The 16th Annual LifeSkills Run/Walk for Autism benefitting the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex at WKU is Saturday, April 15, at the Bowling Green Ballpark. Each year, hundreds gather for the run/walk to support the CEC and the services they provide to individuals and families impacted by autism and other neurodiversities.
The CEC is comprised of the Family Resource Program, Communication Disorders Clinic, Renshaw Early Childhood Center, and the Kelly Autism Program. It serves clients with varying needs from early childhood through college age and provides referrals for additional services.
For 16 years, LifeSkills, Inc. has served as the title sponsor of the run/walk event which features:
•A 4-Mile Run (begins at 8am, timing stops at 9am) – a Bowling Green Road Runners Grand Prix Event
•A 1-Mile Kid’s Run (begins at 9:05am) – for children up to age 12
•A 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk (begins at 9:30am and will not be timed) – for all ages
Participants can register in advance by visiting www.wku.edu/runforautism or on the morning of the event beginning at 7am. All participants will receive a goody bag and an awards ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk.
Volunteers are also needed to hold directional signs and cheer on the runners during the race. Anyone interested in volunteering can email runforautism@wku.edu.
“We always look forward to this special event each year,” said Mary Lloyd Moore, executive director of the CEC. “It is so heartwarming to see how this community comes together in such a fun way to support and embrace the neurodiverse population.”
To round out the weekend, a free community screening of the documentary film “In A Different Key” will be held at the Capitol Theater in downtown Bowling Green on April 15, at 2pm. LifeSkills, Inc., the Warren County Public Library, the CEC, and Ernie and Julie Small are partnering with LifeWorks at WKU to host the screening, which will be followed by a panel discussion.
David Wheeler, executive director of LifeWorks, says, “The film is the story of the first person ever diagnosed with autism, a man named Donald Triplett, who is now elderly and living in rural Mississippi. This documentary encompasses the history of autism and explores what acceptance truly looks like.”
“We’d like to feature this as a community service,” said Wheeler. “It is fascinating and moving, and although it explores the dark parts of history, it is also relevant today and offers hope and light.” Wheeler added that a panel discussion will immediately follow the film screening for those interested in learning more about autism and the support resources available to the community.
LifeWorks at WKU is a two-year transition to independent living and employment program for autistic young adults. Located in Bowling Green, it is the only living and learning transition program of its kind in Kentucky and one of only a few in the country. It was created as a continuation of the lifespan of services provided by the CEC.
These special events are held in April during Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month. The focus of the month is to promote inclusion; educate the community about autism; and understand and respect neurodiverse individuals.
Event information can be found:
April 14, 6:35pm – Princess & Pirate night at the Bowling Green Hot Rods: www.bghotrods.com
April 15, 8am – LifeSkills Run/Walk for Autism: www.wku.edu/runforautism
April 15, 2pm – “In A Different Key” documentary screening and discussion: www.capitolbg.org
-submitted by LifeSkills, Inc.
