Stay Tuned!
The Special Needs Advisory Council, which is Nantucket’s state-mandated Parent Advisory Council (PAC), is now under the leadership of parent Heidi Fee. Every school district in MA is required to have a PAC to provide a parent voice in local special education matters. Heidi hopes to schedule public meetings, where the first portion will serve as a forum for information sharing and Q&A with Nancy Miller, NPS Special Services Director, or other pertinent personnel; and the second part of the meeting will be conducted as a parent support group with facilitator Amy Ravitz, a parent and advocate. We will help Heidi promote these important forums, so please stay tuned for more information!
New York Times Three-Time Bestselling Author Lisa Genova Book Signing
Monday, April 8th
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Nantucket Atheneum
Ms. Genova’s most recent novel is Love Anthony about a mother’s journey with her son on the Autism Spectrum, which takes place on Nantucket. Other novels include the highly acclaimed Still Alice about a woman professor who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Co-sponsored by the Nantucket Autism Speaks Resource Center, Family Support Services, Hope for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Services, Nantucket Atheneum and Sherburne Commons
Feeling Overwhelmed with Your Family’s Busy Schedules, Personal Worries and Concerns for Your Child with Special Needs? This Workshop is For You!
Stress Management
April 17th
6:30 – 8:30
Sherburne Commons’ Sherburne Room
Conducted by Phyllis Slattery, a Nantucket resident who left the corporate world 30 years ago to study with Herb Benson, MD, Cardiologist and Founder of the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital. Light Refreshments Included. Co-Sponsored by Autism Speaks and Family Support Services
Community Forum
Panel of Public Safety Representatives and Autism Speaks to Discuss Nantucket’s Isle Return Program, which benefits residents and visitors with Alzheimer’s, autism or other conditions who are at risk of wandering
Monday, April 29th
7:00 pm
Community Room in the Public Safety Building
Sponsored by Nantucket Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Department
And Mark Your Calendars for these May Workshops!
Circle of Friends
This workshop is for parents and professionals of individuals with special needs to learn how to expand your child’s social world.
Thursday, May 9th
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location TBD
Co-Sponsored by Autism Speaks and Family Support Services
Registration: khoryn@autismspeaks.org; 646.341.3043, khackett@mvcommunityservices.com; 508.693.7900, ext 249
Meet and Greet with Senator Dan Wolf and Rep. Tim Madden
Rescheduled for Friday, May 31st
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Friday, Sherburne Commons;
Stop by to make a connection and share your concerns for your family member with a disability: continual budget cuts, the Sequester, lack of services on Nantucket, transportation to the mainland for doctors’ appts, or what your needs are.
To RSVP and for more information, please contact Kim Horyn, Director, Nantucket Autism Speaks Resource Center at khoryn@autismspeaks.org or 646-341-3043.
