Walking Towards Acceptance
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
2025 Bushnell Autism Acceptance Walk
The 2025 Bushnell Autism Acceptance Walk, held on Saturday, May 17, continued its tradition of raising funds and awareness for autism support in the community. This year marked the third consecutive event hosted by organizer Ericha Durr, who has been passionately advocating for autism acceptance and resources in the area.
The event raised a total of $3,054.07, marking a successful year for the walk. These funds will be used to purchase a sensory light-up board for Bushnell-Prairie City Elementary School. This interactive tool will provide a valuable sensory experience, helping students engage visually while fostering cognitive development. Ericha Durr emphasized that "Most autistic children learn better visually," and the light-up panel, which is sound-activated, will also encourage speech and vocalizations, benefiting the students' development.
Ericha explained the inspiration behind starting the walk. "I have three children on the spectrum, and there is a lack of resources and services in this area," she shared. "I wanted to do something about it." Over the last three years, the event has raised nearly $8,000 to provide much-needed sensory items for classrooms and the sensory gym.
Ericha and her business partner, Amber, have established the nonprofit organization Autism Unfiltered Inc. to help further their mission. "We will be applying for grants to create inclusive spaces and provide the necessary services and resources that we are currently lacking in our rural area," she explained.
As the Bushnell Autism Acceptance Walk continues to grow, it serves as a powerful reminder of what a community can accomplish when we come together to support one another. Ericha and Amber's dedication is building a future where every child, regardless of their challenges, has the tools and opportunities to thrive. As Ericha so beautifully puts it, "It's up to us as a community to make things happen for our kids," and together, we can make that vision a reality.
For more information about Autism Unfiltered Inc., visit www.autismunfilteredinc.com.
