April newsletter.

Look inside to see information about our 2023 Autism Festival, Inclusive vaccine distribution, Upcoming events, our 2023 virtual program schedule, Trainings and webinars, and more!

Visit our Website

Our 2023 Autism Festival is just 10 days away!


You can get FREE ADMISSION by signing up to receive a FREE COVID-19 or Flu Vaccine, or scheduling an appointment to donate blood learn more below.


Admission:

$5/person

$30 max/family



The Autism Society of Greater New Orleans (ASGNO) will hold our annual Autism Festival on Saturday, April 22 from 11am – 3pm at the Westwego Farmers’ Market. The Festival is our main fundraiser and source of revenue that we use to offer services that empower, educate, and support our New Orleans Autism community.

Autistic individuals of all ages and their families will have the opportunity to make connections with local businesses and nonprofits who provide services to the Autism community, while enjoying food, music, games, and performances in an inclusive environment.

To see our 2022 impact, click HERE.

Sign up for a Vaccine
Donate Blood

Inclusive and Accessible Vaccine Distribution


Get free admission to our 2023 Autism Festival, a $15 Walmart Gift Card, and a Vaccine Accessibility Kit by signing up to receive a FREE Covid-19 Vaccine or Flu Vaccine at the event before April 14th https://tinyurl.com/3fc94mdj .


Individuals who receive their COVID or flu vaccination at this event will be eligible for a $15 Walmart gift card provided by Nourishing Louisiana, an SVDP New Orleans/AmeriCorps VISTA program. Individuals will also be given a Vaccine Accessibility Kit to take home and use at future vaccine appointments courtesy of ASGNO's Vaccine Education Initiative.


Everyone ages 6 months and up is eligible for a bivalent booster including children 6 months-4 years who received their 3 dose Pfizer primary series. This event is serving all ages and ability levels and this might be your LAST CHANCE to get a TOTALLY FREE COVID-19 vaccine so sign up today! Free admission for your whole family if you sign up one person to receive a vaccine at this event!

Sign up for a vaccine!

This vaccine distribution is specifically designed with the unique needs of Autistic individuals of all ages and support needs in mind. Providers are trained on inclusive vaccination for the Autism community.


Accommodations and Adaptive Equipment available:


  • Healthcare Picture Communication Boards
  • Social Stories and Visual Schedules
  • Fidgets, Sensory Supports, and Weighted Lap Pads
  • Pain Reducing items: Shotblockers and Buzzy Bees
  • Extra time available for patients to become comfortable ahead of vaccine administration
  • Additional accommodations available upon request during sign-up
  • Short wait times/no lines!
  • Flexible start times-receive your vaccines when you arrive at the fest, no specific appointment time necessary.


These accommodations and supports also improve outcomes for any individuals with needle hesitancy or anxiety surrounding vaccines and help make vaccinations a positive experience for very young children as well.


You can view all the resources at: https://autismsociety.org/resources/covid-19-support/


Learn more about how the Vaccine Education Initiative can help your family in our PSA below.


Sign up for a Vaccine
Donate Blood

Join us for our Virtual Programs in 2023!


The Autism Society of Greater New Orleans is dedicated to creating connections in our community, and so we are offering a variety of virtual programs with the goal of providing opportunities for individuals in our area and beyond to connect with peers, get and receive support, and have fun.

To find out more, and to sign up for any of the programs listed below, Click the "Learn more and Sign Up" Button.
Meet our Facilitators
Learn more and Sign Up

Programs for Autistic Adults.


Adult Social Group


When: Every Second and Fourth Thursday, at 6:00 pm CST

Facilitator: Emily Davis


Autistic Adults support group.



Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM, CST

Facilitator: Emily Davis



Online Caregiver/Parent Support Groups


Caregiver support group-Evening.



Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM, CST

Facilitator: Stacy Badon


Caregiver support group-Day


Meets the 4nd Tuesday of each month at 12:30 PM, CST

Facilitator: Stacy Badon


Spanish Speaking Caregivers / Cuidadores de habla hispana


Cuándo: se reúne el tercer martes de cada mes a las 6:00 p.m.

Facilitadora: Stacy Badon

Donate Now

Join us for our upcoming webinar: Get to Know Fish in a Tree: Neurodiversity Community Center


Join us on zoom to learn more about the events, programs, and services offered by Fish in a Tree: Neurodiversity Community Center. They have something for everyone, so this session is suitable for Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent individuals of all ages, caregivers of Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent individuals, and professionals and community organizations who serve these populations.


Wednesday April 26th at 12:00 PM


Click the button below to register!

Register Here

Fish in a Tree Neurodiversity Community Center Events.


Fish in a Tree is a community center for Neurodivergent individuals in the New Orleans area. Sign up for their upcoming events by following the links below so you can join in on the fun, seek community with peers, and get the support you need. Sign up for the Fish in a Tree group on the Meetup app to stay up to date on their current and upcoming events. Unless otherwise noted, in-person events are located at the Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana Community Wellness Center at 3155 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122

My Safe Space: Creating a Sensory-Friendly Safe Haven in Your Home

Friday, April 14th

11:30 AM

Sign Up 

Neurodiversity 101




Friday, April 14th

12:30 PM

Sign Up

Movement Meditation

April 20th

6:45 PM- 8:00 PM

Artivism Dance Studio

Sign Up

Storytime for Children Under 5


Monday April 17th and 24th

11:00 AM

Learn More

Neurodivergent Women's Happy Hour



Wednesday, April 26th

6:30 PM

8118 Oak Street, NOLA

Learn More

Neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group for Teens

Wednesday, April 19th

4:30 PM

Learn More

Additional Events and Learning Opportunities Include:


Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents- April 17th 12:30 PM

Interactive Journaling- April 17th at 1:15 PM and April 20th at 2:00 PM

Supporting Executive Functioning: Organization, Time Management, and Planning-April 20th 3:00 PM

Building Self Confidence for teens: Fostering a Positive Self-Image (12+) April 20th 4:00 PM

Tantrums and Meltdowns: Managing Sensory Overload- April 24th 1:20 PM


AND MORE! For a full list of all events scheduled in April click the button below:

See all of Fish in a Tree's Events

Hurricane Season is almost here!


Join us for a webinar with NOLA Ready on Hurricane Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities. Participants will also have a chance to learn about the services through the City of New Orleans after disasters and the Smart 911 system. While the preparedness information will be relevant to anyone, only residents of Orleans parish will be eligible for city services after disasters or Smart 911.


Tuesday, May 16th 12:00 PM


Click the button below to register.

Register

LADDC News


Don’t Lose Your Medicaid Coverage


SEAP Recruiting New Members

Apply Today


LDOE IDEA Grant Application out for Public Comment


IMPORTANT UPDATE

April 2023 Council & Committee Meetings

Upcoming events.



All images that are not decorative include Alt text with flyer info, click the images to access relevant registration or info links.

ASGNO's Online Social and Support Programs Sponsored by the Tres Doux Foundation


People First NOLA Meeting 4:30 PM every Third Tuesday. Click image for link.

SNAP and SNAP Teen's Upcoming Events


To join SNAP or SNAP Teens, email Wayne at snapjpla@yahoo.com. No membership dues.


Sensory friendly jump time at Surge Trampoline Park in Metairie


Sensory Play Sunday.

The First Sunday of Every Month

10am-12pm


Open to Autistic children and their caregivers. $7.99 per person.

Integrated Dance Ensemble Auditions


Auditions:

Monday, April 17

6-8pm

Catapult at 609 St Ferdinand St

More info at https://www.jakkikalogridis.com/auditions

Check out the Upcoming trainings from Northshore Families Helping Families.

CLICK HERE to view the upcoming events calendar.
 
FHF NOLA Parent Support Group    This group is parents only    Every Other Wednesday Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM  2800 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 click image to register

SOAR Adult Social Bowling

april 29th 1-3 pm

Tangi Lanes

1612 W Thomas Street

Hammond, LA


SOAR will cover 3 games of bowling and shoes are not required.

Special Needs Expo 2023


Saturday April 15th

10:00 AM-12:00 PM

St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office

Check out the webinars from Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans!

The Louisiana State Museum is excited to share their next sensory friendly day! On Saturday, May 27, individuals with autism and developmental disabilities and their families are invited to a sensory friendly day at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint! The program for children and their families will run from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., and for teens and adults and their families from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 

The museum will close to the public to minimize crowds and exhibit noises. Trained educators and volunteers will help lead exploration of museum exhibitions and drop-in art activities celebrating New Orleans culture and music. Luther Gray and Jamilah Peters-Muhammad of the Congo Square Preservation Society will lead drumming and dancing. Come create, dance, sing, and celebrate together! This program is free for the whole family, but registration is required.

 

This program is offered in partnership with the Louisiana Museum Foundation and made possible with generous support from First Horizon Bank.

 

You can find more information about the programs on their website:

Children: https://louisianastatemuseum.org/new-orleans-jazz-museum-old-us-mint/event/sensory-friendly-morning-new-orleans-jazz-museum-0

Teens & adults: https://louisianastatemuseum.org/new-orleans-jazz-museum-old-us-mint/event/sensory-friendly-day-new-orleans-jazz-museum-teens-and


Research Studies

The Louisiana Department of Health is now utilizing a Tiered Waiver system to ensure that individuals who need services can receive them as quickly as possible. For more information on the Tiered Waiver system and how to request a reassessment if your situation has changed click here.
The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities provides supports and services through a variety of locations throughout the state to support the dignity, quality of life and security in the everyday lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families, acting as the Single Point of Entry. Click here for Developmental Disabilities Services Directory and locations of Regional Offices.
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