On December 1, 2023, The Autism Society of America’s CEO Chris Banks and Linda J. Walder, Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, honored the cast and crew of the new Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio with The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award for 2023 at the Belasco Theater in New York City. This new Broadway musical is poised to be groundbreaking as the lead actors are all adults with autism who depict their stories as they prepare for their first formal dance, sharing the diversity and humanity of all people as they grow, flourish, and change.
Purchase tickets for “How to Dance in Ohio”
Linda J. Walder holding the 2023
Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation
Leader in Adult Autism Award
“The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award is presented in collaboration with the Autism Society of America to inspire the autism community and the world by honoring adult individuals and endeavors that showcase the strengths, talents, and abilities of people with autism. Our vision is to open doors and hearts to enhance lifelong opportunities and acceptance that value the individuality of each person with autism,” said Linda Walder, Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.
“The Autism Society of America could not be prouder to present the 2023 Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award to the production of How to Dance in Ohio. The cast demonstrates the incredibly diverse and empowered spirit that motivates us all to lead braver and more truly authentic lives,” stated Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “At the Autism Society, we provide resources for autistic individuals to live fully and with dignity, building human connections along the way,” Banks continued.
From the thrilling “Building Momentum” musical number to the evocative backdrop of individuals navigating the road to their first formal dance, How to Dance in Ohio boldly represents the true expansiveness of the autistic community and all its unique qualities.
Linda J. Walder and Chris Banks with the cast and crew of “ How to Dance in Ohio”
“We are overjoyed with this honor. For years, we’ve been working on creating a Broadway-worthy musical that would provide much-needed representation and accessibility for autistic characters, autistic actors, and autistic audience members. The musical is a very clear representation of the strengths, talents, and abilities of autistic people, and that it resonates with all audiences is the cherry on top. We’re grateful for this recognition from The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award by the Autism Society of America and cannot wait for everyone to come to see this show,” says Sammy Lopez, Ben Holtzman, and Fiona Howe Rudin, the lead producers of How to Dance in Ohio.
Linda J. Walder with the “How to Dance in Ohio” producers
(L to R: Ben Holtzman, Sammy Lopez, and Fiona Howe Rudin
In celebration of the honor, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation invited individuals with autism, educators, professionals, families, and supporters of the autism community to enjoy what is destined to be this season’s Broadway hit musical.
To purchase tickets and learn more about How to Dance in Ohio, visit howtodanceinohiomusical.com.
Autism Society of America
The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots autism organization, the Autism Society and its approximately 70 local affiliates serve over half a million members of the autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the autism community is connected to the support they need when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and support and services throughout the lifespan. For more information, visit the Autism Society at AutismSociety.org, Facebook, Instagram or X.
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation was the first not-for-profit and all-volunteer-run organization in the United States to focus on adult autism and has been blazing trails since 2002. The Foundation creates paths leading to fulfilling and potential-driven lives. Their model programs, resources, public policy, and awareness initiatives are person-centered and derive from the needs and hopes of the diverse population of adults diagnosed with Autism and their families. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation’s visionary leadership in establishing the first and only adult autism focused endowment funds located at Yale, Brown, the University of Miami, Rutgers, and Arizona State University assures a global focus on cutting-edge program development, research, family support, vital resources, and public policy for decades to come. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award is presented annually by the Autism Society of America to recognize and inspire the world by honoring exemplary individuals and endeavors that highlight the strengths and potential of all individuals with autism to live their best lives.
How to Dance in Ohio
Based on the award-winning HBO documentary, How to Dance in Ohio tells the story of seven autistic young adults and their families as they prepare for their first-ever formal dance. This challenge breaks open their routines and sets off hilarious and heartbreaking encounters with love, stress, excitement, and independence. The show is breaking significant barriers in accessibility and representation in entertainment. Leading the cast are seven autistic actors, all making their Broadway debuts, offering a visible platform for the autistic community in a way that has never happened before on Broadway (both on and off the stage).
