NEW YORK (AP) - Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is using her public profile to draw attention to the needs of those with autism and
other developmental disabilities in the New York metropolitan area.

The former Republican vice presidential candidate is scheduled to join a fundraising walk for the group Autism Speaks in Westchester County on Sunday morning.

Then she is to be honored on Long Island later Sunday at an anniversary celebration for Independent Group Home Living Inc.

Palin's youngest son, Trig, has Down syndrome.

More than 20,000 people turned out to see Palin Saturday in upstate Auburn, where she helped officials celebrate Founder's Day and raise money for a museum honoring William Seward. He was the secretary of state who acquired Alaska for the United States.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)