Ray Frieders, ASSA Walk Chair
The Autism Society of Southern Arizona will host the 14th annual Autism Walk and Resource Fair on Saturday, April 4, in Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium at Kino Park Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, Arizona. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. and the Walk and Resource Fair is from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
“We are really excited to be able to show our love and support for the autism community here in Tucson. My youngest daughter, Megan, has autism, and I know how important it is for families affected by autism to have adequate support and resources available to help them on the journey of raising these special children. As a local business owner, I am proud to give back to my community by supporting a cause that means so much to me personally.” – Jeff P. Vogan, RFC, CEP President/CEO of Premiere Retirement Planning and Wealth Management (premret.com).
The Autism Walk and Resource Fair offers a fun and informative day filled with food trucks, entertainment, children’s activities, an autism community resource fair, and much more. This event is designed to provide a wealth of information to individuals and families affected by autism, and to help educate and raise awareness of this prevalent disorder.
The entire community is invited to join the Autism Society of Southern Arizona as they strive to improve the lives of all affected by autism. The Autism Society encourages all to participate in southern Arizona’s largest autism event by registering, forming a walk team, attending the resource fair and/or making a tax-deductible donation. All funds raised stay in southern Arizona to support the community.
We are proud to have Tucson ER and Hospital on board as the Presenting Sponsor and Helping Hands Behavioral Therapy as our Gold Sponsor.
“Tucson ER and Hospital is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the walk, and to partner with the Autism Society of Southern Arizona,” said Nary Vang, Director of Marketing for Tucson ER and Hospital. “We understand the unique challenges that autism poses, which is why we are proud to have a sensory friendly facility that caters to the care of our patients. Everyone in Tucson should have a place where they can go to receive the resources they need to get the care that they deserve. We’re glad that the Autism Society of Southern Arizona is there to provide answers and resources to those who need it —especially since the symptoms of Autism aren’t always evident, and how to get started with care isn’t always easy to navigate. We’re so glad that they’re out there making a difference in so many lives and affecting so many in such a positive way. We’re honored to be their partners and to be able to provide resources to assist in any way we can.”
“The gap this event fills in our community is unparalleled,” said Melissa McIntosh, MA, BCBA, owner of Helping Hands Behavior Therapy. “As a new business, we are so grateful to be a part of the support for local individuals and families. Collaboration amplifies the education and services available, so partnering with the Autism Society of Southern Arizona was a natural fit for us.”
The Autism Society welcomes the Pima County School Superintendent’s Office as the Education Sponsor and Superintendent Dustin Williams as our Walk Celebrity Spokesperson.
“As a parent of a child with autism, I can speak first-hand about the need for strong community support, particularly with finding resources for my child. The Autism Society of Southern Arizona is that support. I am humbled and honored to announce our newly launched partnership with ASSA. Our goal is to increase awareness about this resource so that families across Pima County can benefit from it.” – Dustin J. Williams, Pima County School Superintendent.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. According to information published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (May 2018), autism now affects one in 71 children in Arizona. With no known cure, early detection and intervention are essential to help children with autism and their families get the help they need. The Autism Society is the leading voice and resource for the entire autism community in education, advocacy, services, and support.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 9 a.m. For more information regarding registering, sponsoring, or volunteering for this event, or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.as-az.org or call the Autism Society of Southern Arizona at 520-770-1541.
To set-up an interview, or to obtain photos or video from prior events, please contact Ray Frieders at 520-548-6044 or [email protected].
Autism Society of Southern Arizona, 2600 N. Wyatt Drive, Tucson, AZ 85712; www.as-az.org; 520-770-1541.