State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, encourages local families and individuals involved with children or adults with special needs to attend his free special Needs Awareness Day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 13, at OAA Orthopaedic Specialists Integrated Health Campus Building, 250 Cetronia Road, South Whitehall.

"With more than 35 exhibitors on site to provide information about resouces, support and government services available to families in Pennsylvania, I am certain this event will deliver a wealth of information to all attendees," Mackenzie said. "Because April is National Autism Awareness Month, it is fitting to host this expo during this time to raise awareness in our local communities about all special needs conditions."

Organizations participating in this year's expo include local and state government agencies, autism and health care organizations, Special Olympics of Lehigh County and many others.

A full list of vendors is on Mackenzie's website at RepMackenzie.com under the "Special Needs Awareness Day" graphic on is homepage.

State Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, and Congressman Charlie Dent, R-15th will also participate in this year's expo .

For more information, visit Mackenzie's website.