The South Florida chapter of Autism Speaks will host its 2015 Broward Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on Sept. 26 at NSU’s main campus.
Proceeds from the walk will support research towards the awareness, causes, prevention, treatments and overall cure for autism, both locally and nationally.
Autism Response Team Coordinator Joan De La Paz, who assists families in finding resources for their autistic children, said the mission of Autism Speaks is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.
“Attending the walk is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and connect with other families and service providers to obtain support, ask questions and acquire valuable information on programs and services to help their children,” he said.
Jenna Kopec, freshman secondary English education major, has a younger sister with autism.
“I remember growing up and always having to explain what autism is and why my sister doesn’t talk,” Kopec said. “Any type of autism awareness can be beneficial towards the uncertainty of this disorder.”
Kopec said NSU prides itself on being so active in the community and is one of the best schools for research.
“If students from this university get involved in the topic of autism, someone can really make a breakthrough in the field. Most individuals don’t understand why people have autism; we have all these different theories, but no one really understands it,” she said. “All that we really have are strategies that can help them cope.”
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the United States. Currently, 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder―a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years, De La Paz said.
Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are the foundation for the non-profit organization, representing hundreds of thousands of volunteers in more than 100 cities across North America. Each Walk Now for Autism Speaks event is unique to its host city.
The Broward event, held at the Alvin Sherman Library Quad, will include opening ceremonies emceed by Nathalie Rodriguez of I Heart Media and entertainment by DJ Carlos Leon of World Class Entertainment. Local government officials will commemorate Autism Speaks’ 10th anniversary.
Other highlights of the day include photo opportunities with sports team mascots and cheerleaders, food and an extensive resource fair, providing families with “one-stop shopping” for educational options, therapists, recreational programs, child-friendly activities and other vital autism services.
“Our Broward walk is a fun-filled, family-friendly event and is our single most powerful force to fund vital research that will lead us to the answers we need,” he said. “We are committed to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families and society, and to bring hope to all who deal with the hardships of the disorder.”
The event is free, and donations are encouraged. To register for the walk and to find more information, visit walknowforautismspeaks.org.
Event Schedule
- Resource Fair & Registration
7:30-9:30 a.m.
- Opening Ceremonies
8:30-9:30 a.m.
- Walk Begins
9:30-11:30 a.m.
- Stage Performances
10:15-11:15 a.m.
Photo Credit: Printed with permission from Autism Speaks.
