Celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth! | |
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Closing the Racial Disparity Gap and Celebrating Stories and Community
This February, the Autism Society is highlighting screenings and diagnoses for BIPOC communities, Black History Month, and global inequities in screening, diagnosis, and care. The public policy resources include a new texting option for Action Alerts, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' new drop-in article for people who lost Medicaid, and the Disability Policy Seminar on April 8th-10th in Washington, D.C. and Diagnosis for BIPOC Communities.
Policy Resources
- Exciting News! You can now text AUTISM to 50457 for public policy Action Alerts.
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has a new “drop-in article” in English and Spanish for people who lost Medicaid or CHIP and provide them with resources and tips to navigate.
- The Disability Policy Seminar is taking place April 8th-10th in Washington, D.C. During this seminar, you will learn more about Disability Policy and meet advocates and experts across the country. Click here for more information.
Screening and Diagnosis for BIPOC Communities
Black History Month: Autism & Race
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GREAT NEWS! Baltimore Police Department, Autism Society Baltimore-Chesapeake Announce Communication Facilitator Partnership | |
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Baltimore, Md. (Feb. 1, 2024) – The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) and the Autism Society Baltimore-Chesapeake announce the development of the First Responder’s Communication Facilitator.
The BPD will be the first law enforcement agency in Maryland to provide this user-friendly communication booklet to its officers. The Department will initially distribute 2,000 copies.
The handout is designed to facilitate communications between BPD officers and non-speaking members of the community, including those on the autism spectrum. Without a means for clear communication, these individuals could be at high risk for negative interactions with law
enforcement.
The organizations worked together to provide officers with a tangible, useful, functional tool to have on hand when responding to calls for service... read more the full press release here: Press Release
View the training video here!
All of this great work is made possible through our donors and members... please consider making a donation so we can make an even greater impact!
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ASBC's Business Repository and Financial
Support Fund
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Are you a Maryland business that provides Autism related services?
The ASBC is establishing a repository of trusted, legitimate businesses who provide support to Autistics. Please use the following link to submit business information for consideration: Submit your business using this form!
You will be notified within 30 business days if your business is officially added.
Are you a Baltimore City resident who receives services and would like to be considered for up to $500 in reimbursement? Please use the following link to submit your information: Apply for funding now!
The ASBC is here for you!
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Become an ASBC Member for $15 a Year! | |
The ASBC Membership Fee is only $15 a year!
Don't miss out to enjoy the membership benefits below - become a member TODAY for only $15 a year, sign up here: ASBC's Membership Page
Family membership includes:
- Access to member-only social events
- Up to $100 per family per year to attend Autism related workshops and conferences provided by the Charles J. Fowler, Jr. Memorial Fund
- Access to ASBC grants and funding opportunities (for families living in Baltimore City and County)
Your membership helps the Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake:
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Connect people to valuable information and resources through our phone line, website, calendar and info@baltimoreautismsociety.org email
- Provide monthly groups like our virtual discussion groups for adults with Autism, and parents/caregivers
- Provide monthly socials for those in the Autism community
Not a member yet? Don't miss out - become a member TODAY, sign up here: ASBC's Membership Page
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By Autistics, For Autistics: a SWEET Day at Zoe's Just Dezzerts! | |
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The Autistic adult group had their first social event of 2024, and it was a big hit! We partnered with Zoe's Just Dezzerts, a business that supports Autism advocacy.
The Autistic adult group continues to expand its programming and offerings this year with hybrid meetups! Our weekly virtual group has been such a great success, and we are looking to replicate that for our in-person offerings. Signup today to receive information on our first hybrid event of 2024: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fgKjaH0/AutisticAdultGroup
We look forward to additional events for Autistic adults in 2024. Stay tuned!
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Artist and Performers Wanted for "Making Autism Work in the Community" in April! | |
Calling all neurodiverse artists and performers! If you have a passion for art or storytelling through fine art, art installation, song, poem, or monologue - R.I.S.E. Arts Center wants to hear from YOU! Join us for the Autism Society Baltimore-Chesapeake and Coppin State's Making Autism Work in the Community event in April. Share your unique talents and inspire others with your incredible journey. Submit your artwork by March 15th and read more details here: R.I.S.E. “Making Autism Work in the Community” Application | |
TU Basketball's Autism Advocacy Day and Resource Fair | |
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The Towson Tigers will be hosting their annual men's basketball Autism Advocacy game on Saturday, February 24th against Charleston. Tipoff is at 12 p.m. inside TU Arena. ASBC will be there tabling the resource fair that day!
This will be the tenth season TU has hosted a game to raise awareness and provide advocacy. In 2014, during his third season as Towson men's basketball coach, Pat Skerry wanted to find a way to honor his son Owen, who was diagnosed with ASD at the age of two.
Go to their ticketing page, click unlock and use promo code "AWARE" for $10 tickets!
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Virtual Groups, Meetings, Workshops
& Other Resources
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We are BACK from our December Break! | | |
Upcoming ASBC Virtual Groups
Click the group name to register and receive the email reminders and login information.
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General Session
An inclusive space for all adults to learn and grow in their understanding
Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, at 7:00pm
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Parent / Caregiver Discussion Group
A supportive environment to meet other parents and share
Tuesday, February 20th, at 7:00 pm
This month, join us for a presentation by Kristine Nellenbach, MS, Resource Finder Program Coordinator at the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities
The presentation will provide an overview of the Resource Finder, a project of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities. Anyone is welcome to contact the Resource Finder program coordinator to request resources. After doing a deep search online, inquirers will receive a curated list of resources, tailored to their specific needs. Popular resource requests have included child care, educational advocates, financial resources, recreational activities, service providers, and so much more. This free service is available to anyone, regardless of age, location, ability, or language.
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Autistic Adult Discussion Group
Every Thursday @ 9:00pm (3rd Thursdays will be in-person!)
For Autistic Adults (18+) Only
A casual, neurodiverse space to connect and share
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NEW! ASBC is now on Meetup!
The ASBC is now on Meetup! Check us out to get up to date info on our events and connect with other members:
https://www.meetup.com/autism-society-baltimore-chesapeake/
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“Work of Art” - Free & Inclusive Mixed Media Workshops for Youth (14+) in May
Registration for youth workshops at Make Studio is open! They are pleased to present their series of free art workshops, "Work of Art," again this year and hope students and participants in your networks will attend.
Join us for up to six 2-hour workshops in May. Each workshop is a hands-on opportunity to build skills and meet other young artists at our studio-gallery in Baltimore. Workshops will be held on Thursdays, 3:30-5:30PM and Saturdays, 11:30AM-1:30PM. All materials will be provided. Register online at this link.
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Upcoming Events at We Rock the Spectrum!
Two great upcoming activities We Rock The Spectrum Kid's Gym!
❤️Valentine’s Day Parent’s Night Out 😍
Enjoy a romantic night out while your kiddos have a blast with crafts, games, dinner, sweet treats and more!! 🎨🍕🎉.
Ages 4-10 are recommended
Must be Potty-trained
$35 first child/$30 siblings
All kids/All abilities- RBTs are welcome to accompany child
Dinner will be served
Reserve your spot for a worry-free evening by Monday, Feb. 12th 💘
*Call or Book on our app *
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Join WRTS Baltimore for School's Out Mini Camp! Crafts, Snacks, Games, Yoga and more. Registration is open January 29th through March 15th. Call 410.497.6250 or book on the app! Space is limited. | |
The Autism Hiring Program is Accepting Applications for Upcoming 2024 Sessions! | |
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The Autism Society of Maryland (serving Howard, Montgomery and Anne Arundel Counties) is now accepting applications for 2024 sessions of the Autism Hiring Program! Check out the important dates below:
MONTGOMERY COUNTY: For residents of Montgomery County
SPRING 2024: April-June 2024 (Apply by March 15, 2024)
MID-MARYLAND – Residents of Howard County, MD and the surrounding counties
SPRING 2024: April-June 2024 (Apply by March 15, 2024)
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY – NEW! For residents of Anne Arundel County
SPRING 2024: April-June 2024 (Apply by March 15, 2024)
FALL 2024: September-November 2024 (Apply by August 15, 2024)
NEW IN 2024! Towson University/Hussman Center for Adults with Autism sessions. Dates and details TBA!
Check out the program webpage below for more information and applications or email linda.hoyt@autismsocietymd.org
Click here to learn more about the Autism Hiring Program!
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Sensory Sundays Continue in 2024! | |
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To support their neurodivergent visitors, the B&O Railroad Museum is dedicating first Sundays in select months to Sensory Awareness. These day will include environmental accommodations (no music, low lighting, quiet areas, increased signage for areas with sound effects), as well as sensory-friendly events (kids craft, train ride, and tour) and resources (sensory kits, social stories, and community table).
February 4 – Snow Days
Sensory Activity: Salt Painting Snowflakes, Winter Themed Sensory Table
Sensory-Friendly Tour: The Roundhouse
April 7 – Spring Blooms
Sensory Activity: Rainbow Windsocks, Spring Themed Sensory Table
Sensory-Friendly Tour: Technology Changes
June 2 – Splash into Summer
Sensory Activity: Rain Stick Instruments, Water Play
Sensory-Friendly Tour: Fueling America’s Railroads
August 4 – Popsicle Party
Sensory Activity: Melting Tissue Paper Popsicles, Water Play
Sensory-Friendly Tour: Maryland History
October 6 – Fall Fest
Sensory Activity: Paint a Pumpkin, Fall Themed Sensory Table
Sensory-Friendly Tour: Museum Highlights
Pre-registration suggested, walk-ins welcome. Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sensory-sundays-at-the-bo-railroad-museum-tickets-782137001827?aff=oddtdtcreator
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More Sensory-Friendly Vaccine Bags Available! | |
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FREE Sensory-friendly Vaccine Bags are available through our friends at the Autism Society of MD (Howard, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel)! Please contact them at 410-290-3466 or email info@autismsocietymd.org to reserve yours!
Kits contain noise-canceling headphones, fidgets/spinners, squeezy ball, shot blocker, sunglasses, and stickers to make your/your child’s vaccine experience easier!
The Vaccine Bags are part of the Vaccine Education Initiative, a partnership of the Autism Society of America (ASA) and the Howard County Health Department. The Autism Society believes that improving the vaccination experience is a critical step towards achieving more equitable healthcare for people with Autism and all neurodiverse individuals. The Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI) addresses systemic barriers, while promoting vaccine education, confidence, and access. Funding has been provided through a mission-critical grant from the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC).
CLICK HERE to access a variety of information and resources in English and Spanish including flyers, communication boards, social stories.
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