Muscogee County Sheriff's Office Hosts Autism Awareness Event

Third annual Family Fun Day brings community together to celebrate autistic individuals

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:19pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated autism awareness symbol in a grid pattern, using vibrant neon hues and heavy black outlines to create a modern pop art effect.The Muscogee County Sheriff's Office's annual autism awareness event celebrates the abilities and contributions of the local autistic community.Columbus Today

The Muscogee County Sheriff's Office in Columbus, Georgia hosted its third annual Autism Awareness Family Fun Day at Woodruff Park. The free event brought together dozens of community organizations to recognize and support the local autistic community and their families.

Why it matters

Events like this help raise awareness and understanding about autism, while also providing resources and support for autistic individuals and their loved ones. By focusing on the abilities of those with autism, rather than their disabilities, the Sheriff's Office aims to create a more inclusive and accepting community.

The details

The Family Fun Day featured information booths from various community organizations, as well as activities and entertainment for attendees. Sheriff Greg Countryman emphasized the importance of recognizing the autistic community and their families for their contributions to the local area. The event also highlighted Project Lifesaver, a program that helps locate people who may wander due to conditions like autism.

  • The Muscogee County Sheriff's Office hosted its third annual Autism Awareness Family Fun Day on April 11, 2026.

The players

Greg Countryman

The Sheriff of Muscogee County, Georgia who organized the Autism Awareness event.

Woodruff Park

The location in Columbus, Georgia where the Autism Awareness Family Fun Day was held.

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What they’re saying

“Recognize the autistic community, their families, for what they do for our community. We don't focus on inabilities, but we focus on the abilities of each one of the kids with autism.”

— Greg Countryman, Sheriff of Muscogee County

The takeaway

Events like the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office Autism Awareness Family Fun Day help foster a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals with autism and their loved ones. By highlighting their abilities and contributions, rather than their disabilities, these types of initiatives can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by autism.