YMCA of Delaware to host statewide Acceptance and Inclusion Tour in April

The YMCA of Delaware and Autism Delaware will host their April Acceptance and Inclusion Tour, featuring “Alex the Autism Delaware Bear” visiting branches statewide. (Photo courtesy of YMCA of Delaware.)

The YMCA of Delaware, in partnership with Autism Delaware, will host its fifth annual Acceptance and Inclusion Tour throughout April, bringing a statewide focus on inclusion and awareness for individuals on the autism spectrum.

The month-long tour will feature “Alex the Autism Delaware Bear,” who will visit YMCA branches across Delaware. The tour is scheduled to begin April 1 at the Brandywine YMCA and conclude April 30 at YMCA Camp Tockwogh in Worton, Maryland.

“The YMCA of Delaware is committed to strengthening the health and well-being of every individual we serve,” said Jarrett Royster, YMCA of Delaware President & CEO. “The Acceptance and Inclusion Tour is more than an event—it’s a reflection of who we are. It brings people together, celebrates the strength found in our differences, and reminds us that at the Y, everyone belongs and everyone matters.”

Now in its fifth year, the tour highlights efforts to make YMCA programs—including sports, recreation, summer camp and the arts—more inclusive and accessible to individuals with autism.

“With April being Autism Acceptance and Inclusion Month in Delaware, it is a wonderful time to shine a light on services like ours,” said Dan Getman, Director of Development at Autism Delaware. “We at Autism Delaware can’t raise awareness in the community alone, though. It takes partnerships like this one with the YMCA to reach more families who might benefit from working with us. We encourage everyone in Delaware to join Autism Delaware and the YMCA in our efforts to make our state a more inclusive place for those on the spectrum.”

Tour stops are scheduled at YMCA locations statewide, including Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and Middletown, before concluding at Camp Tockwogh in Maryland.

Organizers say the tour aims to encourage community participation while increasing awareness of resources and inclusive programming available throughout the state.

Sara Uzer

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate.  She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.