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NYCHA Resident Associations Top Story 

Autism Awareness Picnic at Morrisania Air Rights 

LaToya

On June 9, Morrisania Air Rights (MAR) in the Bronx was transformed into a resource center for parents and caregivers and a play space for children for the development’s “Autism Awareness Resource Picnic.” The event was organized by the Morrisania Air Rights Resident Association and supported by a host of sponsors to create a safe and inclusive environment for families navigating life with children on the autism spectrum and others seeking education and resources.   

“I am an autism mom myself and I wanted to empower families living in public housing that are trying to navigate the same challenges, not only as an autism mom but as a public housing resident as well,” said MAR Resident Association President Tanya Pedler.  

The event was supported by a large network of sponsors who provided funding, resources, and activities tailored to include fun and accessibility for everyone. NYCHA, the Public Housing Community Fund, State Senators Luis R. Sepulveda and Jose M. Serrano, and Assembly Member Chantel Jackson co-sponsored alongside organizations Autism Origins Lab, Special Olympics New York, Fidelis Care, the Bell Organization, and many more.  

Children enjoyed a trackless train complete with conductor hats and whistles for all aboard, table tennis, face painting, a sensory globe and bubble station, and they even crafted their own teddy bears at the cuddly inspiration corner. The gardening station, provided by the New York Botanical Garden, offered a hands-on learning experience. There was free lunch and treats for all.  

In addition to receiving resources from the sponsors in attendance, there was a raffle for parents to win two AngelSense GPS devices and an MJ Treatment Spa & Wellness gift (Ms. Pedler noted that it’s important for “parents to take care of themselves, too!”). 

Throughout the day there were also opportunities that empowered attendees to have their voices heard in community initiatives: adults learned about the participatory budgeting projects in their community and Kompan, set to renovate the development’s playground, brought sample equipment for children to test, engaging them in the future of their play space. 

“The goal was to reach out to residents and let them know that we’re here,” Ms. Pedler said. “We also wanted to engage residents that normally don’t come out, residents who may feel that an event is not inclusive enough for their families. Our goal was achieved!”