The Student Activities Board (SAB) is hosting an Autism Awareness Workshop on Mar. 31 from 1–2 p.m. in the Student Services Building (ST), room 302.

The guest speaker, Ruth Kibe, is the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) Pathways Coordinator in Maryland. DORS Pathways collaborates with Disabilities Support Services (DSS) at Montgomery College and other community colleges.

Swechchha Shrestha, the Student Senate vice president and chair of SAB, said Kibe and DSS work together to support students while they attend college.

Shrestha, an information sciences and systems major, added that the workshop will honor National Autism Awareness month (April), founded by the Autism Society.

When asked about the motivation behind the event, Jennifer Argueta, a nursing major and one of the key organizers of the event, said that autism is often heard of, but few are knowledgeable about it.

Argueta said that there are many misconceptions and preconceptions that can hurt students with autism.

MC’s mission is to promote diversity which aligns with the event’s main objective to educate students, “promote acceptance and celebrate what makes students unique!” Argueta added.

The workshop will enable “participants to learn something new about what autism spectrum disorder is, and ways to spread awareness and knowledge to fellow peers,” said Shrestha.