The bright white lifeguard tower at Torrance Beach contrasts starkly with the marine-blue expanse of the coast.
But that’s changing this week.
Volunteers, along with ocean lifeguard and designer Scott Snyder, have spent the last few days hand-painting brightly colored hearts on the structure, to spread an important message: That of autism awareness — and that beaches are for everyone.
The new autism awareness tower was already gaining attention as intended.
Walkers and bikers along the beach path near Paseo de la Playa were already stopping to snap photos of the tower, which will become a permanent art installation.
The tower is set to be completed later this week, just in time for April’s Autism Awareness and Acceptance month. World Autism Awareness Day is Sunday, April 2.
The working tower, adorned with hearts, infinity symbols and messages of kindness and caring, will also bear the words, “Care needs no words.” The concept for the autism awareness tower was inspired by Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Sirens of Silence — the brainchild of Karen Zarsadiaz-Ige, LACFD’s communications manager.
Sirens of Silence is a continuing education course all LA County paramedics and fire personnel are required to take, Zarsadiaz-Ige said.
The training teaches first responders what signs to look for when approaching an individual who has autism spectrum disorder and how to respond with care and compassion. It also recommends alternative programming for schools to the typical second-grade trip to the fire department, where students are wowed by the flashing lights and sirens of the hook-and-ladder trucks.
For those on the spectrum, sirens might best be left silent.
Zarsadiaz-Ige started the program in earnest when the coronavirus pandemic hit. Her son Liam being diagnosed on the spectrum in 2017, when was just 2 years old, was her impetus, she said.
“I know what he’s saying,” Zarsadiaz-Ige said. “But I feel like others wouldn’t.”
The…
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