Shine Brighter Together – Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month! To recognize its significance, various agencies from across the county are “shining brighter together” at a fun family-friendly event at Wheaton Regional Park! Participate in hands-on, sensory-friendly activities while learning more about autism and the variety of resources available in Montgomery County. Attendees will also have an opportunity to help decorate Buddy Benches that will remain at select Montgomery Parks.

Bring a picnic or purchase food on-site from Fly Pizza Truck and Festival Concessions. (Alcohol is not permitted at this event.)

Partners include Montgomery Parks and Montgomery Park Police Special Operations, Montgomery Recreation, Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD Unit, City of Rockville Recreation and Parks, City of Gaithersburg Parks, Recreation and Culture, City of Takoma Park, Montgomery County Public Library System, The Arc of Maryland, The Arc Montgomery County, and xMinds.

Activities will include sensory-friendly story times, face painters, roving characters, arts and crafts, exercise demos, Imagination Playground “Big Blue Blocks”, performances, and more. Activities and resources will be provided by ArtStream, Jubilee Association of Maryland, MDTAP, Maryland ABLE, Spirit Club, Vicki’s MasCharade, and partners. Please check back one week prior to the event for a social story about exactly what to expect.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Buddy Benches: Shine Brighter Together

Join us as we paint Buddy Benches at the event! Now, what’s a “Buddy Bench”? Buddy Benches were invented to combat loneliness and bullying in schools, playgrounds, and parks. It’s a way for individuals to signal to others that they are feeling lonely and isolated and need a friend to play with or someone to talk to. The bench allows others to clearly see when another needs support or a friend, and they can join them on the bench for a chat or invite them to play. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Montgomery Parks is dedicated to providing quality services and programs that are inclusive and accessible to all.

The event will include a sign language interpreter, a sensory retreat tent, wheelchairs, walkers, and other adaptive equipment, and Park Police Search and Rescue Division and Mounted Units. To request other reasonable modifications, please contact 301-495-2581 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org

Rain Date: Sunday, April 30

This event will be held at Wheaton Regional Park