What began as a rain-delayed celebration became what organizer Angela Lucas called “the most beautiful walk ever” — a day filled with emotional performances, dancing and community connection centered on inclusion and acceptance.
The sixth annual Hangout One Happy Place Autism Walk, which took place April 26, after weather forced a schedule change from the day before, drew about 200 people to Baldwin Park for a celebration Lucas described as “magical.”
“It was a day of love where everything was OK,” she said. “Everybody embraced each other.”
Families gathered beneath cloudy skies as music filled Baldwin Park, where participants danced, waved signs and cheered on performers throughout the afternoon. Audience members sang along during the performances while children and adults joined hands near the stage, turning the walk into both a celebration and a community gathering.
Lucas created Hangout One Happy Place to provide a welcoming social space for young adults of varying abilities through expressive and creative programming. The nonprofit offers dance, fitness and art classes throughout the week, giving participants opportunities to build confidence, friendships and routine in an inclusive setting.
While previous years were more Baldwin-centered, Lucas said this year’s walk attracted broader support from across Nassau County and the neurodiversity community.
Despite the weather and the schedule change, she said, participants adapted effortlessly — something she viewed as especially meaningful. “Everything was all set to go one way, and then because the day changed, it had to go another way,” she said. “If something went wrong with music, it just didn’t matter.”
The celebration featured several musical performances by Hangout participants, including group renditions of “Because You Loved Me” and “You’ll Be in My Heart.” During one, participants held hands on stage while audience members danced alongside them.
Lucas said that several audience members became emotional during the performances, with some crying while others joined participants in dancing near the stage as one performer gave an unexpected speech honoring Lucas and the Hangout community.
“People in the audience were dancing with the kids,” she said. “It was so beautiful.”
“They shined,” she said of the participants. “They went up on stage, they performed, they were beautiful.”
Support from community leaders and organizations, Lucas said, helped reinforce the event’s message of acceptance. Members of the Baldwin Fire Department raised the American flag to open the event, while representatives of Nassau BOCES and local elected officials, including Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and County Legislator Debra Mulé also attended.
Lucas spoke during the walk, emphasizing inclusion and understanding, themes she said define Hangout’s mission.
“‘Always include me even if you don’t think I understand, even if you don’t think I’m listening, even if you’re not sure I can speak,’” she said. “‘Always include me in the conversation.’”
She described Hangout as “a happy place where individuals of all abilities come together to dance, create art” and form lasting friendships.
Lucas said the atmosphere throughout the event reflected genuine togetherness rather than simply discussion about inclusion.
“Everybody talks about inclusion and diversity,” she said. “Well, that was the day where it was shown 100 percent.”
As families, supporters and participants danced together through the afternoon, Lucas said the event ultimately became a celebration of being seen, heard and embraced.
“The Hangout kids are the ones who did that,” she said. “‘This is who I am. Embrace me, love me, hear me, see me.’”
As the event wrapped up, participants continued dancing together while families lingered in the park taking photos and embracing one another — a scene Lucas said perfectly reflected the mission behind Hangout and the walk itself.
