The Town of Duck Police Department is excited to invite the community to Quiet Connections: An Autism Awareness and Community Resources Event, a free, family-friendly, day designed to highlight inclusion, connection, and support.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Duck Public Safety Building, 1259 Duck Road. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Duck police officers and firefighters, learn about Project Lifesaver and enjoy sensory-friendly zones, community resource booths, food, games and inclusive entertainment for all ages. Activities will include henna tattoos, animals from Mane and Taill Therapeutic Horsemanship Academy, pizza provided by Duck Pizza Company and live music by Kamea Blake, along with much more.
Held in recognition of World Autism Month, this inaugural event highlights the Town’s dedication to celebrating neurodiversity, fostering acceptance, and ensuring individuals of all abilities feel supported, welcomed, and included in our community.
The event was created by Police Officer Xavier Berry, who said the goal is to bring the community together in a meaningful way.
“My inspiration for this event comes from the understanding that every small achievement is a miracle and everyone deserves to be understood,” Berry said. “I want to create an opportunity in our community for joy and for everyone to connect. I believe we can build a village that supports and celebrates all minds.”
The Duck Police Department has worked closely with Clinical Director Tasha Curles of Atlantic Autism Services of North Carolina to plan Quiet Connections. “Awareness and acceptance are important starting points, but they are not the destination,” Curles said. “True progress happens when we move beyond simply recognizing individuals with autism to fully including them: valuing their perspectives, fostering genuine connection, and supporting their participation in every environment, from classrooms to communities to workplaces. Inclusion is where dignity, growth, and real belonging begin.”
Quiet Connections is open to the public at no cost. All are encouraged to attend and take part in this important initiative to strengthen community awareness and inclusion.
For more information about Quiet Connections, visit the Town of Duck’s website at ducknc.gov/events.