Andrea L. Smedley Hasty
Founder and CEO
Understanding begins when we walk together.
Making space for understanding, acceptance, and meaningful connection.
About Us
A Mission Built Around Understanding
Walk A Mile In My Shoes is an autism advocacy and support organization founded by Andrea L Smedley Hasty. Guided by her experience as a grandmother and advocate, the organization brings together education, training, travel, and community services so autistic people and their families can learn, participate, and belong. Based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Walk A Mile In My Shoes works with families, partners, and communities to turn awareness into practical support and genuine acceptance.
Organization
Walk A Mile In My Shoes
Founder / CEO
Andrea L Smedley Hasty
Advocacy • Education • Inclusion • Support
Mission
To empower individuals on the autism spectrum and their caregivers by providing advocacy, education, resources, and support that foster a fair, ethical, inclusive, and compassionate world where every individual has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
Vision
To become a globally recognized leader in autism advocacy by expanding access to resources, education, and support while promoting acceptance, inclusion, and integrity in communities around the world.
Commitment
At Walk A Mile In My Shoes, we believe autism is not simply something to be understood—it is something to be accepted, respected, and embraced. Through advocacy, education, training, partnerships, and innovative programs, we are committed to creating a future where autistic individuals are safe, included, empowered, and provided every opportunity to succeed.
We recognize that autism is a lifelong journey and that every individual is different. Our approach is centered on compassion, courage, communication, commitment, collaboration, consistency, community, cooperation, and connection—the 9 C’s.
Awareness should lead to acceptance. Understanding should lead to action. Inclusion should lead to opportunity.
- Awareness should lead to acceptance.
- Understanding should lead to action.
- Inclusion should lead to opportunity.
Meet the Team
The People Behind The Mission
A dedicated team working toward advocacy, education, and inclusion.
Josiah D. Hasty
Student Advocate
Angela R. Smedley
COO
Dr Avis McKinney
Dr Donice Stewart
Sonya Wilson
Josiah's Story
Josiah D. Hasty
Student Advocate
Josiah's story is at the heart of Walk A Mile In My Shoes. His journey inspired a family's commitment to advocacy, acceptance, and creating SAFE spaces where every child can learn, play, and belong.
Through Josiah's Fun Place, his story continues to bring people together, reminding our community that understanding grows when we walk alongside one another.
Visit Josiah's Fun Place Autism Definition
From awareness to acceptance.
Understanding autism begins with seeing the person beyond the diagnosis. Through awareness, education, and acceptance, we can create communities where autistic people are understood, respected, and included.
What is Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, learns, and experiences the world. It is called a spectrum because every autistic person is unique, with different strengths, challenges, interests, and support needs.
Some common characteristics include:
- Differences in social communication and interaction.
- Repetitive behaviors or routines.
- Strong, focused interests.
- Sensory sensitivities (such as being very sensitive to lights, sounds, textures, or smells—or seeking sensory input).
- Different ways of learning, processing information, and expressing emotions.
Autism is not a disease and does not need to be “cured.” Many autistic people view autism as an important part of who they are. While some individuals need significant daily support, others live independently, attend college, work, and raise families.
What is Autism Awareness?
Autism awareness is about helping people recognize that autism exists and understand some basic facts about it.
Awareness includes:
- Learning what autism is.
- Recognizing common signs of autism.
- Encouraging early screening and diagnosis.
- Sharing information about autism.
Awareness answers the question: “Do people know autism exists?” While awareness is important, many autistic individuals and advocates believe it is only the first step.
What is Autism Acceptance?
Autism acceptance goes beyond simply knowing about autism. It means respecting, valuing, and including autistic people exactly as they are while providing the support they need to thrive.
Acceptance includes:
- Treating autistic people with dignity and respect.
- Creating inclusive schools, workplaces, churches, and communities.
- Listening to autistic voices and experiences.
- Celebrating strengths while providing accommodations for challenges.
- Recognizing that different ways of thinking and communicating are valuable.
Acceptance asks: “Are autistic people welcomed, understood, and included?” Examples of acceptance include:
- Offering sensory-friendly events.
- Providing communication accommodations.
- Hiring autistic employees based on their abilities.
- Preventing bullying and discrimination.
- Ensuring autistic individuals have equal opportunities to learn, work, and participate in their communities.
Understanding Autism
Understanding Autism
Autism understanding is having an informed, compassionate, and accurate understanding of how autistic people experience the world. It recognizes that every autistic person is unique and that support should be individualized rather than based on stereotypes.
Understanding includes
- Learning how autism affects communication, social interaction, behavior, and sensory processing.
- Recognizing that autism presents differently in every person.
- Respecting different ways of communicating, learning, and expressing emotions.
- Understanding that behaviors often have a reason, such as sensory overload, anxiety, or difficulty communicating—not intentional misbehavior.
- Listening to autistic individuals and their families to better understand their lived experiences.
- Providing appropriate accommodations and support that help autistic people succeed.
Examples of Autism Understanding
- A teacher recognizes that a student wearing noise-canceling headphones is managing sensory sensitivities, not being disrespectful.
- An employer allows written instructions or a quieter workspace to help an autistic employee perform at their best.
- A police officer understands that avoiding eye contact or delayed responses may be related to autism rather than suspicious behavior.
- Family members learn an autistic loved one’s communication style and respect their sensory needs and routines.
Training and Travel
Learning opens doors.Access expands horizons.
Creating a safe and inclusive environment for autistic individuals requires knowledge, preparation, and compassion. Training programs that focus on autism understanding, emergency response, education support, and emotional wellness help families, educators, caregivers, and communities better support autistic individuals.
Training
Educational training and greater understanding.
Travel
Travel resources for more accessible, informed experiences.
Autism TrainingCPRAEDFirst AidIEP504 PlansABAMeditation
Autism Training
Autism training provides individuals with the tools needed to better understand autism and respond with respect and confidence. Training topics may include:
- What autism is and how it impacts individuals differently
- Autism awareness, understanding, acceptance, and inclusion
- Communication differences and support strategies
- Sensory needs and sensory overload
- Understanding behaviors as communication
- De-escalation and safety strategies
- Supporting autistic individuals in schools, workplaces, churches, and communities
- Autism and public safety interactions
- Building inclusive environments
The goal of autism training is to replace fear and misunderstanding with knowledge, compassion, and support.
CPR, AED & First Aid
Emergency preparedness is an important part of protecting individuals with all abilities. CPR, AED, and First Aid training equips caregivers, educators, staff, and community members with lifesaving skills. Training may include:
- Adult, child, and infant CPR
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use
- Choking response
- Basic first aid skills
- Emergency response procedures
- Recognizing and responding to medical emergencies
For those supporting autistic individuals, emergency training can also include understanding:
- Communication differences during emergencies
- Sensory considerations
- How to provide calm and supportive assistance
- Safety planning for individuals who may need additional support
Prepared communities save lives.
Understanding IEPs
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a written plan created for eligible students with disabilities who receive special education services in public schools. It helps ensure students receive the support needed to access education and reach their potential. An IEP may include:
- Student strengths and areas of need
- Educational goals
- Specialized instruction
- Classroom accommodations and modifications
- Related services such as speech, occupational therapy, or behavioral support
- Progress monitoring
- Transition planning for older students
Families are important members of the IEP team and have the right to participate in decisions about their child’s education.
Inclusion
A world where belonging is lived, not promised.
Promoting acceptance, inclusion, and integrity in communities around the world.
Support Services
Support & Services
I provide advocacy, awareness, acceptance, educational training, travel resources, and support services.
Make A Difference
Every action moves understanding forward.
Give
Volunteer
Advocate
Our campaigns
Campaigns That Create Change
Our two major campaigns focus on safety, dignity, and equitable access for autistic individuals.
Education & access
Resources
Pathways to autism information, education, travel resources, support, and advocacy resources.
Community
Events
Upcoming event
2nd Autism Fundraising Gala and Awards Ceremony
- Date
- Sunday, April 4, 2027
- Time
- 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Venue
- Martins Crosswinds
- Dress code
- Formal
Our community
Gallery
Client gallery photographs pending.
Connection & community
Sponsors & Partners
The Crafty Owl
Visit Website
The Hip Kids
Visit WebsiteStart a conversation