Retrieving Freedom Attends 2026 Autism Advocacy and Acceptance Day on the Hill

Retrieving Freedom was honored to attend the 2026 Autism Advocacy and Acceptance Day on the Hill at the Iowa State Capitol. This important event is dedicated to raising awareness, amplifying voices, and advocating for policies that support individuals with autism and their families across the state of Iowa.

During the day, members of the Retrieving Freedom team met with Iowa State Representatives and State Senators to share how Service Dogs provide meaningful and practical support for children with autism and their families. These conversations helped highlight the role Service Dogs play in promoting safety, emotional regulation, confidence, and independence.

We were especially grateful to be joined by Emily, the mother of one of our clients, along with their Service Dog, Porter. By sharing their personal experience, Emily helped bring our mission to life and demonstrated the real impact a Service Dog can have on a family’s daily life.

Calvin VerMulm, Community Relations Specialist, proudly represented Retrieving Freedom throughout the day. He shared how our organization supports families through the training and placement of Service Dogs and emphasized why advocacy efforts like this are so important to the communities we serve.

We are thankful to be part of meaningful conversations that foster understanding, acceptance, and lasting impact. Events like Autism Advocacy and Acceptance Day on the Hill help move important discussions forward and strengthen support for families across Iowa.