The Hudson Valley Autism Society, in Stone Ridge, is a group of parents and service providers committed to assisting the autism community with scholarships, emergency assistance grants, donations, awards, support groups, and information. The society raises funds through its annual Walk for Autism, which takes place this year on April 29 from 10am to 2pm at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, rain or shine. It’s now in its sixth year. “I don’t think they ever thought it would go over as big as it did,” says co-chair Sis Gonyea. “Last year, we had over three-thousand attend. To see these people from all walks of life, and so many of the children and adults with autism…it’s really a wonderful day.” In addition to the walk, which takes place on a one-mile track, there will be an information-resource tent with more than 30 booths, and a fun fair for the kids. Through pledges, walkers can help raise money for grants, scholarships, and research.
“Think of autism as living in a foreign country without knowing the language, and how difficult it would be to communicate,” says walk director Karen Kosack. “We want to raise awareness about autism so these children may live more harmoniously in society.”
Resources
Open Center for Autism www.oautism.org
Mental Health Association in Orange County www.mhaorangeny.com
Hudson Valley Autism Society www.autism-society.org
The Children’s Annex www.childrensannex.org
6th Annual Hudson Valley Walk for Autism www.walkforautism.org
Ridge School (845) 229-2087
Anderson Center for Autism www.andersonschool.org
Putnam Associated Resource Centers www.putnamarc.org
Omega Institute www.eomega.org