Tempe Hosts Sixth Annual Yes Day Walk for Autism
The community gathers at Tempe Beach Park to raise funds and connect families with essential autism support resources.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Autism
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The Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center held its sixth annual Yes Day Walk for Autism at Tempe Beach Park. The fall festival event focuses on raising funds for support services while promoting integration for local individuals on the autism spectrum.
Why it matters
This annual event provides a crucial hub for families to access professional support and build community connections. By centralizing resources in an accessible, festival-style setting, it aims to reduce barriers to care for families navigating autism services.
The sixth annual event connected participants with 71 different support groups. These organizations provide a range of services designed to assist people with autism and their families.
The players
Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center
This organization is a community-based nonprofit focused on autism research, education, and direct support services for individuals and families.
Danny Openden
He serves as the President and CEO of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.
The details
The walk creates a fall festival atmosphere intended to foster community engagement and inclusivity for people with autism. Participants gain direct access to resource groups that provide specialized support for the local community.
Timeline
The sixth annual Yes Day Walk took place on the morning of Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The Big Picture
This gathering follows the long-term community outreach model established by the SARRC Yes Day Walk for Autism annual series. It represents the sixth iteration of a program designed to bridge the gap between clinical support resources and local families.
Families attending the event can directly connect with 71 support organizations to find tailored resources and guidance for their daily lives. The walk also provides a supportive space for community integration and awareness in the Tempe area.
The takeaway
Engaging with community-led events like this can provide families with immediate access to a network of specialized local support groups. For those navigating autism services, building these in-person connections is a key step toward finding consistent care and peer support.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in our Autism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.
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