WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — On April 16, Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Club will host a colorful, 5K “Puzzle Run” to raise funds for Autism Speaks.The Puzzle Run — named for the puzzle piece in the Autism Speaks logo — is untimed, putting the focus instead on fun. At each kilometer mark, runners will be doused in a different color, ending the race as a living piece of abstract art. Family Ties, a South Williamsport-based band, has volunteered its time to entertain the crowd with its fusion of fun, funk and rock.The race is set to begin at 10 a.m. at Penn College’s main entrance, off Maynard Street. Registration begins at 8 a.m. in the college’s Student and Administrative Services Center. Registration fee is $20 for Penn College students, $25 for other individuals and $20 per person in a team of four or more.Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.According to the organization, autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders — autism spectrum disorders — caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors.Penn College offers an associate degree in occupational therapy assistant, which can be continued to a bachelor’s degree in applied health studies.Occupational therapy provides opportunities to assist people facing challenges in everyday life. Occupational therapy assistants work in collaboration with supervising occupational therapists to serve individuals or groups who experience impairment or loss of activity or ability to participate fully in leisure, work and activities of daily living, helping them to restore their ability to do the things they need, want or are expected to do.To learn more about the occupational therapy assistant program at Penn College, call 570-327-4519 or visit www.pct.edu/ota.For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
Penn College
Penn College students to host 5K ‘Puzzle Run’ to benefit Autism Speaks
Last Updated April 12, 2016