they will be giving away door prizes donated by the community. Click here for more details and to sign up.
• April 1-30: In an effort to get even more Alaskans involved in World Autism Month, the AARC and Special Education Service Agency (SESA) are also hosting a virtual Walk-a-Thon for the month of April. Click here for more details and to sign up.

This event is free to join and allows you to show your support by walking, rolling, or moving how you choose! You can also order your Walk T-Shirt and are automatically entered to win our Walk-a-thon prize give-aways.

The History of Autism Iconography

Language and the symbols we use have tremendous power in shaping how we view our world and ourselves. Words and symbols can have different meanings for different people, and they can evolve over time. The same symbol may have different meanings for different people. This is also true when it comes to autism and the evolution of how we speak about and represent it. Throughout history, autism iconography has evolved, reflecting a shift toward more respectful, person-centered language and a continued effort to destigmatize autism. The first symbol widely recognized as representing autism was the puzzle piece, designed in the National Autistic Society (NAS) in 1963 to represent the complexity of the condition. Notably, this symbol was created by a non-autistic individual, NAS board member Gerald Gason.

In 1999, The Autism Society of America introduced the puzzle piece ribbon and shifted language toward person-centered language, using terms like "person with autism." The puzzle pattern was brightly colored to signal hope, and the interconnected pieces reflected the diversity of people and families with autism. This symbol came into widespread use when the organization Autism Speaks used them in large nationwide awareness campaigns in the early 2000s. Some people in the autistic community have negative associations with the puzzle piece symbol due to its association with words and phrases like 'puzzling,' 'mysterious,' and 'missing a piece'. Because of this, the iconology evolved again into a rainbow-colored infinity symbol to signify the infinite diversity and possibilities within the autism spectrum.

Beyond the puzzle piece and infinity symbol, other symbols have also been introduced to represent autism, including the butterfly, symbolizing transformation and the beauty of diversity, and the color blue to represent calmness and the need for community-wide acceptance of autism. The "Light It Up Blue" campaign uses the color blue to promote autism awareness and encourage greater understanding and support.

Since the 2010s, there has been a growing movement toward identity-first language, such as referring to someone as an “autistic person” rather than a “person with autism.” Many in the autism community prefer this terminology because it acknowledges autism as an integral part of their identity rather than something separate. This shift reflects a broader acceptance and celebration of neurodiversity, recognizing autism as a natural and fundamental aspect of who someone is.

The concept of neurodiversity has gained significant recognition in recent years. This perspective acknowledges that neurological differences, including autism, are natural variations of the human experience. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, neurodiversity promotes the idea that they should be respected and valued. The adoption of neurodiversity-friendly language within autism advocacy reflects a commitment to inclusivity and respect for all people.

The Impact of Language and Symbols

Language and symbols play a powerful role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes. The evolution of terminology and iconography in the autism community is more than just a linguistic shift—it represents a cultural movement toward acceptance, respect, and empowerment. When we use respectful, person-centered language, we recognize and value autistic individuals for who they are. Throughout April, we encourage everyone to learn, reflect, and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Increasing understanding and inclusivity will make the world a more supportive and accepting place for everyone.

Source: Autism Learning Partners. Symbols for Autism.

More than 12 advocates attended the 38th annual Key Campaign in Juneau, Alaska, marking a strong return to in-person advocacy since the pandemic. With financial support from the Alaska Mental Health Trust, the Mat-Su Health Foundation and the Governor’s Council the campaign focused on five critical priorities—1) expanding early intervention services, 2) Continuing support to maintain the plan to eradicate wait lists, 3) modernizing guardianship statutes, 4) improving accessibility and funding for public transportation and 5) requiring universal changing spaces in public buildings.

Advocates met with nearly every legislator in the building, sharing personal stories and emphasizing the urgency of change. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski spoke with Key Campaigners, reaffirming her commitment to Medicaid and community disability services. Senator Cathy Giessel was recognized as this year’s " Gold Key Champion," honoring her dedication to supporting policies/funding that improve the lives of Alaskans with disabilities. The energy was high as attendees rallied on the Capitol steps, amplifying the campaign’s message of unity and disability rights.

The momentum does not stop here—we encourage our community to stay engaged by attending town halls, contacting legislators, and sharing stories. The Key Campaign is an example that when we come together, we make a lasting impact. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Remember to file your PFD by next Monday, and when you do. please give the gift of Hope by donating a portion of your PickClickGive to Hope. Whether you give $10, $100, or $1,000, every dollar will make a meaningful difference for people and families who experience disabilities!

Avian influenza, or bird flu, specifically the H5N1 strain, has been spreading among wild birds, poultry, and even some mammals across multiple states, leading to devastating effects on the poultry industry and significant economic losses. Since early 2024, about 68 human cases of bird flu have been reported. Thus, the CDC says the risk to the general public is low, but experts are keeping a close eye on it since the virus could change and start spreading more easily between people. The U.S. has stockpiled H5N1 vaccines just in case, and Moderna is working on new mRNA vaccines to prepare for any potential outbreaks.

Meanwhile, the 2024-2025 flu season has been severe, with about 41 million cases, 540,000 hospitalizations, and 23,000 deaths so far. Influenza A is the dominant strain this season. Hospitals have seen an increase in complications, particularly among young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions. Symptoms like high fever, body aches, fatigue, and persistent cough have been hitting hard. Health officials stress the importance of getting the annual flu shot, which can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Even if vaccinated individuals still get the flu, symptoms are typically milder, and recovery is faster. Other preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick can also help reduce the spread.

COVID-19 is still around too, with cases and hospitalizations rising from time to time, especially among unvaccinated and high-risk individuals. Health officials are monitoring new variants, and vaccines continue to do a good job of preventing serious illness. Booster shots are highly recommended for older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Staying informed, getting vaccinated, and practicing good hygiene are the best ways to protect yourself and those around you as these viruses continue to circulate.

Debunking Flu Myths