Autism acceptance walk held at Jefferson-Morgan
Jefferson-Morgan School District held its first Autism Acceptance Walk.
Jefferson-Morgan School District hosted an Autism Acceptance Walk to benefit its Best Buddies program.
More than 200 people turned out participate in and volunteer for the first annual Autism Acceptance Walk, hosted by Jefferson-Morgan School District and held at the high school in recognition of Autism Awareness Month in April.
The community walk, coordinated by the Life Skills and Autism Support teachers at Jefferson-Morgan elementary and high schools, aimed to raise awareness for the Best Buddies Initiative and provide support for students.
“We knew we wanted to create an event that would help support not only the students in our classrooms, but all students in the district with autism, and raise awareness for our Best Buddies Initiative, which promotes success and highlights the need for support for all students,” said Brittany McIntire, elementary life skills autism support teacher and event organizer.
The Best Buddies program fosters natural friendships between teams of two students, or “pairs.” Best Buddies gives students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to speak up, be heard, and advocate for themselves with the support of a school buddy who can model, support and guide.
The event also featured activities including face painting, a silent auction, and 50/50 raffle. Local vendors provided food and services during the event.
Buttons and t-shirts were sold ahead of the walk, which raised more than $5,000 for J-M’s Best Buddies program.