Let’s Get Together

Is your school, church or community group interested in helping to support disability awareness in your area?  Have you ever considered putting an event together, but didn't know where to start? While doing an event can seem challenging, it may actually be easier than you think. 

As time, technology, and health care are advancing, we encounter new things to consider around us. Perhaps someone in your family has a disability or special health care need. Whether it is seen or unseen, disability awareness is critical. 

When our child was young, he was diagnosed with autism. It was long ago when the diagnosis rate was about 1 out of 150 children. We lived in a relatively small community and not many folks had information or experience with autism. We often found ourselves and our child misunderstood, isolated, and at times frustrated. It was and still is a great learning experience.

Every day was different and it seemed like we were all alone. We became detectives, interpreters, and therapists in our own little world. We became more active in our community, found other families living lives similar to ours, and developed supports.

In our 2nd or 3rd year of finding our place in our local disability community, we could not find any inclusive family fun events. An idea was born! Using our local parks and recreation department, the local school district and local businesses, we started an autism friendly community awareness festival.

Over the next couple of years, the festival grew and more community organizations joined in. Many families attended the festival and had a great time. Our goal of creating awareness, connection and acceptance in our community was met and growing every year. Sound like something you’d like to create?

Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

• Create a written plan of what you would want to accomplish (Community Awareness Event).
• Create an estimated cost and how it will be paid for (budget, fundraising, donations).
• Find a location (school districts are great help).
• Involve your city council and work with the parks and recreation department. 

Take a look at our Find Services, Groups, and Events page for events in your area.