Step Into Autism

Every day, thousands of individuals and families across Northeast Ohio are navigating Autism. They are seeking connection. Understanding. Support. And too often, they are doing it alone.

Autism affects 1 in 31 children and over 5 million adults in the United States. This is not someone else’s story. It is happening in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our workplaces.

This is where you step in.

The 16th Annual Step Into Autism Fundraiser, Walk & Resource Fair brings our community together to turn awareness into action and connection into lasting impact.

Because when a parent finds the right resource, we build belonging.
When a child experiences connection, we build belonging.
When an adult finds meaningful work or community, we build belonging.
When a community chooses inclusion, we build belonging. 

Every dollar raised stays local, supporting programs, advocacy, and resources that empower individuals with Autism to live fully.

You can make that impact happen.

Start a team.
Join a team.
Give what you can.

Walk at your own pace. Celebrate every step. Connect, learn, and experience the power of a community that shows up for one another.

This is more than a walk. This is belonging in motion.

Step into Autism. Step into impact.

Coming Soon!

Put Your Resource/Business on the List for 2026!

Email melanie@autismakron.org to find out how you can be an exhibitor for our 2026 Walks.

Registration Details

Can I register more than one person under my account?

Yes! You can register as many people as you want under your account. Simply select the "Add Another Registrant" button during registration.
Please note:  Enter an email address for every team member so they will receive important event updates.  (Does not apply to participants 18 and under).

Does everyone need to register to participate?

YES! We ask that everyone participating age 18 and over sign the online waiver. Please register all participants, regardless of age - This helps ASGA plan for the numbers at the event and share important information with you. Team captains can register more than one person at a time (see above).

Is there a registration deadline?

We are so grateful to celebrate you! Please register prior to the event. This helps us to plan our event accordingly.

Registration will remain open until the day of the Walk, June 6, 2026.

Can I join a fundraising team without creating an individual fundraising page?

Of course! However, when you join a fundraising team, an individual fundraising page is created in your name, and it keeps track of the donations received for your team on your behalf. This will create a little competition between you and your teammates. Please be sure to donate to your own team to get it started. Every little bit helps and is appreciated. When donations are received, they will be entered into the system and assigned to your team. You will then receive an email confirmation.

Are animals / dogs allowed at the Step Into Autism Walks?

No. Only certified service dogs are allowed at the event. This is for the safety of the participants and the upkeep of the venue. Some participants may also be scared or allergic, so we ask everyone to please respect this restriction. 

DONATIONS:
What do I do with offline donations, such as cash and checks?

For donations taken in person, please turn your cash into a check and mail to our office. Checks are made payable to: 

Autism Society of Greater Akron
Step Into Autism
580 Grant Street  
Akron, OH 44311

Use this Donation Form to send to people that want to donate to your team but don't want to do it online.

Use this Donation Tracking Form to track your donations and confirm your thank you notes.

Editing Your Personal Message After You Have Registered

It's important to share your personal message and share why you are fundraising for the local Autism community. If you have already registered and need to update your personal message follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the home page and click on your profile picture in the upper right corner of the screen.
2. Click on "My Registrations"
3. Click "Manage Registration"
4. On the left side of the screen, click on "Fundraiser"
5. Scroll down to the middle of the page and you will find "Personal Message to Display on Your Fundraiser Page" and edit/tell your story
6. Click "Save Fundraising Changes" at the bottom of the page to save your story

Fundraising FAQs

How do I find the URL to my fundraising page?

To find your page URL, visit https://runsignup.com/stepintoautismsummit and click the profile icon in the upper right corner.  Log in to your account, go to your profile, then scroll down until you see "Fundraising."  Right-click to copy your fundraising URL. Be sure to include this link in your outreach for donations!

How do I edit my page and goal?

To edit your page and goal, visit https://runsignup.com/stepintoautismsummit and click the profile icon in the upper right corner.  Log in to your account, go to your profile, then scroll down until you see "Fundraising."  Click "Edit Fundraiser" to edit the content, goal, or fundraising URL. We encourage you to customize your page and share your story and inspiration for participating!

How do I send my fundraising page to friends and family?

When on your individual fundraising page, click "Links/Sharing"' on the top toolbar. From here, you can copy your fundraising page's URL to share, or click any of the smaller social media and email icons under your team name for quick sharing. There is even an option to embed a donation widget on your own web page! An additional fundraising guide can be found here.

Can I fundraise on Facebook?

You can create a Facebook fundraiser that connects to your Walk account. When logged into your account, visit your personal fundraising page, scroll down, and click the "Create Your Fundraiser on Facebook!" button. If you do not create a Facebook fundraiser through your personal fundraiser page, any incoming donations will not be assigned to you. A Facebook fundraiser page makes it quick and easy for friends and family to donate.  All donations made through the Facebook fundraiser will show up as part of your total on RunSignup. 

If you prefer not to connect your pages, you can share your participant link on Facebook and ask people to visit your Walk page to donate.

How to create a Facebook Fundraiser and link it to your Team Fundraiser
You can now raise more and reach your fundraising goal faster by creating a Facebook Fundraiser directly from your RunSignup Fundraising Page! Any money that is raised on Facebook will count towards your overall fundraising goal. On average, connected fundraisers raise over $150 through Facebook. Facebook’s powerful social network and ease of use make it easy for your fundraisers to ask their friends for donations.

Follow the instructions below to create your synced Facebook Fundraiser.

For your Facebook Fundraiser to count towards your fundraising goal, you must follow the instructions to create your Facebook Fundraiser

1. Sign In to RunSignup.
2. Go to your Profile.
3. Scroll down to your Fundraising section of your profile.
4. Click on your fundraiser name to go to your fundraising page.
5. On your Fundraiser page, click Create Your Fundraiser on Facebook!
****If you are logged in to Facebook on your device, your fundraiser will automatically be created.   

****If you are not logged in to Facebook, you will be prompted to log in. Once you are logged in, your fundraiser will automatically be created.

Start sharing your Facebook Fundraiser with your friends and family! Any money that you raise on Facebook will automatically count towards your overall fundraising goal. Your total amount raised will be synced between RunSignup and Facebook.  

Is there a fundraising minimum to participate?

While there is no minimum fundraising amount to participate, we hope you will consider asking your friends, family, and colleagues to contribute. Step Into Autism is an opportunity to raise autism acceptance, community support, and funds for the ASGA.

Can matching gifts be applied to my fundraising total?

Yes, we will apply matching gifts to your fundraising total as soon as we have the official paperwork, and it is approved by your company. Please let us know ahead of time that you have applied and when it is approved. 

Team Captain Fundraising Page Questions

How do I view my team’s fundraising page? 

• Sign in to your Run Sign Up account
• Click on your account photo in the upper right corner of the page
• On the drop-down menu, click "Profile"
• Scroll down to the fundraising section, where you will see your individual fundraising page AND your team fundraising page
• Click on your team fundraising page

How do I send my team fundraising page to invite friends and family to donate to my team’s fundraising efforts?

When on your team page, click "Links/Sharing" on the top toolbar. From here, you can copy your fundraising page's URL to share or click any of the smaller social media and email icons under your team name for quick sharing. There is even an option to embed a donation widget on your own web page!

How do I donate to the organization without selecting an individual fundraiser or a team?

CLICK HERE to donate directly to the general Step Into Autism fundraising!

If you have questions that are not addressed here, please email melanie@autismakron.org

See what the walk has looked like in the years before HERE.

Coming Soon!

Get involved with Step Into Autism and expose your business to hundreds of families, professionals, and educators! 

If you are interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities visit our sponsorship website here or contact Melanie Timco at melanie@autismakron.org.

Thank you for your support! 

SCHEDULE

10:00 AM     EVENT OPENS

• Same day registration available. Everyone must register online and agree to the waiver

• Check In at the Welcome Table               

10:25 AM     WELCOME

• Sponsor and Team Recognition

10:45 AM     LINE UP

• Walkers begin to line up at the Balloon Arch, Cheered on by SPARKLE Cheerleaders

11:00 AM     START Walk Begins!   

11:30 AM     FINISH

• Walkers return to Pavilion Area

• Visit Resource Fair, Splash Pad

12:00 PM     END - Thank You!            

SAFETY

Please help us keep Cuyahoga Falls and our event safe. If you see or hear something concerning, please call 9-1-1 and notify staff at the ASGA table.

The restrooms in the Pavilion adjacent to the Amphitheater will be open.

FIRST AID

A First-Aid kit will be available at the ASGA tent. If you have a medical need, please find a volunteer in a yellow vest or burgundy polo shirt.

If you have an emergency that requires EMS, please call 9-1-1. The Cuyahoga Falls Fire station is located approximately 0.12 miles south of the the Amphitheater on Front Street. 

WEATHER AND HYDRATION

Be sure to stay hydrated. Please feel free to bring your own beverages and snacks. Please plan for any type of weather.  

QUESTIONS ON WALK DAY?

Look for our volunteers in yellow vests, staff in burgundy ASGA shirts or visit the ASGA table.

WE CAN'T WAIT TO WALK WITH YOU!