Autism Services and Resources Connecticut (ASRC), and Clifford Beers Community Care Center, will hold the 26th Annual Walk and Festival for Autism on May 21, 2023, at Quinnipiac University’s North Haven Campus. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. and will include a walk around the picturesque campus and surrounding areas, as well as two additional concurrent events on the campus: the return of the popular “autism resource fair”, and the “inclusive employment showcase”. There is no charge for attendance at any of the activities, but all participants must be registered (CTWALKFORAUTISM.COM).
ASRC provides services, supports, and resources to families and individuals living with autism, as well as to the educators, medical and therapeutic professionals and community providers who work with them. The organization offers opportunities for parent networking, activities, social groups, training, advocacy, and events for all ages, as well as responding to hundreds of families who are new to the diagnosis or who need guidance navigating transition and adult issues. 100 percent of the funds raised stay in Connecticut.
This event is primarily intended as a resource and community building activity for individuals on the autism spectrum (“the primary stakeholders”), their families and associated professionals, and is also the primary fundraiser of the year for ASRC, a registered non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.
ASRC is excited to be working in collaboration with Clifford Beers Community Care Center for the 2023 Autism Walk/Resource & Job Fair. By bringing together two highly respected organizations, we will be able to assist the autism community with an expanded level of support and services. This will allow us to bring family-friendly resources to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), offering care that supports children and adults of all ages. Individuals and families will receive the support needed to improve their health and quality of life, allowing them to reach their fullest potential physically, intellectually, and socially.
Stakeholders and others can expect the following from the event:
1. A family-friendly activity that sheds additional light on the needs and circumstances of the autism community, with a theme of “where everyone belongs”
2. A fun-filled day of walking, entertainment, food, and a myriad of social activities
3. Three unique activities with individual benefits:
a. Walk for Autism – social activity, fund raiser, community building, fun
b. Autism Resource Fair: this event returns after a hiatus due to the pandemic. Bringing together the myriad of organizations that offer services and supports in the autism community, this is “one stop shopping” for attendees to learn, share, and find answers. It’s a one-of-a-kind event that should not be missed.
c. Inclusive Employment Showcase: exhibitors, including businesses, state agencies, transition organizations, and more, will share methods, processes, and best practices needed to pursue employment - and inclusion - in the workplace. Businesses will showcase how they help special populations navigate the often-difficult path to employment. Organizations and agencies will share how they contribute to this effort. Attendees will gain valuable insights to assist them in the quest for meaningful employment.
Theme: “Where everyone belongs” (courtesy, Beanz & Co, Avon CT). Acceptance, inclusion, knowledge, empowerment, action.
Purpose: Funding from this event helps people with autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles build meaningful, connected lives. This funding helps ASRC provide individuals, families and professionals with information, education, community support and advocacy, specifically supporting social and recreational programs, support groups, social skills groups, workshops, trainings, advocacy, LifeNet, and more.
Attendees to the inclusive employment showcase will gain clarity to the often-confusing array of choices and options that diverse populations face when pursuing employment, and should shed light on the leading practices that are followed at business that take a leading role in D, E & I.
The ASRC Connecticut Walk for Autism and Resource Fair takes place at the Quinnipiac University North Haven Campus, located at 370 Bassett Road, North Haven, CT 06473. The campus is extensive in size and provides ample space for attendees, exhibitors, vendors, and more. During the event there will be three main components:
I. Connecticut Walk for Autism: Starting at 9:00 a.m, the route begins at the QU North Haven Campus with an official “kick off” at the stage area, groups then proceed on the marked route in a loop that then returns to the QU North Haven Campus.
i. Master of Ceremonies: pending
ii. DJ: pending
iii. Food: a number of Food Trucks will be on hand for the duration of the event.
iv. Festivities: a wide range of festivities and activities are planned for the day. Plans include Face painting, inflatables, jugglers, bubble wrap stomp, pony rides, chalk drawings, caricature artist, raffle, interactive vendors, multiple contests, and much more.
II. Inclusive Employment Showcase: this special event has exhibitors, including businesses, state agencies, transition organizations, and more, who will share methods, processes, and best practices that diverse populations need to pursue employment - and inclusion - in the workplace. Businesses will showcase how they help various special populations navigate the often-difficult path to employment. Organizations and agencies will share how they contribute to this effort. This portion of the event will take place under cover of tent(s) that will be setup in advance. Each exhibitor will be provided with tent coverage, 6’ table, and two chairs. Attendees will visit each “booth” (table) and interact with the staff of that booth.
III. Autism Resource Fair - This event brings together parents/caregivers, extended family, educators, school support staff and special service providers, professional intervention/service providers, and members of the general public. Doors will be open from 9:00am through 1:30pm. Registration is required but attendance is FREE.
REGISTRATION
- Walkers/Attendees: Registration Opens 2/1/23
- Exhibitors/Sponsors: REGISTRATION IS OPEN! CLICK HERE
To register for this event – as an attendee, walker, sponsor, or exhibitor – go to: http://CTWALKFORAUTISM.COM
Registration for attendees: FREE
Registration for Exhibitors: $395 per exhibitor ( 6’ table, 2 chairs),
…..OR
Sponsorships Available: Exhibitor fees are included with sponsorships at the $1,500 and above level, and the $700 T-Shirt Level.
o Named - $20,000;
o Platinum+ - $12,500;
o Gold+ - $6,300;
o Silver+ - $3,200;
o Bronze+=$1,500;
o T-Shirt – table included - $700;
o T-Shirt – no table included: $500
o Exhibitor Only – May 21 Event: $395