Attendees make spin art at the event.
Mark your calendar and take a trip to Lancaster, Pa., for the fourth annual Edge of Autism Walk and Festival on World Autism Awareness Day, Saturday, April 2! This event aims to bring awareness to Autism, a growing health crisis that currently affects one in 110 children in America. The Tommy Foundation and the Lancaster County Autism Mommies are partnering to offer a day for families, friends and students from local colleges to come together and celebrate individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
This year’s Edge of Autism event will be held at Schreiber Pediatric Center in Lancaster City. This rehabilitation center provides family-centered education and therapy programs for infants, children and youth with disabilities.
The walk begins at 9 a.m. with family-fun continuing until 2 p.m. Activities will be provided for children, youth and adults of all ages. There will be sensory equipment and sensory games, a lively bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, an enclosed playground, an indoor swimming pool, and many other great games and prizes. There are even quiet areas where families and children can relax and get away from the excitement for a while.
“The event is a great way to raise awareness about Autism. Families of children with Autism can come together to provide support and enjoy one another’s company, but all individuals are encouraged to attend and learn more about living with Autism,” said Sugey Cruz-Everts, co-founder of The Tommy Foundation.
Miss State Capitol and a child pose for a picture.
Local students from Franklin and Marshall College volunteer each year. “The college volunteers are great with the kids. They assist at various stations such as face painting and the bouncy house. They are interactive and provide great support for the event, and we enjoy and appreciate their participation,” Cruz-Everts said.
“The sense of community feeling is always tremendous and this year I expect the same. Pre-registration numbers are increasing daily, so I am anticipating a great turn out! Children can come and feel a sense of acceptance. The activities are varied to provide something for every child. So really, there is something here for everyone,” Cruz-Everts added.
After the walk concludes, a sneak peek of Richard Everts film “United States of Autism” will show his journey around the United States to interview 20 families who have children with Autism.
For more information on this event or to register for the walk check out the Web site www.edgeofautis.com. You could also email Sugey@tommyland.org for more information or contact her directly at 717-283-7920.
Do you, or a family member have Autism? Find out how you or your loved one can live well with a disability. Contact Living Well With A Disability at 1-877-TO-LIV-WELL, 1-877-865-4893 or www.livingwellwithadisability.org.