annual walk & resource fair held at Hiram G. Andrews
CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — The rain didn't stop Makensey Bechel, a senior at Portage Area High School, from walking in the rain.
"I have my umbrella with me in case it rains," she told 6 News.
It was for the Autism Walk & Resource Fair hosted by L&I's Hiram G. Andrews Center in Upper Yoder Township.
Organizers say students on the autism spectrum were made aware of post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
Cherlyann Falsone, Psychological Services Associate at Hiram G. Andrews, says the event is a great way to promote acceptance.
"This is the largest group we've ever had. We have nine schools plus IU8 that are participating. Very large numbers coming. You can tell the excitement around here," she told 6 News during the event.
The pandemic cancelled the last two years of the annual walk, so both organizers and students say they're glad to return.
"It makes me feel happy again," Makensey told us.
Themed-stations were set up around the campus, teaching lessons to students along the way, while educating the public about autism.
We just have to learn to be more accepting of people's individuality. Sometimes, a person's individuality may be unique, hard to understand, or difficult for us to be patient with.She says the public needs to learn how to interact with people on the autism spectrum.
"We want them to just try to roll with the punches and interact with people as best you can. They're trying, and we need to try as well, so that the communication and acceptance really does happen," she told 6 News.
The students had their teachers by their side every 'step' of the way.
"I'm going to miss them if I move away," Makensey told us.
ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRflsK1tdKmZJqvkaeyr7HSrGSmp56ptW6tzaesmqRdrK6tt4yrnKynpaewpnnFmqCrZZiauaV5wK1koaGilrpus4yapZ2qlazA