April is Autism Awareness Month

Apr. 4—GREENSBURG — Did you know April is National Autism Acceptance Month?

In honor of the observation, Disability and Autism Services of Indiana (DASI Kids) has pledged to walk 10 million steps throughout the month of April through an effort known as "Walk For A Cause," but the organization needs your help.

The public is encouraged to participate in the DASI Kids Walk For A Cause to help the organization reach its goal of 10 million steps and support Champions Together, a collaborative partnership between the Indiana High School Athletic Association and Special Olympics Indiana.

DASI Director of Operations Erin Morgan explained where the idea for this rather unique fundraiser came from.

"We have always had the goal of increasing autism awareness in our community, and we wanted to incorporate an opportunity for others to get involved that did not require a monetary contribution," Morgan said. "So, after several brainstorming sessions we thought, 'Let's provide and encourage involvement by focusing on fitness, which ultimately helps everyone.' Most of us take steps daily — whether while working, playing with our kids or during exercise — and what an awesome way to reward you for those steps by Walking for a Cause! If others do not have frequent steps built into their day, then we hope that this is an incentive to do so. Our first few Walk for a Cause campaigns really focused on raising autism awareness, learning the signs of developmental delays in children and the resources available to those with special needs in our community. This exposure over the last several years has been very successful and we really have our community to thank for that because it really does take a village, and community is so important when it comes to raising and working with children."

For each 2.5 million steps reported, DASI Kids will donate $500 to the local Champions Together Unified Sports program, which is active in all three Greensburg Community Schools.

Unified Sports brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities and provides fitness opportunities to enhance physical fitness and inspire friendships among participants.

"It asks students and athletes to join the Inclusion Revolution and choose to include! The Inclusion Revolution is a peaceful, powerful new generation that celebrates all differences, all abilities!" Morgan said.

The program evolved from IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox charging the IHSAA Student Advisory Committee to engage in servant leadership and discover ways to give back to their schools and communities.

That committee researched options and requested that an official partnership be formed as the most appropriate fit for education-based athlete servant leadership.

Special Olympics Inc. activates schools through Project Unify and has the endorsement of the National Federation of State High School Associations and the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

"You can Walk For A Cause and help us reach our goal of 10 million steps!" Morgan said. "Throughout the month of April we invite you, our community, to participate in the DASI Kids Walk for a Cause. Simply track your steps throughout the month of April and email your steps to walkforacause@dasikids.com. Also, please like and share our DASI Kids Autism Acceptance Walk for a Cause campaign on social media to help raise awareness and track our progress. With your support, we can help our youth find joy, confidence and fulfillment while inspiring others to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential because inclusion helps everyone and continues to greatly benefit our community, and we are committed as ever to the Inclusion Revolution vision."

You can support Autism Acceptance by following DASI on Facebook, sharing information about this campaign, and supporting Walk for A Cause progress at facebook.com/dasicenterforautism.

"Together, we can build a kinder, more inclusive world where all people with autism can achieve their full potential with more acceptance and understanding, but we can't do it without you!" Morgan said. "Disability and Autism Services of Indiana was founded in 2008 with the mission to provide children with autism a strong foundation for positive growth and development. These founding principles help each child reach their full potential and have a bigger, brighter future. DASI Kids is actively seeking tenacious and creative team members to work with children on the Autism Spectrum. If you welcome adventure, have a caring heart, enjoy playing with children and have a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families living with autism, then we've got a career for you!"

Questions about Disability and Autism Services of Indiana can be directed to their local office, 1314 N. Liberty Circle West, at (812) 663-2273.

___

(c)2024 the Greensburg Daily News (Greensburg, Ind.)

Visit the Greensburg Daily News (Greensburg, Ind.) at www.greensburgdailynews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.