The Autism Support and Disabilities Center will be hosting its third annual Autism Awareness Walk at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium this Saturday.
ASDC’s Autism Awareness Walk promotes advocacy and equality for people living with autism and other developmental disabilities on the Big Island.
ASDC encourages the public to embrace the idea of acceptance and inclusion in schools and communities, ultimately resulting in a genuine appreciation of all people’s unique qualities.
Registration for the autism walk is free and will be from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. before the 10 a.m. start time.
Following the walk will be the Autism Awareness Resource Fair, where 25 organizations will be sharing information and resources available throughout the county to attendees.
According to founder Rosalinda Larkin, ASDC is exploring program ideas with the University of Hawaii at Hilo and other agencies that would allow adults with disabilities to have the opportunity to volunteer and interact with the community.
“The idea is to create a safe group environment where adults with autism can socialize and use their talents and skills to assist their community and vice versa,” Larkin said. “We want to create fun activities, a safe social group, and an environment where people with disabilities can enjoy their time and make a difference together. Once these adults with autism graduate high school, they don’t have opportunities to socialize or meet up with their other adults.”
ASDC is also working with police Sgt. William Derr and Julia Althoff, the program specialist for the Hawaii State Council, in developing samples of disability ID cards, some of which will be given to ASDC clients at Saturday’s event.
“The ID cards, or alert bracelets for some cases, will provide safety and peace of mind for people with autism and other disabilities, their families and caregivers,” Larkin said. “If we have the disability ID card, we can work with local authorities to help ensure a safe return of our keiki. It will also help first responders gather important information about health conditions and how to assess them during an encounter.”
During the Autism Walk, ASDC will be selling shirts for $20 and all the proceeds will go toward assisting the lives of people with disabilities on Hawaii Island.
For more information on ASDC and the Autism Awareness Walk, contact Larkin at rxlarkin@yahoo.com, or visit asdchawaii.org.
