A university student organization is taking charge in the fight against autism.
The SHSU Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) will be participating in the Seventh Annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on Saturday at Reliant Park.
The walk is free to anyone who would like to partake and includes children’s games, live music, a community resource fair for autism-related service providers and manufacturers, as well as the two-and-a-half mile walk.
“Autism is one of many disabilities that people should know more about,” said Ashley Skates, SCEC Public Relations officer. “This walk is just a stepping stone towards getting research regarding autism. Our group wants to help out as much as possible.”
The walk, sponsored by Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us, was created to raise awareness and help find a cure for autism. Donations are welcomed, and collections will go towards funding for research about the second most common developmental disorder in the United States.
SCEC is organizing a group of followers at SHSU to attend the event. Members of this team have the option to buy a t-shirt, the proceeds of which will be donated to Autism Speaks.
“The primary purpose of the Student Council for Exceptional Children is to advance the education of individuals with exceptionalities,” SCEC Co-President Courtney Cordova said. “Anyone who takes part in this walk is single-handedly spreading the word of autism and is helping to raise knowledge about it.”
All participants must either register online or at the registration tent on the day of the walk. All walkers must sign an insurance waiver before partaking in the event.
Registration for Walk Now for Autism Speaks opens at 8 a.m. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m., which lead into the official walk at 10 a.m.
Free parking will be available in the Main Street Lot to anyone prior to 10 a.m.