Autism walk at Andrews center underscores exploring life, overcoming barriers
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – About 600 students with autism from 16 schools met Tuesday at the Hiram G. Andrews Center for the annual Autism Awareness & Acceptance Walk and Resource Fair.
In the backdrop of the walk this year was a budget proposal from Gov. Josh Shapiro that would increase funds across Pennsylvania for the type of services offered by the center at 727 Goucher St., Upper Yoder Township.
Established in 1959 and operated through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Hiram G. Andrews Center is a post-secondary trade and technical school specializing in barrier-free education and job-readiness programs.
Members of Shapiro's Department of Labor and Industry attended the walk. Danielle Woods, press secretary for the department, watched the hundreds of children participating in the event even as a dark sky threatened rain.
PHOTO GALLERY | Hiram G. Andrews Center | Autism Awareness & Acceptance Walk
'As we enter budget season with the governor's proposal for an additional $5 million for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, this shows why those services are so important all across the commonwealth,' she said.
Shapiro's 2025-26 state budget proposal includes an additional $5 million to support the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in assisting people with disabilities in finding employment through personalized services, vocational guidance, goal setting, job placement and counseling.
William Hatcher, special assistant to the secretary of the Department of Labor and Industry, said the Hiram G. Andrews Center exemplifies the work of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
'It's a pleasure to be here at this center where they are focused on changing the lives of individuals, families and communities,' he said.
The theme of the walk around the school's campus was 'Life is a mystery.' Children stopped at stations during the walk for activities designed to spark ideas about how to investigate life and overcome barriers with autism.
Hiram G. Andrews Center Director Jill Moriconi said the walk is scheduled annually in April, Autism Awareness Month, a worldwide tradition with a history including a 2007 United Nations proclamation designating April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.
'This event celebrates anybody on the spectrum or who is neurodivergent,' Moriconi said. 'We are celebrating everybody's differences, and we are welcoming everyone to our campus because we also want people to know about this resource. We are the potential next step for students beyond the schools they are attending now. We are about meeting individuals where they are at.'
The Hiram G. Andrews Center offers 11 degree programs in 10 fields including culinary arts, welding and early childhood education. Students with autism also learn work readiness and socialization skills as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Aimee Janakovic, president, CEO and director of the Silver Lining ABA autism services center at 1732 Lyter Drive, Lower Yoder Township, brought 30 children from the center to participate in the walk.
'We are all here to support children with autism,' she said. 'It's good for them to explore. We are glad to be a part of this. It will be a fun day.'
Silver Lining ABA provides applied behavior analysis therapy, or ABA, to children with autism so that they can make positive behavior changes, enhance their communication skills and improve overall social interactions. It is the only center-based ABA therapy provider in Cambria County.
Marie Duell, Greater Johnstown School District autism support teacher, accompanied a group of elementary school students.
'Every student is unique and has something to offer,' she said. 'Acceptance is key. Everybody is different, but can be part of something.'
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