Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), the leading service provider for children and adults with autism on Long Island, will be hosting the "DDIWalk and Motorcycle Run for Autism," on September 23, 2012 at the Holtsville Ecology Center.
The walk and motorcycle run will help to promote community support for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
"This year we are hoping to make the event bigger and better with the addition of the motorcycle run," commented co-chair of the event Brian Brunjes. "All proceeds will help to benefit the more than 5,000 children and adults that DDI serves across Long Island with autism and other developmental disabilities. I encourage everyone to come out and take part in this worth while cause."
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The scenic 5 K Walk through Suffolk County's Holtsville Ecology Park will feature activities for the entire family along the way, followed by a festival in the park complete with picnic lunch, music, games, a petting zoo and more.
This year the event will include a Motorcycle run sponsored by Hansen Home Designs. Registration for the walk begins at 9:00 A.M. and the 5K Walk will start at 10:30 A.M. The family activities will continue throughout the day until 2:30 P.M. Biker registration begins at 9AM at Hansen Home Designs located at 1541 Smithtown Avenue in Bohemia. Kickstands are set to be up by 10AM. A rain date has been set for September 30th.
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"This event is all about coming together as a community and helping those who cannot help themselves," said co-chair of the event Charley Hudson. "It is heartwarming to have talented individuals enthusiastically lend themselves to help benefit thousand of fellow Long Islanders."
Autism is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and is typically diagnosed before the age of three. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the alarming rate of autism is 1 in every 88 births and a child is diagnosed on the spectrum. ASDs occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and are four times more likely to occur in boys than in girls. When autism is detected earlier and appropriate intervention is taken, children with ASD can become more functional and learn to adapt to the world around them.
No matter the age of the diagnosis, children and adults with ASD are constant learners and significant improvements can be made at any age. For more information and to register please call 631-366-2914 or visit walk.ddiny.org. DDI is a not-for-profit agency headquartered in Smithtown, NY, with more than 30 locations throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties.
