February 2026 | ISSUE 222

Spectrum of Dreams Clarinetist, Joe Giacinto making it BIG!

Joe Giacinto, a participant from the Spectrum of Dreams event who crushed it on the clarinet has recently been in the community spotlight! Joe has dreamed of performing at larger stadiums and audiences, Spectrum of Dreams was just the start for him.

Since then, he has been a guest on numerous podcasts, has played for the Atlanta Hawks during halftime and invited to do so from the best of the best players, Dominique Wilkins! He was introduced to multiple community members through our Spectrum of Dreams event and that then led him to these unforgettable opportunities! You can learn more about Joe and his story in a recent interview with ABC15 Arizona here.

Congrats Joe Giacinto!

AZA Designated as a Mercy Care Center of Excellence for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

AZA United is the only organization in Maricopa County to have earned the distinguished designation of Mercy Care’s Center of Excellence for Autism Spectrum Disorder in recent years.

"We are honored to receive this recognition again from Mercy Care,” said Dr. Aaron Blocher-Rubin, Founder & CEO of AZA United. “This award reflects the dedication of our entire team to advancing the standard of care for autism services in Arizona. Our mission is to ensure that every individual and family has access to compassionate, personalized support that empowers them to thrive. Together with Mercy Care, we are building a stronger system of care that prioritizes innovation, collaboration, and measurable results for the community.” 

Join Us for the 5th Annual Run for Autism

We are excited to announce our 5th Annual Run for Autism on Sunday, March 8th at 8:30 AM, at Kiwanis Park in Tempe.

You can run, walk or just enjoy the lawn activities. Virtual participants are also welcome!



This event will offer 3 different options: a 5k, a 1-mile Family Fun Run and a Virtual Run, as well as games and activities for everyone to enjoy! 


In addition to supporting an amazing cause, participants can enjoy a variety of fun activities throughout the event. 


• Joe Giacinto's, an Arizona blind and autistic, self-taught clarinet player will be performing live to kick off the energy with great music!
• Enjoy complimentary donuts from our friends at TDP Bakery.
• Visit our photo booth to capture the memories with friends and family!

SCHEDULE:

8:00 AM – Check-in begins; exhibitors, lawn games and entertainment

8:40 AM – Stretch & warm-up

8:50 AM – Opening remarks; line up at the startline

9:00 AM – 5K begins

9:15 AM – 1-Mile begins

10:00 AM – Awards Ceremony

10:30 AM - Event concludes

For event details and to register, visit our event website below. Join us for this community

awareness and acceptance event to support Arizona Autism United, an organization providing services to local families living with autism and other developmental disabilities!



If your business or employer would like to sponsor this event or if you would like to find out more information, please email us at Events@AZAunited.org

Your Tax Credit Supports Autism Families

Arizona’s Charitable Organization Tax Credit allows you to donate to AZA United and receive a dollar-for-dollar refund on your state taxes — up to $987 for couples and $495 for individuals. That means your gift comes back to you, while your impact stays with the families who need it most.

Your donation helps make a difference in our community. We can expand our programs to more underserved families across the state thanks to YOUR generosity. You can even receive a refund on our state taxes thanks to the tax credit opportunity for people in AZ! Learn more about how your donations help here.

Take advantage of the Charitable Organization Tax Credit to support AZA United at no cost to you.

Simply donate now and get it all back when you file your taxes! AZA United will send you everything you need to make it easy. It's the simplest way to support the charities you care about. Feel free to share this opportunity with others you know that would like to help.

We encourage you to consult your tax professional or financial advisor for guidance on how the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit may apply to your circumstances.



Other Announcements & Resources

Special Day for Special Kids in Scottsdale

Encircle Families (formerly Raising Special Kids) and the Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary Club will be hosting their popular annual Special Day for Special Kids event on Saturday, March 7th, 2026 in Scottsdale. This is a large event with lots of activities for children and their families as well as a many resource exhibitors. AZA United will be present and would love to see you all there. For more information visit the event website here.

Mattel Introduces the First Autistic Barbie Doll

Mattel launches its first-ever autistic Barbie doll created with guidance from the autistic community to represent common ways autistic people may experience, process, and communicate about the world around them. This doll invites more children to see themselves represented in Barbie. You can read more details here.

Job Opportunities with Team AZA

AZA United is a growing organization and we are always hiring great people to join our team! Click on any of the featured jobs below to learn more or view all job openings here.

ABA Therapist Behavior Technician

Our ABA Treatment Services team is growing, and we are hiring! We offer ABA services in-home throughout the valley, as well as in-clinic at our legendary East Valley Center in Mesa, and our state-of-the-art West Valley Center in Avondale.

Direct Support Provider

If you or someone you know is interested in providing in-home care services for individuals with developmental disabilities, apply for a position as a Habilitation, Respite & Attendant Care provider here. This role is available statewide and is a great opportunity to gain experience and make a difference.

Parent Provider - Habilitation & Attendant Care

AZA United helps parents become paid providers for their own child, where parents are able to provide Habilitation and Attendant Care Services. For more information on if you or someone you know qualifies for this position and how to apply, please click here.

In Case You Missed It: Our 2025 Annual Report is Available!

Arizona Autism United | 602-773-5773 | www.AZAunited.org