Walk the Spectrum, “SHINE ALL YEAR”- Autism & Abilities Walk 2026
Walk the Spectrum,”Shine All Year”
Autism & Abilities Walk 2026
All participants age 18 or older must complete and sign their own RSVP and waiver. The only exception is if the participant has a legally appointed conservator, in which case the conservator may complete and sign the RSVP on their behalf.
JOIN US for WALK THE SPECTRUM, “ SHINE ALL YEAR” 2026, a community event celebrating individuals on the spectrum and people of all abilities while promoting acceptance, inclusion, understanding, and support throughout the year.
This family-friendly event will bring together parents, caregivers, educators, advocates, community organizations, and local leaders for a morning of walking, connection, resources, and fun. Whether you are walking for a loved one, supporting a friend, or simply standing with the disability community, your presence helps create a more inclusive future for everyone.
Food & Drinks Provided at No Cost: Hot dogs, fries, pizza, water, juice, tacos + quesadillas
Note: Other food vendors will be on site and retail vendors too, so come prepared if you want more options.
At United for Autism & Abilities Foundation , we believe autism awareness is important-but acceptance, inclusion, and support should happen all year long. Together, we can build a community where every individual is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to shine.
WALK WITH US. CELEBRATE WITH US. SHINE WITH US - ALL YEAR LONG.
*Vendors will be AVAILABLE *
Event Buddy Program (only upon request)
Our Event Buddy Program is designed to provide additional support to participants who may benefit from one-on-one assistance during the walk. Buddies will partake in a small training prior to event. Volunteers from the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) who are passionate about creating an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for individuals of all abilities.
A buddy may walk alongside the participant, engage in activities, provide encouragement, assist with transitions, and help create a positive experience throughout the event. Buddies are not caregivers or medical professionals and will not provide personal care, toileting, feeding, or administer medications. Parents, guardians, or caregivers are required to remain by the child’s side with the Buddy and parents are ultimately responsible for the participant at all times.
To help ensure a successful match, families requesting a buddy will be contacted 2–3 weeks before the event to schedule a brief Zoom Meet & Greet. This allows the participant and their assigned buddy to get to know one another before walk day and helps our team provide the best possible experience.
🏆 Team Fundraising Challenge 🏆
Want to make an even bigger impact? Participate in our Team Fundraising Challenge!
Create a team in honor of someone you love and support, on the autism spectrum or with disabilities. Teams are encouraged to choose a meaningful name, such as “Jose’s Team” “Team Sophia”
Each team will collect donations leading up to the event. The teams that raise the most funds will be recognized during the walk:
🥇 1st Place Fundraising Team
🥈 2nd Place Fundraising Team
🥉 3rd Place Fundraising Team
Donation Instructions
Final amount of money NEEDS to be via check (I.e if by the deadline my team collects $100 cash - guardian (adult in charge) will by deadline turn in $100 in check form with the instructions provided below) please make all checks payable to Gear it Foward, Inc.
Please write "for United for Autism & Abilities Foundation" in the "memo" line of the check. This will help us correctly separate and track Team Fundraising Challenge donations.
Funds will be collected through our nonprofit partner, Gear it Forward, Inc., which will contribute a portion of the proceeds alongside United for Autism & Abilities Foundation to help continue providing help to adaptive sports, inclusive programs, resources, and support for local families.
Every dollar raised helps strengthen our community and creates more opportunities for individuals of all abilities to thrive.
Event security:
Serna and Associates are graciously providing all security for our event.