Our annual “See the Able, Not the Label” Autism Awareness Event brings our community together to celebrate individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), raise awareness, and encourage greater understanding and acceptance.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, September 12th, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and is free and open to everyone. Guests can enjoy food trucks, bounce houses, raffle baskets, and more while coming together to support a meaningful cause.
For owner Lance Sherry, the event is especially meaningful as a parent of a child on the spectrum. His personal connection to autism is what helped inspire the event and continues to drive Buckeye’s commitment to education, advocacy, and inclusion.
All proceeds from the event go directly to Good Samaritan School and the Defiance County Board of DD. In past years, our partnership has raised enough to provide every law enforcement vehicle in Defiance County with a “Cruiser Kit.” These kits give officers resources to better communicate and interact with individuals who have sensory processing disorders or other disabilities, helping prevent misunderstandings and potentially de-escalate situations.
We hope to continue building on that impact in the years ahead, including the possibility of establishing a local scholarship program for individuals with autism pursuing higher education, vocational programs, or specialized training.
More than anything, “See the Able, Not the Label” is an opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate the abilities and individuality of people with autism, and help create a future where everyone has the understanding, resources, and opportunities they deserve.
