Washington Autism Alliance and Advocacy will host second annual WAAAlk for Autism at 10 a.m. on April 2 at Marina Park in Kirkland.

The WAAAlk will take place on Lake Street and will include a fun fair and resource booths at Marina Park.

The event is designed to raise both awareness and funds for families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The fundraising goal for the event is $100,000 and all proceeds will directly benefit families affected by ASD in Washington State. The funds will be used to enhance the current special education program provided by WAAA through family and peer support for education and student rights, community and school district awareness programs and best practices and legislative action by doing the following: Provide full-service advocacy for education in Individual Education Programs (IEP’s); Improve access to effective education programs for students with autism that include – Individualized assessment, functional curriculum, research-based instruction methods, data-based staffing ratios, family involvement, data tracking, professional development and the same expectation of academic achievement as non-disabled peers; and help develop statewide initiatives for school districts and higher educational institutions to recognize and prepare curriculums as well as best practices for students on the autism spectrum.

Registration for the walk will begin at 10 a.m., with the welcome message and walk at 10:45 a.m. The Fun Fair, music and entertainment will take place from noon to 2 p.m.

For more information or to register/donate, visit http://www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org/updates/waaalkforautism/