March is Developmental Disabilities and Women's History Month! | |
A Resource Hub for Our Community and Beyond
This March, the Autism society is highlighting Developmental Disabilities Month, signs and characteristics, ways to make informed decisions, and National Women’s History Month. Check out the related resources below:
Developmental Disabilities Month
Support & Services: Making Informed Decisions
Women & Autism: National Women’s History Month
Get Ready: April is Autism Acceptance Month!
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The Avery Berman Scholarship Fund is Open for 2024! Applications Due March 31st! | |
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Thanks to generous donors, ASBC is able to support a scholarship in honor of Avery Berman's memory.
The Avery Berman scholarship fund is designed to provide up to $200 in financial
assistance to families who may have a need for goods and/or services to improve
the daily functioning lives of their loved one with autism.
There is no age limit for applicants. Applicants will be reviewed by the ASBC board, and the recipient will be notified of being selected. Funds can be used for goods and/or services to improve daily functioning in school/home/community and will only be disbursed to the company or entity that will provide the goods or services only. There will be no payments made to individuals.
There will be 2 unique recipients annually. This scholarship is available annually until the secured funds are depleted.
The application form can be found here and is due March 31st: https://tinyurl.com/bermanfund2024
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Baltimore Police Department and Autism Society Baltimore-Chesapeake Share 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 in 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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Our March Member Social: A Fun Evening at We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym! | |
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Join us for a fun indoor evening at We Rock the Spectrum in Owings Mills on Thursday, March 28th!
All children, ages 12 and under, are welcome to enjoy the 5,300 square foot gym with swings, jungle gyms, slides, trampoline & zip line! We will have some arts and crafts activities, too. Access to a Calming Room will be available. A registration email will be sent to our current members. Become a member today!
We Rock the Spectrum's Website: https://www.werockthespectrumbaltimore.com/
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ASBC at Wildly Inclusive Autism Acceptance Day at the Maryland Zoo on April 6th! | |
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ASBC will be celebrating Autism Acceptance Month with the Maryland Zoo on Saturday, April 6th from 10am to 4pm. Featuring fun activities, resources, and Zoo animals, join the Zoo in supporting, including, and accepting people with autism. April 6th will also be the debut of “Zoo ABC (Animal Are Neurodiverse, Too!)” children’s book authored and illustrated by MADE by Itineris Creative Arts Program artists. Offering a unique perspective based on observations of Zoo animals and the natural world. Available for sale at the Wild Things gift shop.
Check out more about the event here: https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/wildly-inclusive/autism-acceptance-day/
Limited tickets will be available to ASBC members... look out for an email with more details soon!
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Artist and Performers Wanted for "Making Autism Work in the Community" on April 28th! | |
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 on April 28th (SAVE THE DATE!). 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 | |
February in Review! Events Galore, and the FIRST In-Person (and Hybrid) BAFA Weekly Meeting! | |
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The Towson Tigers hosted their annual men's basketball Autism Advocacy game on Saturday, February 24th, and ASBC was there to share resources with attendees. Thank you again to the Towson Tigers for inviting us and supporting our community!
The ASBC Autistic adult group, By Autistics, For Autistics, held their first ever in-person AND hybrid meeting in February, and there were smiles all around! We hope to see you at the next in-person meeting in April. Check us out on Meetup to get up-to-date info on the latest happenings: https://www.meetup.com/autism-society-baltimore-chesapeake/
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Virtual Groups, Meetings, Workshops
& Other Resources
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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, March 26th, 2024, at 7:00pm
With Guest Speaker: Winter Plott!
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Parent / Caregiver Discussion Group
A supportive environment to meet other parents and share
Tuesday, March 19th, at 7:00 pm
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Autistic Adult Discussion Group
Every Thursday @ 9:00pm
(3rd Thursdays of every even month will be in-person starting at 7pm!)
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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General Session Guest: Winter Plott
Bio: Growing up, Winter (they/she) lacked the support necessary for her to thrive, and had to create many of those supports for herself. Her experiences have led her to be a more understanding and graceful person, with a strong desire to give back to others. They are a trained occupational therapy assistant working in psychology in Maryland and participate in many community volunteer efforts. She hopes by sharing her story, she will give hope to others and spread more understanding of what it means to live life as an Autistic.
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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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Carroll County Public Schools' Resource and Transition Fair on March 26th
Carroll County Public Schools Resource Fair for Ages Birth to 21
Tuesday, March 26th, 2024
Winters Mill High School Cafeteria
560 Gorsuch Road
Westminster, MD 21157
4:30 pm - 8:30 pm
The fair is open to families with children age birth thru 21. Over 30 Exhibitors and 20 Sessions will be available throughout this event.
Register at: https://forms.office.com/r/mbVR4g4xZH
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Numerous Webinars from Our Many Community Partners & Autism Resource Groups
Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™, formerly known as the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, or CARD) is pleased to host the Autism Acceptance Month Miniseries. Experts share valuable insights during four pre-recorded sessions in April. More info and registration can be found on their webpage here.
The Organization for Autism Research has a number of past webinar recordings focusing on various topics on their Webinar Series | OAR (researchautism.org) webpage.
Pathfinders for Autism has a number of previously recorded webinars posted on their website for viewing including, How to Get SSI and Medical Assistance, Go to Work...and Live to Tell About It, Guardianship and Its Alternatives, Independent Living Skills, Modern Money, Maryland ABLE and a variety of other topics. Recorded webinars can be found at PFA: Recorded Webinars – Pathfinders for Autism.
Potomac Community Resources, Inc offers a number of previously recorded webinars posted on their website Transition Times Virtual Info Sessions - Potomac Community Resources (pcr-inc.org) for viewing including Long Term Planning, Residential Opportunities, Self Advocacy, The Benefits of Self-Directed Services, etc.
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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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Save the Date: B&O Railroad Museum's Next Sensory Sunday on April 7th! | |
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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).
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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