Pools of Hope Presents Autism Awareness Education Event to Support Parents and Caregivers

Long Beach, California Apr 1, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - Pools of Hope is proud to host an Autism Awareness Education Event on April 14, 2025, bringing together leading advocates and experts to support families navigating resources for youth on the spectrum. This free event aims to provide essential information, advocacy tools, and community support in a welcoming space.

The event will take place on April 14th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (4321 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807).

April is recognized as Autism Acceptance Month, a period of time to celebrate neurodiversity and the unique contributions of individuals with autism. According to the CDC, 1-in-36 children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups in the United States. Focusing on collaboration and social connectedness, Pools of Hope is working to offer supportive services to help people with autism achieve their full potential.

The upcoming event is an opportunity to provide families with critical resources and professional guidance while fostering understanding and awareness in our community, said Patricia Dixon, Executive Director of Pools of Hope. We are honored to host knowledgeable panelists and create a space for meaningful conversations and connections.

The expert panel includes respected leaders in autism advocacy, special education, and health equity: Stacy McAlister, Executive Director of 5-Eleven Hoops; Representatives from Harbor Regional Center; Maricela de Rivera, Multicultural Health Equity Coordinator at the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services; Bernadette Gonzalez Director of Disabled Students Program and Services at Long Beach Community College, and Mieko Hester-Perez, nationally recognized autism advocate, author, and Pools of Hope board member.

Topics to be addressed include: 

1) How to effectively navigate the special education (IEP/504) system

2) Where to access vital autism and developmental services

 More On Latest and Top Breaking News Headlines from Local and Around the World ::

3) How parents can advocate for their loved ones

4) How to build supportive community networks for long-term success

This event is made possible with support from the Port of Long Beach.

Attendees will receive a free copy of Mieko Hester-Perezs book, Mastering the Battlefield, a valuable guide designed to help parents of special needs children better understand and navigate the resources and educational support available to them.

Due to limited capacity, advance registration is required for attendance.

Registration is now open: Click Here to Register

For more information, please contact Pools of Hope at (310) 537-2224 or reach out to the media contacts listed above.

About Pools of Hope

Pools of Hope is dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and underserved communities in Long Beach. Each year, the organization provides therapeutic aquatic and wellness programs to over 2,500 children with developmental disabilities, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Through warm-water therapy, community outreach, and access to vital resources, Pools of Hope creates inclusive spaces that support physical and mental well-being.

For more information, visit www.caaquatictherapy.com.