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June 2, 2023-Champaign Urbana Autism Network Partners with Armani Williams

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Champaign Urbana Autism Network (CUAN), an autism support and advocacy organization based in Urbana, IL, has partnered with NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series driver Armani Williams.

 

CUAN supports people on the autism spectrum and the community by providing networking, education, training and advocacy, along with promoting awareness and acceptance. It is CUAN’s hope that empowered individuals on the autism spectrum, families, educators, and professionals will be connected to the resources and support they need to create a positive and healthy environment to best allow the individual on the autism spectrum to grow and develop to their full potential as a participating member of their society.

The organization has partnered with Williams, the first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series driver openly diagnosed on the autism spectrum not only to serve as a brand ambassador but will also partner with the Grosse Point, Mich. native in the upcoming Truck Series event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in August.

“It is incredibly humbling to be associated with the Champaign Urbana Autism Network,” said Williams. “Their passion to make a difference in the Autism community is not only inspiring but further gives me additional motivation to continue using my platforms to help unite the worlds of Autism and NASCAR and make a difference for many now and forever.”

The Michigander will make his Truck Series debut at the famed Indianapolis short track as part of a doubleheader racing event with the ARCA Menards Series.

CUAN is honored to partner with Williams, as he embraces his autism and pursues his passion for racing.

"Armani is an example of an individual on the Autism Spectrum who wouldn't let others confine him or his abilities,” said Julie Duvall, CUAN president. "His 'Tell me I can't and I will show you I can' philosophy has been proven time and again in the racing world.”

The TSport 200 on August 11, 2023, will signify CUAN’s inaugural foray into NASCAR and is the latest partner with a focus on the autism spectrum to partner with the popular rookie driver.

 

"It takes a village to make a change,” offered Dr. Daniel Fox, CEO of CUAN. "Together CUAN and Armani Williams will lead the way to autism acceptance in our community.

 

“CUAN shares Armani's inspiring commitment to give attention and a voice to Autism awareness which includes acceptance, understanding, inclusion, continuing education, employment and independence. We wish him the best of luck in the upcoming race.”

 

As part of their inaugural Truck Series campaign, the Champaign Urbana Autism Network is offering the decklid on William’s truck for race friends to put their name for the 17th Truck Series race of the season with a minimum CUAN donation of $25.00 beginning June 1, 2023 – August 1, 2023.

 

Donations can be made here

 

Williams, 23, graduated to the Truck Series after stints in the premier ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West and the Canadian-based NASCAR Pinty’s Series.

 

For additional information on Champaign Urbana Autism Network, please visit cuautismnetwork.org, like them on Facebook (Champaign-Urbana Autism Network), Linkedin and follow them on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.

 

For more on Armani Williams, please visit teamarmaniracing.com, like him on Facebook (Team Armani Racing) and follow him on Twitter (@TeamArmaniRacin).

 

The TSport 200 (200 laps | 201 miles) is the 17th of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races on the 2023 schedule. The one-day show begins with practice on Friday, August 11, 2023, from 3:30 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. Qualifying kicks off immediately following practice at 4:05 p.m. The field will take the green flag later that night shortly after 9:00 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern).

Upcoming Events

Cheer on Fury for Autism in the first Inclusion Division at the 8th Annual Pucks for Autism Tournament!
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The Tom Jones Challenger League is proof that ALL children who want to play sports can do so.  In our case, it’s baseball.  We believe that all children need to be given the chance, and we exist to allow that to happen.
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About Us

It Takes a village

#cuanvillage

Our Vision

Our hope is that empowered individuals on the autism spectrum, families, educators, and professionals will be connected to the resources and support they need to create a positive and healthy environment to best allow the individual on the autism spectrum to grow and develop to their full potential as a participating member of their society.

Our Mission

To support persons on the autism spectrum, their families, caregivers, educators, other professionals and the public by providing opportunities for support and networking, education, training, and advocacy, along with promoting awareness and acceptance.

An update from the CEO

April 3, 2023

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CUAN'S 2023 Ambassador

This year the Champaign Urbana Autism Network has chosen Scott Bennett as the 2023 Ambassador for the 12th annual CUAN Autism Walk and Resource Fair.

 

Scott was an Illinois Senator for the 52nd District, lawyer, and a farmer. However his favorite job was being Emma and Sam's dad and Stacy's husband.

 

Those who knew him were honored to call him a friend. He was funny, loyal, and genuinely cared for all the people he met. Scott was dedicated to helping autistic families through state policy. He understood the need for more disability legislation and was proud to be our voice in Springfield.

Sadly on December 9, 2022 our community lost a great friend and advocate. As our voice in Springfield, he had plans to focus on the Autism and disability legislature before he retired in 2024.

Please join us Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 11:30am-2:30pm at the Savoy Recreation Center at 402 Graham Drive in Savoy, IL to honor and remember Scott.

Este año, la Red de Autismo de Champaign Urbana ha elegido al Senador Scott Bennett como el Embajador 2023 para la 12.ª Feria Anual de Recursos y Caminata sobre el Autismo de CUAN.

 

Scott fue senador de Illinois por el Distrito 52, abogado y agricultor. Sin embargo, su trabajo favorito era ser el padre de Emma y Sam y el marido de Stacy.

 

Quienes lo conocieron tuvieron el honor de llamarlo amigo. Él era divertido,

leal y genuinamente preocupado por todas las personas que conoció.

Scott se dedicó a ayudar a las familias autistas a través de la política estatal. Entendió la necesidad de más legislación sobre discapacidad y estaba orgulloso de ser nuestra voz en Springfield.

 

Lamentablemente, el 9 de diciembre de 2022, nuestra comunidad perdió a un gran amigo y defensor. Como nuestra voz en Springfield, tenía planes de centrarse en la legislación sobre autismo y discapacidad antes de retirarse del Senado de Illinois en 2024.

 

Con la admiración y el apoyo de la familia, los amigos y la comunidad, Stacy honró el legado político de Scott al ocupar su escaño en el Senado durante las últimas dos semanas de su mandato restante.

 

Únase con nosotros el sábado 15 de abril de 2023 de 11:30 am a 2:30 pm en el Savoy Recreation Center en 402 Graham Drive en Savoy, IL para honrar y recordar a Scott.

 

The Champaign Urbana Autism Network Board

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