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2021 Advocacy Highlights… our Advocacy Team pursued policy solutions throughout this year that protect the rights of and enhance the services and supports for people with autism and their families. Today, we celebrate the policy milestones and accomplishments that your support helped us achieve in 2021. Supporting the Community During COVID-19 As the country continued to grapple with … families. As a result of Congress hearing from our Volunteer Advocacy Ambassadors, community supporters, other disability groups and grassroots advocates from across the country, the American Rescue Plan was passed and signed into law in early …
For Josh E., a big move opened the door to happiness and self-discovery… teaching assistant in his home of Pensacola Beach, Florida. His new life has opened the doors to a rewarding career, solid support system and fulfilling environment where he can be himself. But his road to success wasn’t always smooth sailing. In … are some things you do for self-care? One thing I learned at my job is that coloring is very therapeutic for me. One of the group activities I do with the children in my class is drawing sessions, and to participate, I print off a few pages to … in Kansas. But I also didn’t have the same mindset then—I didn’t have that passion to push me forward and explore. Social support is also important. I have my parents, I have friends in Kansas and I have a great deal of mentors for encouragement. …
Carrying a heavy load with back-to-school choices? … can be especially challenging for students on the autism spectrum, who may receive critical, in-person services and supports through school. Decision-making by officials will vary by region and even by school, and many districts … system for assigned seating to maintain distance. Your child may be staying in the same classroom and seeing a smaller group of classmates than before. Emphasize the positives to all these changes to help limit the fear that might be …
Catching up with Taniya H. … nature of the game on the court, but off the court she was adjusting to life in a new city with new coaches and a new group of teammates. Today, as one of the senior leaders on the team, Taniya’s tenacious work ethic and passion for the … who she is and what she is capable of in this Q&A. How important has it been to your personal growth to have found a supportive environment at the University at Albany and a head coach that understands autism and has the connection of her … and can accomplish your goals if you work hard. You can overcome obstacles and be whatever you want to be with the right support system and work ethic. I take pride in being a representative for the autism community. I feel like as a D-1 …
Sweet Treats… Have Dreams is an Evanston/Park Ridge autism resource agency. Since 2013, ilovesweets has partnered with Have Dreams to support their workplace training program for young adults with autism. At ilovesweets and other area businesses, … business, workplace, and marketing are inspired by individuals with autism and their unique strengths and abilities. Your support allows us to grow and share our gourmet popcorn creations and our caring mission to benefit those with autism. … Spectrum Bakes Spectrum Bakes is a social enterprise dedicated to providing jobs to young adults with autism. A group that faces a 92% unemployment rate. We bake all of our products in small batches, we ensure mouth-watering tastes & a …
Spanish resources help bilingual families in the autism community overcome language barriers … appointment, Berlina Felipe did her research. She had a year during that wait, reading about what to expect and how to plan supports for her son, Alex. “When he did get diagnosed at age 4, even though I was already prepared, it was still hard,” … Both of Jair’s grandmothers, who took care of him when he was young, attended the Spanish classes as well to learn how to support him. “Years later, my mom told us she is so glad that we got all the early intervention,” Gaby said. “And that we … their classes and resources in Spanish. Based on participant feedback, they also sometimes separate dads and moms into two groups to encourage each group to talk more openly. Alex’s family made sure to learn from his providers and school contacts …
Transition from school-based services to HCBS Waiver adult services… my local County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD) office based on life skills. I was assigned a services and support specialist who attended my IEP meetings to help with transition planning. By the middle of my senior year, my family … was vocational focused. It included time in a classroom learning office tasks and participating in leisure activities with support, and time volunteering at a local community center which ran a food bank, preschool, and fitness center with a kids’ … to note that the Department of Developmental Disabilities at the state level has announced that they formed a work group to focus on redesigning these waivers in the future .) Waivers can pay for things such as adult day programs; …
Recognizing and preventing sexual abuse… to stay calm, listen carefully, and NEVER blame the child. Thank the child for telling you and reassure him or her of your support. Call for help immediately. If you know or suspect that a child is being or has been sexually abused, please call: … There are a number of treatments for children who have been sexually abused, including: Individual therapy Family therapy Group therapy Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy Child-centered therapy From American Psychological Association …
Tips for autistic job seekers to find the right job… walking distance, or a ride share. Speak with a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor in your local area about the supports they can provide you. VR services are designed to help those with disabilities to achieve an employment outcome … , Indeed , ZipRecruiter and others. Join our LinkedIn Autism Employment Network here and our Employment WINS Facebook group here . Create or Update your resume . Make sure you include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. … polite and bring a pen and a copy of your resume with you. Practice your interviewing skills in advance. Have a friend or support person help you. Try to make this as realistic as possible. Practice introducing yourself, shaking hands, …
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers… states to accomplish certain goals, such as reducing costs, expanding coverage, or improving care for certain target groups. Through these waivers, states can provide services that wouldn’t usually be covered by Medicaid. For instance, … states, there are substantial waiting lists to receive those waiver services. Medicaid HCBS fund the majority of lifelong supports that people with autism and their families rely on throughout their life spans to live, remain safe and participate … services individuals need to live in the community. This may include case management, transportation, home care or direct support, respite, adult day services, employment supports, assistive technology, respite, and therapies (speech, …