Albany, NY, Latham, NY, and Staatsburg, NY….. Anderson Center for Autism has announced details of its Fifth Annual Resources for Autism & IDD Information Sharing EXPO, also known as RAIISE.
Scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026 from 5-8pm, the event will be held at The Anderson Center Clinic and Anderson Early Learning Academy (7 Century Hill Drive in Latham, NY), and will offer attendees a chance to come to one venue to meet a wide range of service providers and to explore available services and resources for those with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities in the Capital Region.
The experience, structured in a ‘trade show format’, offers guests a chance to meet a wide range of professionals at exhibitor booths, and to enjoy Anderson Early Learning Academy (AELA)’s Trunk or Treat (which will take place at the same venue during the course of the RAIISE event, but will end at 7pm).
Said Dr. Tina Marie Covington, Chief Operating Officer at Anderson Center for Autism (who becomes CEO/Executive Director later this year): “We created this event five years ago to give families and caregivers an easy, convenient way to gather information about services for their loved ones with autism and other development disabilities, and it has attracted hundreds of people since inception. By attending RAIISE, guests save hours of time researching programs – and in many cases they get the chance to talk directly to the very professionals who can help optimize the quality of life for their family members. Guests who come to this event walk away with a deeper understanding of available services in our region, and moreover, they gain greater peace of mind knowing that there is a circle of support who can help maximize potential for the autistic and neurodivergent people in their care.”
Added Kelly Dooley, Interim Assistant Director of Development, “And of course, we are so grateful to the many sponsors and booth exhibitors who make our RAIISE event possible. This is a high-in-demand experience for families, who have told us time and again how deeply they value the opportunity to meet so many service providers and gain so much insight on the same day in one location. Whether a child has just been diagnosed or is further along in his or her development, RAIISE is a reminder that experts are available at every age and stage to help navigate challenges, provide support, and improve outcomes.”
Dooley added that Anderson Early Learning Academy’s Trunk or Treat will once again be held in conjunction with RAIISE, providing an “opportunity for guests to enjoy a sense of community in a fun, spirited setting – a perfect way to cap off their evening.”
She noted that RAIISE event sponsorships are now available, along with booth space. “Participating as an exhibitor or sponsor is an impactful way to elevate a brand, engage with the Capital Region community, and most importantly, to directly connect with people devoted to enriching life for those with autism and other neurodiversities.”
Sponsors so far include Center for Disability Services, Blue Path Service Dogs, Parent to Parent NYS, and Albany County Department For Children, Youth, & Families.
For updates to the exhibitor, sponsor, and presenter list, or for further details on RAIISE, visit andersoncenterforautism.org/raiise or email: RAIISE@Andersoncares.org.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.