Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day set for April 26 in Parkland

by Faran Fagen March 26, 2025

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Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day set for April 26 in Parkland

Autism Awareness Day. {City of Parkland}

Each year, on Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day, the petting zoo provides families the opportunity to interact with a variety of animals. In addition, the City of Parkland offers a plethora of engaging activities, such as sensory bins and free giveaways, which have always proven to be a hit with children and families alike.

“These activities are designed to be both enjoyable and therapeutic, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees,” said Felicia Trainor, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for Parkland.

The annual Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day will be held from 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday, April 26, at Pine Trails Park Amphitheatre in Parkland.

Last year’s event was a tremendous success, with approximately 500 attendees joining for fun and learning. The event featured over 17 local vendors, each providing valuable resources and services that support the autism community.

As part of its designation as an autism-friendly community, Parkland introduces this event during the same month as Autism Awareness.

“This initiative was added to our calendar to help raise awareness and promote inclusion,” Trainor said.

The mission of this event is to create an educational and inclusive space where families and individuals can access valuable resources in a supportive environment. Parkland also strives to raise awareness, promote understanding, and offer practical tools to enhance the lives of those living with autism, all while celebrating the diversity of our community.

Autism Awareness Day. {City of Parkland}

“It’s incredibly gratifying to witness the event’s growth, from an initial gathering of around 200 participants to over 500 attendees today,” Trainor said, adding the steady growth is a clear indication that the event is filling an essential need in the community.

Families who attend this event gain access to a wealth of resources in a safe and inclusive setting.

In addition to the fun, hands-on activities, attendees can connect with various service providers, including inclusive sports programs, therapy professionals, vacation planners specializing in autism-friendly destinations, and educational and medical resources—all in one convenient location.

“This comprehensive approach ensures that families leave the event with valuable information and a greater sense of community support,” Trainor said.

For more information, visit www.cityofparkland.org or call 954-757-4107.

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Author Profile

Faran Fagen

Faran Fagen, who teaches high school journalism, graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Journalism degree and from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Education. He's worked at The Palm Beach Post, SunSentinel, and MLB.com. He lives in Coral Springs with his wife and two children. Oh, and his three dogs -- who all think that they're his favorite.