Oak Creek Teachers Rally For Autism

When it comes to autism, teachers are as familiar as anyone on the struggles people and families dealing with the developmental disorder face.

That's a big reason why a large group of Oak Creek teachers have mobilized for this weekend's Walk Now for Autism Speaks at State Fair Park.

The group, called Team Oak Creek: Educators & Families Supporting Our Most Precious Resource, has nearly 70 members who have raised more than $6,000, organizer Lisa Reid said.

That puts them in second place in money raised out of the more than 100 teams that have registered for the event, according to the event website.

"The teachers have just been kicking butt with raising money," Reid said.

Autism especially hits home for teachers, Reid said. The disorder affects about 1 in 88 children, so it no doubt has a huge impact in a district as large as Oak Creek.

Oftentimes, teachers are the first ones who talk with families, guiding them through getting a child the help he or she needs, Reid said.

Saturday's event allows educators to show their support. In addition to raising money, teachers have made-up T-shirts and participated in the held at the beginning of April.

It's the second year a group from the Oak Creek-Franklin School District participated. This year's team also includes some parents and families in the district.

"It's a great way to support our community," Reid said. "It speaks a lot to the type of people who work here in Oak Creek."