Redmond-based Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy (WAAA) will hold its second annual WAAAlk for Autism from noon to 2 p.m. April 2 in downtown Kirkland and Marina Park.

All proceeds will directly benefit families affected by autism spectrum disorder 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

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

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.

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