Autism Acceptance Walk

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Registration at 9:00am

Walk at 10:00am

Maxcy Hall at SUNY Potsdam: 5 Tupper Lake Dr, Potsdam, NY

About the Walk

The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence's Autism Acceptance walk is a non-competitive walk to promote Autism Acceptance, as well as raise funds to support the local programs for people on the Autism Spectrum. This year walk will be hosted by WWNY-TV 7News This Evening Anchor, Jeff Cole!

There is NO MINIMUM ENTRY FEE! Everyone is welcome to attend. However, t-shirts will be given to registrants who raise $50 or more, while supplies last.

Walkers donating $25 or more get a mug.

Gift bags will be given to the first 350 to register at the walk!

 

See 2022 Autism Awareness Walk Photos here.

See 2021 Opening Ceremony Video here.

See 2020 Autism Awareness Virtual Walk Ceremony here.

 

Theme

 

Enter the Costume Contest!

Costume Contest Registration Form Here

Entry Rules

• Entrants: must have the entry form filled out completely and register by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the Walk.
• G Rating: Costumes must be appropriate for all ages to qualify.
• Judging: Winners will be announced after the walk.

Judging Criteria

• Tying in Autism Acceptance to Star Wars Theme
• Imagination: Shows a non-traditional approach and uniqueness in design and theme.
• Originality: Give a new, fresh, or unique perspective take on the Star Wars theme.

Prizes

A prize will also be awarded to the Best Overall Star Wars Character(s) within each entry category, based on the best fulfillment of the Judging Criteria.

Enter the Flag Contest!

Flag Contest Registration Form Here

Create an Autism Acceptance flag and bring it to the walk to help us raise support for community members on the Autism Spectrum.

Entry Rules

• Entrants: must have the entry form filled out completely and register by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the Walk.
• Size: min of 1’ x 2’ and max of 3’x 4’.
• Teams: Contest is open to teams of two or more people.
• Entry: One entry per team, please.
• Theme: Autism Acceptance & Star Wars
• The Back of Your Flag: Must include this form filled out completely with Team Name, Team Leader’s Name, E-mail, and Phone Number.
• G Rating: Flags must contain appropriate language to qualify.
• To enter: Flags must be brought to the registration area by 10:00 am.
• Judging: Will take place on location, and the winners will be announced after the walk.

Judging Criteria

• Design: Composition, the artistic appeal of the flag and theme.
• Clarity: How well/easily the message is understood.
• Enhances Public Acceptance: Does the flag positively promote Autism Acceptance in the community?

Prizes

A prize will be awarded for each of the following categories:

• Best Overall: Based on the best fulfillment of the Judging Criteria.
• Most Creative: Shows a non-traditional approach and uniqueness in design and theme.

What can you do to spread Autism Acceptance?

• Instead of dismissing, try education about the Autism Spectrum.
• Offer support through advocacy.
• Use language appropriate to the individual.
• Focus on strengths, not just challenges.
• Expand your social circle to include people on the Autism Spectrum.
• Provide meaningful opportunities for individuals to be included.

About Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.

• In the U.S. 1 in 189 girls and 1 in 42 boys are being diagnosed with ASD.
• Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability.

Find out about The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence's Bridges Services.