State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. and Community Board 9 will conduct the fourth annual Autism and Developmental Disability Walk and Resource Fair from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto Park/Smokey Oval Park in Richmond Hill. 

Everyone is welcome and invited to take part. Participants will circle the park’s perimeter four times during the event. In case it rains, the backup date is on Sunday, May 31, at the same time and site. Participants will be provided with information materials and resources. There will also be free snacks and beverages.

“Autism is a diverse umbrella term, and every individual with autism is different,” Addabbo said. “They remind us of our collective obligation to care for one another. That’s important work. This event also serves to highlight more general developmental disabilities that affect countless lives in Queens and beyond. We should bring about real change.” 

Autism is a neurologic disorder in which language abilities, situational awareness, and social behavior take a hit. An estimated 3.2 percent of eight-year-olds experience autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the CDC estimates. According to a 2009–2017 parental survey, 17 percent of 3-17 year-olds had a developmental disability diagnosis, which also includes ASD and ADHD, blindness, cerebral palsy, among other developmental disabilities.

“I’m so glad, as the mom of a son with autism, that Senator Addabbo is again leading this walk,” Sherry Algredo, Chair of CB #9, said. “Last year’s walk proved how needed this event is in our community. It’s also more than a walk — it is an opportunity to network, share concerns and advocate for better services for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. I understand the pressures families experience, and I am dedicated to making sure everyone knows help is available even though it needs to be expanded and more accessible. Thank you, Senator Addabbo, for helping make this possible.”

“I also, and especially, want to thank all the community partners who are making this walk happen, from Community Board 9 to its Chair Sherry Algredo, for her commitment to this cause,” Addabbo said. “I also appreciate all the people that support this impactful event — your support raises awareness and links our society for a worthy cause.”