Look inside to see information about our Upcoming events, 2023 virtual program schedule, May resources, Trainings and webinars, and more! | |
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Thank you for making our 2023 Autism Festival a success!
Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, vendors, resources, volunteers, and attendees for making our 2023 Autism Festival a success! We had perfect weather, and over 600 people come out for the event, and raised nearly $15,000 to support our programs and services for the local Autism community. Families and individuals had the opportunity to connect with each other, local vendors, and resources.
With the help of Pafford Medical Services and the St. Vincent De Paul society we distributed 31 vaccines at the event, and thanks to the Blood Center, 13 people donated blood. Thank you to everyone who received a vaccine at the event or donated blood.
As always, a special thanks has to go out to The City of Westwego for having us at the Westwego Fisheries and Farmers Market, and specifically to Heather Saddler and Mayor Robert Billiot for all their support of our organization and our events!
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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.
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To find out more, and to sign up for any of the programs listed below, Click the "Learn more and Sign Up" Button. | |
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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
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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
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Upcoming FREE Training Opportunities in May | | |
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FHF GNO Related Services Webinar
Join us for a free webinar hosted by Families Helping Families GNO on Related Services.
May 10th 2023
10:00-11:00 AM
Registration required to attend, click the button below to register
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Hurricane preparedness for individuals with Disabilities with NOLA Ready
Join us on zoom for an informational session on hurricane preparedness with NOLA Ready. Participants will also learn about city services and supports, and the Smart 911 system.
May 16th 12:00-1:00 PM
Registration required to attend, click the button below to register
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Ten Basic Financial Steps for Special Needs Caregivers
Join us for an in-person workshop hosted by Steve Fisher with MassMutual SpecialCare on Ten Basic Financial Steps for Special Needs Caregivers
Wednesday May 24th at 12:00 PM
Brown Foundation Center
320 Metairie Hammond Hwy
3rd Floor
Metairie, LA
Important issues that need to be addressed:
- How to begin the planning process and who should be involved.
- Government Benefit Eligibility
- Guardianship and Convervatorship
The presentation will run approximately 45 minutes with plenty of time afterwards to answer your questions.
Registration required to attend. Click the button below to register!
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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, or visit their website. Unless otherwise noted, in-person events are located at the Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana Community Wellness Center at 3155 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122
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Neurodivergent Brunch
Saturday, May 20th
12:00 PM
Seafood Sally's
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Spectrum Women-Autistic Women's Support Group
Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
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Movement Meditation
April 20th
6:45 PM- 8:00 PM
Artivism Dance Studio
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Storytime and Sensory Play for Children Under 5
Mondays at
11:00 AM and 11:45 AM
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Interactive Journaling
Sundays at 11:00 AM
Virtual Event
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Neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Group for Teens
Wednesdays, 4:00 PM
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Additional Events and Learning Opportunities Include:
ADHD in Women: A Comprehensive Understanding Friday, May 12, 2023 at 1:45 PM
Meltdowns: Managing Sensory and Emotional Overload Monday, May 15, 2023 at 12:45 PM
Paw-sitive Healing Monday, May 15, 2023
Sensory-Friendly Living: Creating an Accessible Environment Monday, May 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM
AND MORE! For a full list of all events scheduled in May click the button below:
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May Resources: Mental Health Supports, Suicide Prevention, Summer Activities
This May, our focus will be on Mental Health Awareness Month, suicide prevention, Water Safety Month, and resources for summer planning. Our public policy resources provide guidance for the end of the Public Health Emergency ending on May 11th. We also encourage you to continue using our Action Center to support the disability community.
Mental Health Support & Statistics
Suicide Prevention
Summer Activities
Water Safety Month
Public Policy
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As the Public Health Emergency is coming to an end on May 11th, many important policies will come to an end. Be sure to stay updated using our guide.
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As Congress negotiates the budget and lifts the debt ceiling, be sure to use our Action Center to ensure your Members of Congress do not reduce Medicaid and other funding that is critical for the disability community.
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If you or anyone you know has attended an alternative school as a punishment, or as an alternative to suspension or expulsion, please contact the Southern Poverty Law Center. We are particularly interested in hearing from students who have 504 Plans or Individualized Education Plans ("IEPs"). All information will be kept confidential. We do not charge for our legal services. | |
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In celebration of 33rd Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs (GODA) will host its annual fully virtual conference July 24th-27th, 2023!
Registration to the conference gives access to all sessions with one link. Conference attendees can choose which sessions they want to attend and join in on the zoom link. Register for the conference at https://www.bit.ly/GODAconf23.
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ASGNO's Online Social and Support Programs Sponsored by the Tres Doux Foundation
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SNAP and SNAP Teen's Upcoming Events
To join SNAP or SNAP Teens, email Wayne at snapjpla@yahoo.com. No membership dues.
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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.
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NFHF ABLE Club Monthly Scrapbooking
Monday, May 15, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
108 Highland Park Plaza
Covington, LA 70433
Join ABLE Club members on the third Monday of each month for scrapbooking at the NFHF center in Covington.
Space is limited and each individual planning to participate will need to register.
Register Now
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The Center for Learner Equity (CLE) and Families Helping Families NOLA want to hear about the student & family experience with special education services in New Orleans public schools.
Call Nicole Williams at (504)943-0343 to sign up for the virtual option or the in person option.
We'll host listening sessions on: Friday, June 9th (virtual) and Saturday, June 10th (in-person at 12, 1:30, and 3pm)
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SOAR Adult Social Bowling
May 6th 1-3 pm
Tangi Lanes
1612 W Thomas Street
Hammond, LA
SOAR will cover 3 games of bowling and shoes are not required.
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SOAR Autism family fun day at Gulf Islands Waterpark
Friday, June 23rd 2023
10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Pricing and menu options coming soon.
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Check out the webinars from Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans!
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Check out the Upcoming trainings from Northshore Families Helping Families.
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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
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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. | | | | |
