Family Initiative announces 2026 Autism Walk in downtown Fort Myers
Family Initiative will host its 2nd Annual Autism Walk on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 bringing families, advocates, and community partners together in downtown Fort Myers to support children and families affected by autism.
The family-friendly 0.2-mile walk will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning at City Tavern, 2206 Bay St., and concluding at All Children’s Park in Centennial Park. The park is fully accessible and designed to support individuals with sensory and mobility needs, ensuring a welcoming experience for participants of all ages and abilities.
The Autism Walk serves as both a celebration and a call to action, highlighting the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and access to services for individuals on the autism spectrum. Family Initiative has partnered with multiple local community resource vendors who will be on-site to share information, services, and support options available to families. Participating partners include the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Parks & Recreation, Suncoast Credit Union, Goodwill Industries, Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida, and many more. The Autism Walk is sponsored by the Golisano Foundation again this year.
Event Details:
• Start Location: City Tavern, 2206 Bay St., Fort Myers, FL
• End Location: All Children’s Park, Centennial Park, 2000 W. 1st St., Fort Myers
• Registration: Free and open to the public; donations are accepted
Free registration includes an event T-shirt. Families and supporters can register online at fi-florida.org.
“Each year, the Autism Walk brings together hundreds of families and supporters from across Southwest Florida to put on full display love for the autism community,” said David Brown, MA, LCSW, president and co-founder of Family Initiative. “This event is about visibility, connection, and ensuring families affected by autism know they are not navigating this journey alone. Every step we take helps strengthen support systems and expand opportunities for the children and families we serve.”
Proceeds and community support generated through the Autism Walk directly benefit Family Initiative’s programs, including therapy services, educational programming, family supports, and community outreach across Southwest Florida.
About Family Initiative:
Founded in 2015, Family Initiative Inc. is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with autism and strengthening their families. Its team of clinicians serves children through a compassionate, personalized approach using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Occupational Therapy (OT). The organization also offers autism play groups, teen meetups, parent education, and community conversations. In addition, Family Initiative provides training and support for child welfare caregivers through its Family Impact Program. For more information, visit www.fi-florida.org, follow Family Initiative on Facebook and Instagram at @FamilyInitiative, or on X (formerly Twitter) at @FI_Inc.