Post written by Tatianna Zambrano, M. Ed., Current LEND School Psychology Trainee
The Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (CEDD) at UAB was proud to participate in the Birmingham Barons’ Autism Friendly Day on May 4, 2025. This event represents a collaboration among dozens of community partners, including our Center and Civitan-Sparks Clinics. The event was an incredible opportunity to not only enjoy hot dogs and funnel cakes but also to promote inclusivity and celebrate neurodiversity alongside families, professionals, and advocates from across Alabama! Plus, families got to snag a photo with a local celebrity – Babe Ruff!
Hosted by the Birmingham Barons, the Autism Friendly Day created a welcoming, sensory-friendly environment for autistic individuals and their loved ones. To support comfort and accessibility, the ballpark reduced ambient noise levels, limited announcements, and offered quiet zones. The day emphasized awareness and inclusion, helping fans with autism enjoy America’s favorite pastime in a more supportive setting.
Civitan-Sparks professionals and LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) trainees from UAB joined the event to share valuable resources and connect directly with the community. Trainees distributed social stories which are tools created to help individuals with autism better understand and prepare for new experiences like attending a baseball game. These stories were developed by past LEND trainees as part of their mission to support meaningful community participation for individuals with developmental disabilities.
In addition to the social stories, the team handed out information about Civitan-Sparks Clinics, the Regional Autism Network (RAN), other UAB-affiliated programs dedicated to developmental and behavioral health, and the ever-desired free pens and bubbles. It was a rewarding day of engagement, as the CEDD team had the chance to reconnect with current and former patients, meet new families, and build stronger relationships with members of the Birmingham autism community.
Events like Autism Friendly Day are a testament to the power of inclusive spaces. They not only provide autistic individuals the opportunity to enjoy activities they might otherwise avoid, but they also help foster understanding, awareness, and community support. Birmingham friends and families got the chance to understand how simple accommodations can make home plate feel like home for all! We’re grateful to the Birmingham Barons for hosting such a meaningful event, and we look forward to continuing our work alongside our partners to build a more inclusive Alabama for all.
