BEARS Bonanza Event to Celebrate Autism Awareness Month

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex Board of Cooperative Educational Services (WSWHE BOCES) will host its first “BEARS Bonanza” event at the F. Donald Myers Education Center on April 12 from 9:30 a.m. until noon in celebration of Autism Awareness Month. 

BEARS is the acronym for BOCES Educating Autistic and Related Disorders Students. BEARS programs are designed primarily for students who have a diagnosis of autism, and are in grades K-12 and up to age 21. The programs serve students with disabilities resulting in multi-sensory or motor deficiencies and developmental lags in language, cognitive, affective and psychomotor areas. 

BEARS classes are in multiple locations but on this day, they will all come together to celebrate. Career and Technical Education students, related service providers, and volunteers will help create a safe and sensory-friendly festival for students. The day will include exploring trucks, making crafts, decorating cookies, participating in obstacle courses, enjoying face painting, petting animals in a small petting zoo, and listening to music by Jack of the Zucchini Brothers.