March newsletter.

Look inside to see information about our 2023 Autism Festival, Inclusive Egg Hunt, Upcoming events, our 2023 virtual program schedule, March resources, Trainings and webinars, and more!

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Save the Date for our 2023 Autism Festival!


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.

The Festival is our major fundraiser to raise funds to be used for services, empowerment, education, and supporting Autistic individuals and their families by in the Greater New Orleans area.

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.

As of 2021, 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with Autism. So our annual Festival not only helps raise awareness about and acceptance of Autism, but it is our main fundraiser to support the Autism community in the Greater New Orleans. To see our 2022 impact, click HERE.


Get involved, we need you!


The Festival is the biggest annual fundraiser and outreach event that we host to raise funds that we use to offer services to help empower, educate and support the Autism community in the Greater New Orleans area. This event is a success year after year because of the support from people just like you! There are so many ways you can be involved and help us put on this wonderful event! We are seeking individuals and businesses to Sponsor the festival, Donate food, drinks, paper products, advertisement and promotional consideration, silent auction items, and anything else you think may be of use to us; Vendors, Agencies, and food trucks to host booths, and individuals and groups interested in Volunteering their time.


To learn more about how you can get involved, click the button below to visit our information page for Sponsors, Donors, Vendors, and Volunteers.


Learn more

Inclusive Egg Hunt Tickets Available Now!


This event is open to all ages and ability levels. Register for a one-hour time slot during which you can enjoy sensory and water play activities, join in an egg hunt, and have a snack. Participants will be limited to 20 per time slot and caregivers will indicate choice of egg-hunt prize (candy or toys) in the sign-up form. Please no more than 2 caregivers/supporters per family. Tickets are $3 for participants and $1 for caregivers/ supporters. If you are unable to pay for tickets but would still like to participate, please email Megan at megan@asgno.org.


Sunday, March 26th 11:00 AM-2:00 PM

1454 Woodland Hwy

Belle Chasse, LA 70037

Learn more and Sign Up

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

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.


Hellfire - Dungeons and Dragons Club for Neurodivergent Youth

Saturday, March 25th

10:00 AM

Zotz Coffee House

Sign Up 

Parent Support and Social Group

Saturday, March 25th

5:00 PM

Chaise Delachaise

Sign Up

Movement Meditation

March 16th

6:45 PM- 8:00 PM

Artivism Dance Studio


Sign Up

Neurodivervent Brunch


Saturday, March 11th

10:30 AM

Seafood Sally's


Learn More

Neurodivergent Women's Happy Hour



Wednesday, March 15th

5:00 PM

8118 Oak Street, NOLA

Learn More

Neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group for Teens

Saturday, March 4th & Saturday, March 18th

2:00 PM PJ's Coffee

Learn More
Board application now open.

We are currently accepting applications for open Board positions! Ideal candidates will be individuals with a passion for our mission to create connections, empowering all in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully, who have time to dedicate to our work, and who are connected to the community. For more information about what board positions entail, please email our Administrative Manager, Claire Tibbetts at info@asgno.org


Apply Now

COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is Ending


Autism Society PHE Unwinding Guide

The Biden Administration announced that the Public Health Emergency (PHE) that was declared due to the Covid-19 pandemic will end on May 11th. This will bring about many changes such as Medicaid qualification status, and vaccine, testing, and treatment coverage. It will also end Medicaid flexibilities that states were able to request due to the pandemic. To help prepare for these changes, the Autism Society developed an “End of Public Health Emergency Guide“. In this guide, readers will find details on Medicaid unwinding and state progress and plans. Key information on how to advocate for state PHE waivers is also included.


March Resources: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month & National Women’s History Month




This March, we will focus on Women’s History Month to highlight Autistic women and diagnostic research. Additionally, we will observe Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and share resources on signs, screening, and diagnosis. Our public policy resources provide guidance on navigating advocacy after the conclusion of the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 2023.

 

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Women & Autism: National Women’s History Month

Signs & Characteristics

Public Policy

 

Vaccine Education Initiative

Donate

Learn with LaCAN is a virtual training and information center for individuals with disabilities and their families to learn about legislation, advocacy, and education. 


Here is the link to join: 


LEARN WITH LaCAN VIRTUAL INFORMATION CENTER

LADDC News


Emergency Preparedness and

Disability Awareness Trainings in North LA


Youth Leadership Forum: Recruiting Delegates and Staff


OCDD Hosting Public Health Emergency Roadshows


Louisiana Rehabilitation Council Recruiting Members

LaCAN News


Information Alert #1:

Join LaCAN as an Advocacy Team Leader - Apply Today!

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.


Spectrum Sailing Camp


The Beignet Fest Foundation is partnering with Community Sailing New Orleans and Spectrum Sailing for a 3 day camp April 4-6 for no fee! Registration for that camp is open, and the link to register for that is here:


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZh9SkcxvPona-LvFtK7nnY8KCEopQ58tK6IsNyRV9Q2_PLg/viewform


Ages are 10-17, and space is limited to 20 kids total (10 for morning session and 10 for an afternoon session).

ADVOCACY 101


Learn about the basics of advocating for your loved one with a disability: individual vs. systems change; common barriers to advocating; and how to build key relationships as you learn to speak up for those who can’t always speak up for themselves. Get ready for the upcoming legislative session by joining us Wednesday, March 8  at 11:00am for the free webinar entitled “ADVOCACY 101.” This informative training opportunity is FREE, but registration is required.


For more information or to register, call Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans at (504) 888-9111 or visit their website at FHFofGNO.org and click on the calendar under the TRAINING tab. The registration link is found on the calendar for March 8.

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

March 25th 1-3 pm

Tangi Lanes

1612 W Thomas Street

Hammond, LA


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

Louisiana Alliance of Postsecondary Inclusive Education Webinar


Mar 21, 2023 12:00 PM

Zoom


Register Here

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

Check out the Upcoming trainings from Northshore Families Helping Families.

CLICK HERE to view the upcoming events calendar.
LA Parent Training and Information Center Webinars
Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans (FHFofGNO), the Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center (LAPTIC), invites you to join them for their free monthly webinars. Webinars provide attendees with important training on a variety of educational topics and supports and services available to individuals with disabilities and their families in the community. Webinar events are viewed right from your computer, tablet, or cell phone where you can watch, listen and have the option to post questions and get LIVE responses. For a list of webinars, please visit their website at https://fhfofgno.org/ then click on "Training" choose a topic, then register.

  

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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