Great Oaks Project SEARCH Transitional Program 

Project SEARCH is a one-year transition-to-work program that prepares students with disabilities for employment. The immersive workplace training program combines classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on learning through actual business partner worksite rotations. Project SEARCH provides students with disabilities real-life work experience and employability training. Students also learn about independent-living skills needed to a successful transition to adult life. Students who complete the program can find employment in career paths that match their skills and interests, since it provides students with a variety of worksite experiences.

During the school year, students rotate through three non-paid internship sites to learn work skills needed for the world of work. The goal of Project SEARCH is that students will find and maintain competitive employment. The program is designed for students who are graduating or have already graduated from high school, with these eligibility criteria:

• Is 18 – 21 years old
• Student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Student has met all academic requirements for graduation
• Student needs extended learning services to prepare for transitioning to employment while diploma is held by school
• Student qualifies for services with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)
• Student is able and willing to follow all host site employee guidelines
• Students is able to pass site background checks
• Student has updated immunizations per site requirements
• Designed for students in the last year of school services in order to lead to employment

Eligible students should attend an onsite open house in November, information about which can be found by clicking the flyer above. Then, learn more by visiting the Project SEARCH site to schedule shadow visits at the host businesses. The Project SEARCH Application is online, and is due by February 7, 2023 to Great Oaks. Click the linked button below to learn more about Project SEARCH.

Understanding Behavior in Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Educational Session

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics is hosting an educational session on Understanding Behavior on Thursday, November 10, 2022 5-7 p.m. ET. Tickets are $10. On-site attendance is strongly encouraged, but a virtual attendance option via Zoom will be available. You can register at the linked button below, but please make sure you select the correct ticket option (Zoom attendees should select Online Participation Ticket, and in-person attendees should select In-Person Participation Ticket).

This course is designed for caregivers of children with developmental disabilities, particularly those with challenging behaviors. By the end of the session, attendees will understand the function of or reason that challenging behaviors may occur, and will learn how to manage challenge behaviors and encourage cooperation, compliance, and positive family interactions. For more information, contact DDBPFamilySupport@cchmc.org or call 513-636-2158.

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati Support Group

The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, in collaboration with Autism Society Greater Cincinnati, will be hosting two support groups in the coming months. Join us in Mirror Hall of ICGC (8092 Plantation Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45069) on Sunday, November 13 from 12-2 p.m. ET for light snacks and refreshments. Registration is not required, and this event is free for families!

ASGC Program Director, Hadia Khan, will host meetings that explore local resources and connect families with individuals who have disabilities. For more information, feel free to contact Hadia at hkhan@autismcincy.org or 513-561-2300 ext. 5, or click the flyer to the left to learn more!

Campbell County Libraries Hosts a Science in Play2Go Sensory Night

The Cold Spring Branch of the Campbell County Public Library is hosting their first sensory night at their exhibit, Science in Play2Go, free of charge! Science in Play2Go is a traveling exhibit from the Louisville-based Kentucky Science Center, which aims to help children build lifelong learning skills through the power of dramatic play. The exhibit also focuses on strengthening science, technology, engineers, art, and math (STEAM) skills. Science in Play2Go features giant blue building blocks, a make-your-own ball rollercoaster, a giant light bright, and more! This night will be hosted outside of the normal library operating hours, which will make sure there is enough space for more sensitive guests. There will also be quiet rooms available for those who need a break and additional sensory experiences set up in the library.

Head to the library (3920 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076) on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 5-6 p.m. ET to enjoy the exhibit! Make sure to go to the site at the linked button below to register to attend.

Newport Aquarium Family Inclusive Sensory Hours (FISH)

Join the Newport Aquarium for FISH (Family Inclusive Sensory Hours), presented by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital! Everyone should be able to enjoy a fun, inspiring and comfortable visit to Newport Aquarium. During FISH, activities, sound, lighting, and other modifications are made to the visitor experience to ensure an accessible, safe, comfortable, and fun environment for all guests, including those with special needs.

Sensory sensitivity hours will be on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 8-10 a.m. ET at the Newport Aquarium (1 Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071). During Sensory Sensitivity Hours, lower capacities, no music, limited microphone use, and reduced lighting provide a sensory-relaxed environment for guests with autism, PTSD, dementia, anxiety, and other sensory sensitivities. Calming areas are provided and noise cancelling headphones, and fidgets are available at no cost on a first-come, first-serve basis to be borrowed during your visit. A sensory level guide on touch, sight, and sound is provided.

With limited capacity available for Family Inclusive Sensory Hours, make sure you purchase tickets in advance online prior to your visit. Plus, with Plan-Ahead Pricing, the earlier you get your tickets, the more you can save! Click the linked button below to explore ticket options.