Steps for Autism is Sunday May 19 at new location – The ROC in St. Louis Park

To further its mission to create connections empowering everyone in the autism community with the resources needed to live fully, the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) will raise funds at its 24th Annual Steps for Autism.

Where: The ROC at the St. Louis Park Recreation Center, 3700 Monterey Dr., St. Louis Park, MN 55416

When: Sunday, May 19, 2024, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Registration: https://givebutter.com/nbCJGt?  (online registration will close at noon on Friday, May 17 – but walk-ins are welcome on event day)

Steps for Autism is all about supporting our community – and connecting people with services, supports, and each other. This year’s Steps for Autism is taking that concept up a notch. This is not a traditional charitable walk. Many participants will walk from their parking spot to the event’s autism resource fair and say that’s far enough – and that’s OK. For those who want a more classic experience, we have the AuSM Flash Dash, a short all-ages run sponsored by Autism Advocacy & Law Center.

The larger point of Steps for Autism is for people to make connections with AuSM’s community partners and exhibiting sponsors, including: Accessibility 101; Accra; AuSM Shop; Autism Advocacy & Law Center; Autism SIBS Universe; Best Care; ClipDifferent; Dakota County Technical College; Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS); Looking Forward Life Coaching; Midwest Autism & Therapy Center; Minnesota Independence College & Community; Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health; Minnesota Department of Transportation; Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN); On Track MN; Partners In Community Supports (PICS); SPAN (Somali Parents Autism Network); St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development; and SwimPossible.

Guests will have two food trucks to choose from – Cloud 9 Energy Bowls, and Sandy’s Grill. Entertainment will be provided by North Star Irish Dance. Kids can enjoy a bouncy-house, face-painting (all free) and story time with Costumers for a Cause. Steps for Autism will also feature interesting learning opportunities and fun activities provided by Bell Museum, Como Friends, Science Museum of Minnesota, Three Rivers Parks District, and Toneworks.

Fundraising incentives include an AuSM-branded tumbler for raising $250, as well as a Steps for Autism lawn sign with team name for raising $150. AuSM created an interactive toolkit to help people tell the world why they’re fundraising, and to help spread the word about a team’s campaign. It’s always free to attend Steps for Autism, although AuSM requests that visitors register in advance.

Funds raised through Steps for Autism will help local Minnesota families with programs and services that make Minnesota more inclusive. Funds raised through Steps for Autism support Minnesota’s autism community through AuSM’s programs and services serving the needs of autistic people from birth through retirement, including therapy, support groups, educational programs, conferences, summer camps, autism training, social and recreation programs for all ages, and more.