GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — April is Autism Acceptance Month, which aims to raise awareness and educate others about autism. To celebrate this, Hope Network is hosting their annual Bridge Walk For Autism this week.
Each year, families and supporters walk across the Blue Bridge in downtown Grand Rapids and take part in a sensory-friendly event.
After this year's walk the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is hosting a complimentary Sensory-Friendly Night. The museum will adjust lighting, sounds and activities to be sensory-friendly, including a special planetarium show. There will also be sensory bags with fidget toys and noise-canceling headphones.
About 1,000 people are anticipated to participate this year. Everyone is invited to take part, from children to local business leaders to community members.
“Since Hope Network opened Michigan’s first all-inclusive autism treatment center in 2011, we’ve been honored to help thousands of patients and families,” said Bob Von Kaenel, Hope Network President & CEO. “The Bridge Walk For Autism is a special day every year as it brings the community together to celebrate inclusion and neurodiversity.”
While both events are free and open to the public, registration is encouraged. You can do that here.
The walk begins at 5 p.m. Thursday. Check-in for the event begins at 4 p.m. Families can then participate in Sensory-Friendly Night at GRPM from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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