Support Autism & Developmental Disability Walk and Resource Fair at Phil Rizzuto Park

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. and Community Board 9 will present their 2nd Annual Autism and Developmental Disability Walk and Resource Fair on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto Park/Smokey Oval Park in Richmond Hill. Everyone is invited to attend.

During the event, participants will walk around the perimeter of the park four times.  The rain date is May 18 at the same time and location.

Resources and educational materials will be distributed, and speakers such as Janet Forte, a school physiologist specializing in helping children with special needs will share their knowledge on autism and developmental disabilities. Fun activities such as Zumba sessions will also take place to keep families engaged. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be distributed.

Participating organizations will include Mercy Drive Inc., New York Life Insurance Company, EmblemHealth, Bena Homecare Agency, the River Fund, Caribbean Cabana, Trinidadian and Tobagonian USA group, NYC Sikh Community, and Heart of Gems.

“Autism can come in many different forms and affects each person with it differently, so because of that, each person with Autism — and the families and loved ones that care for them — require different levels and types of care,” Addabbo said. “That is why it is vitally important that we have events like this. However, we are also walking to raise awareness of other developmental disabilities that impact so many lives right here in Queens, let alone across the country and the world.”

Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person’s ability to communicate, respond to their surroundings, and form relationships with others. According to the CDC, in 2020 more than 5.4 million adults in the U.S. — or 2.2 percent of the population — are on the autism spectrum and using data from 2020 the CDC estimates that 1 in 36 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with autism in 2023.

“As the mother of a son with autism, I am personally excited to have Senator Addabbo sponsor this walk again along with Community Board 9,” Sherry Algredo, the Chairwoman of CB #9 said. After the great success we had with the walk last year it has become clear that this is an event that is needed in the community and must continue. This is not just a walk, but also an opportunity to engage and speak with participating families and hear about their struggles and the need for more equitable and fair services for people with special needs. We encourage folks to come out and join us in support of this great cause and keep this awareness going. I know the struggles that families of special needs children face because I have walked their path and I continue to walk their path. When my son was younger it was very difficult to access resources. Since then, we have come a long way, and we will continue to raise awareness until all families have access to fair and equitable special needs services. We look forward to community leaders and community members coming out and supporting families and to continue to raise awareness. I personally want to thank Senator Addabbo for being open to this idea and helping cultivate it.”

“I would like to thank the partners of this great event, including Community Board 9 and its Chairwoman Sherry Algredo who was instrumental in helping to plan the walk,” Addabbo said. “I also want to thank everyone who has supported this amazing cause.”