You might have noticed that social media is looking a little blue today. No, it's not to promote Jay Z's music streaming service Tidal, like some artists did earlier this week, but rather to help out a good cause.
So what's the reason that everyone's social media avatars are blue? It's to support the Light It Up Blue Campaign by the advocacy organization Autism Speaks.
April 2 is National Autism Day, a day to spread awareness for the developmental disorder that affects one in 68 American children.
According to Autism Speaks, "thousands of iconic landmarks, communities, businesses and homes across the globe unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families around the world affected by autism," as part of the Light It Up Blue Campaign.
And while you will see New York's Empire State building light up blue tonight, people are also going blue for autism.
You may have noticed your Facebook friends asking you to wear blue today or seen selfies of people in blue on your Instagram feed. People are encouraged to change their profile pics on Facebook, Google +, Instagram and Twitter to show their support for the cause.
@CarlySimonHQ Today is World Autism Awareness Day! Retweet and Light It Up Blue for everyone with autism! #LIUB pic.twitter.com/b6vjHikumc
— Autism Speaks (@autismspeaks) April 2, 2015
Some are opting to share a picture promoting the Light It Up Blue campaign, or selfies of themselves wearing blue clothing or accessories with the hashtag #LIUB.
Don't forget to Light It Up Blue for World Autism Day. #AutismDay2015 #LIUB pic.twitter.com/p34HuW9Hfd — Alyssa Ashton (@AlyssaJAshton) April 2, 2015
Businesses and homes are also urged to put in blue light bulbs for the day.
Our office is adorned in blue for World Autism Awareness Day. Keep an eye open for more buildings to come! #LIUB pic.twitter.com/xNWYzcFRvV
— Color Kinetics (@ColorKinetics) April 2, 2015
kicking off Autism Awareness month right #LIUB pic.twitter.com/17U4SZVGY1 — NO (@nikkiowens6) April 1, 2015
Apple is doing its part by launching 16 new apps targeted at those on the autism spectrum as part of its Autism Awareness Month promotion. The apps range from learning apps to apps that help users with speaking difficulties to communicate via text.
Some of the apps are free, while others only cost $0.99 to $2.99. The awarding-winning communication app Proloquo2Go has a higher price tag, costing over $100.
Photo: Christopher Sessums | Flickr
Photo: Beverly & Pack | Flickr
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