November is National Family Caregivers Month! | |
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It’s National Family Caregivers Month, how are you showing support and celebrating the caregivers in your life?
We love our caregivers! In honor of #NFCMonth, the Autism Society has several resources to share over the month of November:
- The Autism Society created this resource guide for long-term caregivers of adults with significant needs. https://bit.ly/3PIrDhg
- Did you know? Respite care is a temporary relief service that provides primary caregivers with a much-needed break. Learn how this service can assist with your caregiving needs. https://bit.ly/3t9hJMF
- The Autism Society proudly celebrates National Family Caregivers Month. Watch their Facebook live episode featuring Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America, along with guest speaker Shaina Purser. https://bit.ly/3thsKLQ
- Finding the right caregiving services for your family can be a challenge. Learn how to navigate these decisions and choices to provide the best care. Check out the Easterseals Caregiving Services page here: https://bit.ly/3PuNYgS
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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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RISE Champions of Change Shoe Fundraiser, November 3rd - 30th | |
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RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations.
RISE is partnering with Daryl Worley of the Baltimore Ravens to champion social justice and raise awareness and support for Autism and social justice. They will be auctioning an exclusive one-of-a-kind cleat to raise funds with 50% of the proceeds being donated to the Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake. Be on the look out on our social media pages when the fundraiser launches on November 3rd!
To learn more on how to donate and participate in the auction, contact Scarlen Martinez at smartinez@risetowin.org.
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November Social: Autistic Joy Mini Zine Making Workshop THIS SATURDAY! | |
Our next member social will be the return of Jen White-Johnson's popular Autistic Joy Mini Zine Making Workshopworkshop! The workshop will take place on Saturday, November 4th, from 4 to 6PM at Art with a Heart (located at 3000 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21211) and pizza and refreshments will be provided. The workshop will be geared toward ages 4 - 12, and parents are encouraged to participate as well! Members can find the registration link here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/t9z8vvr
Jen White-Johnson is a Afro-Latina, disabled artist, designer, educator, and activist, whose visual work explores the intersection of content and caregiving with an emphasis on redesigning ableist visual culture. When her son was diagnosed as Autistic at age 3 she began to examine the absence of black disabled children in digital and literary media, this motivated the release of an advocacy photo zine entitled "KnoxRoxs" dedicated to her Autistic son. To see more of her work and activism, check out here site here: https://jenwhitejohnson.com/
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Free Fall Family Photo Event at Towson University on November 11th! | |
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When: Saturday, November 11th (appointment times available between 10am and 2pm)
Where: The Child Care Center @ Towson University
8000 York Rd. (TU campus address) Center is on Auburn Dr. off of Osler Drive Towson, MD 21252
"Leaf" your worries behind and join us for a free fall family photo event on November 11, 2023, at Towson University's Child Care Center on the university campus. We are incredibly grateful to Towson University's Department of Special Education for providing our venue and the volunteers! We have incredible professional photographers who are volunteering their time and talent to provide our families with beautiful portraits. The TU students will be on hand to help everything run smoothly and there will be activities for the children while they wait. (We will do all we can to limit the amount of wait time.) Following the event, you will receive an edited, digital copy of your family photo!
Parking is free and ample. Look for students and signs to direct you. You will receive further instructions and directions once registered. In order to allow as many families as possible to have the opportunity, we are asking that if you register and are unable to keep your appointment to please let us know as soon as possible.
You must register for an appointment time in advance here: https://tinyurl.com/asbc-fallphotos
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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, November 28th, 2023, at 7:00pm
*Be on the lookout for our Spotlight Series guest announcement!
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Parent / Caregiver Discussion Group
A supportive environment to meet other parents and share
Tuesday, November 21st, at 7:00 pm
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Autistic Adult Discussion Group
Every Thursday @ 9:00pm
For Autistic Adults (18+) Only
A casual, neurodiverse space to connect and share
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Check Out Our NEW Resources Directory
(A Work in Progress)!
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In an effort to support our community even more, ASBC has created a searchable resource directory for both local and national organizations and businesses serving the Autism community! We are still testing out some of the features, so please pardon our dust while we continue to improve the directory. Check it out here: ASBC's Resources Directory
Have an organization you would like to recommend? Contact James Orman jorman@baltimoreautismsociety.org to make a suggestion!
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Grupo De Apoyo Para Padres Latinos (Virtual - hosted by Autism Society of Maryland)
20 de Noviembre, 7:00-8:30pm​​​​​​​
Para más informatión llame o envie un correo-e a:
Marianela Estrada, emailnella22@gmail.com, 973-223-1024
Alex Arevalo, ax.areval1@gmail.com, 240-374-3368
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Woodlawn Branch
1st Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
1811 Woodlawn Drive
Woodlawn, MD 21207
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Owings Mills Branch
2nd Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
10302 Grand Central Avenue
Owings Mills, MD 21117
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Towson Branch
3rd Wed., 5:30-6:30 pm
320 York Road
Towson, MD 21204
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Great Resources from MSDE and BCPS on Transition and more... ! | |
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Transition Fairs
Baltimore County Public School System Transition Fair
November 17th, 2023
10:00am - 1:00pm
Oregon Ridge Lodge
13401 Beaver Dam Road
Cockeysville, Maryland 21030
For certificate-earning students with disabilities, their parents, teachers, and community partners. Meet the organizations and people that can help you and your students plan for a supported, purposeful adult life!
RSVP: akennedy3@bcps.org
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Upcoming Webinars or Information Sessions
Let's Talk Transitions - Parent Discussion Group 
Hosted by the xMinds Committee on Student Transitions to Adulthood
Date: Wednesday, November 29th, 2023
Future dates: the 4th Wednesday of every month, with adjustments for holidays.
Time: 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
The xMinds Committee on Student Transitions to Adulthood is hosting a monthly online discussion group for parents of an autistic student in middle or high school.Take a break from your busy schedule! Put your feet up, click your link, and take this opportunity to chat, connect, and share experiences with other local parents who are considering their autistic teen's post-high school plans.

xMinds now hosts a Facebook group that shares the resources that come up in these discussions. Want to join it? Just join the Facebook group and their moderator will approve your membership for access to the Zoom link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/618351869265897
Also, if you're looking for information, see the xMinds' Transition Resources page.
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The Maryland State Department of Education Parent Information Series website is a great resource. Note that the Secondary Transition - Guide 4 has replaced the previously shared
MD Secondary Transition Planning Guide (marylandpublicschools.org).
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Consider Becoming a Recurring Donor! | |
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Join the growing family of donors who generously give automatic ongoing monthly donations in support of ASBC’s efforts to serve the Autism community in Baltimore.
To set up a sustaining gift, go to our "Donate" page on our website here and then click on the yellow donate button. Once on the donate screen check the “Make this a monthly donation” box. Donors can give with PayPal or with a debit or credit card. The amount you select will automatically be charged to your credit card each month and it continues until you tell us otherwise.
We are grateful for all our donors and their commitment to the Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake!
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