By Harvey Mann
The 830 Times
An Autism Awareness Fair, sponsored by the Mexican Consulate, was held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22 at the Del Rio Civic Center.
Health agencies from Del Río and Ciudad Acuña were offering information about their programs and the work they are doing for the inclusion of people with autism.
Rubén Heredia, an artist from Ciudad Acuña, participated by installing a craft area for children where they painted, drew and made other crafts. Cellist Fernando Rocha, also from Acuña, delighted all those present with music from Mozart.
“This activity is for families so that they can get to know each other and exchange their experiences with autism and take advantage of all the information about the support programs that these agencies are offering as we work to raise awareness and understanding about autism” said the Mexican Consul Paloma Villaseñor.
It’s an event that Villaseñor supports with a passion. She called every family she was aware of with a member who has autism, ensuring they knew about the event and encouraging them to attend.
Some of the health agencies that participated in this fair were Texas Department of Health and Human Services, BCFS Health and Human Services Del Rio, WIC, Partners Resource Network and Ventanilla de Salud and from Ciudad Acuña Mamá Azul, TOKA (comprehensive therapeutic center).
City of Del Rio Mayor Al Arreola and Councilman Jesús “Jesse” López attended this fair to support Villaseñor and support the event and the families.
