Burkhart Center Hosts Annual Autism Walk

Written by Megan Robare

Head Coach Tuberville is honorary walk chairman.

Texas Tech University’s Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research will host its annual Walk for Autism Awareness 2 to 4 p.m. April 25 at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Tommy Tuberville, head football coach of the Red Raiders, joins Jim Burkhart as this year’s honorary walk chairmen. Program coordinator for the Burkhart Center, Susan Voland, said they are excited to have Tuberville and Burkhart to help in the goal of raising awareness for autism.

“Most people do not realize that autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S.,” Voland said. “Autism is estimated to affect as many as 1 in 110 U.S. children.”

Voland said she hopes everyone will come out and show their support for the families in the community who have been touched by autism.

Proceeds raised at this year’s walk will fund programming at the Burkhart Center, including teacher training, a monthly Parents’ Night Out and summer activities for children on the autism spectrum and their families.

The Burkhart Center, named for Jim and Jere Lynn Burkhart who have made significant contributions to the establishment and its mission, opened in October 2005. The center provides services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their families and the professionals who work with them to improve their quality of life.

Walk-up registration begins at 1:30 p.m. April 25 or can be completed in advance online at www.burkhartcenter.org, or by mail to the Burkhart Center. The first 500 individuals to enter the stadium will receive a free T-shirt.

CONTACT: Susan Voland, program coordinator, Burkhart Center for Autism Education & Research, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-1998 ext. 458, or susan.voland@ttu.edu.