October 2021
Happy Autumn!

We hope the season has started off well for you! Here is our October Newsletter, with information about all of our upcoming events, as well as resources in the community. Let us know if we can help you with anything.

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October Newsletter Contents
  1. Autism Waiver Open Interest Period: Important deadlines
  2. WEBINARS: Autism Connections and Family Empowerment (7 upcoming)
  3. GROUPS (all virtual): Autism Connections and Family Empowerment (6 upcoming)
  4. 2022 Autism Conference
  5. Activities and events in the community
  6. Resources and family supports (non-covid related health, employment, financial)
  7. Education related
  8. COVID news and resources including BOOSTER SHOT information
1. Autism Waiver​ Open Interest Period, (strict deadline of October 15-October 30)
DDS Autism Waiver Service Program (AWP) Open Interest Period 2021
The opportunity to apply for this waiver is through the open request period which will be held from October 15 - October 30, 2021. If you have questions, please contact us at autismconnections@pathlightgroup.org.
The Autism Division of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) runs an Autism Waiver Program that provides one-to-one interventions to help children with autism who exhibit severe behavior, social and communication problems through a service called Expanded Habilitation, Education (intensive in-home services and supports). This service occurs in the child’s home or other natural settings under the supervision of trained clinical staff and is available for a total of three years.

The Autism Waiver Program also provides related support services such as community integration activities and respite. At the conclusion of the three years of intensive services, a child may access supplemental services that meet the child’s needs and help with the transition out of the intensive Autism Waiver Program until the child’s 9th birthday.

Read full information and find applications in various languages HERE on the DDS website.
2. WEBINARS: Autism Connections and Family Empowerment
MAKING SENSE OF MASSHEALTH AND PRIVATE HEALTHCARE FINANCING
Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Joins us with presenter Pat Nemia from the Federation for Children with Special Needs for a presentation and discussion about health insurance options, eligibility and special programs.
  • This webinar is for parents, caregivers, friends, family, and professionals.
  • More information: Register, Flyer
"YOU'RE WITH US!"
LUNCHTIME WEBINAR
Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
“You’re With Us!” is a campus community program that creates inclusion opportunities for young adults with disabilities by identifying and training college clubs, teams, and mentors to welcome young adults into their groups.
  • This webinar is for parents, caregivers, friends, family, and professionals.
  • More information: Register, Flyer
UNDERSTANDING THE IEP
Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Every child who receives special education services must have an individual Education Plan (IEP). This webinar will review the development of the IEP including parent/student concerns and vision, Team member relationships, and benchmarks and goals.
  • This webinar is for parents, caregivers, friends, family, and professionals.
  • More information: Register, Flyer
Q & A CLINIC from Autism Connections: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Thursday, October 27, 2021, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The monthly Autism Connections' Clinics are forums to receive feedback about your specific questions and learn from other conversations while discussing a focus topic. The clinics are led by specialists from the AC team. The topic for October's meeting is activities of daily living (ADLs), a term used to collectively describe fundamental skills required to independently care for oneself, such as eating, bathing, and mobility. 
CHARTING THE LIFE COURSE TOOLS - CtLC (Transition age focus)
Tuesday, November 9, 2021, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Learn how the CtLC framework can help you articulate what you want and need.
ABLE ACCOUNTS
Tuesday, November 16, 2021, 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
LUNCHTIME WEBINAR
ABLE Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families.
INTRODUCTION TO AUTISM
Wednesday, November 17, 2021, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Do you have questions about autism topics? This presentation will discuss strengths and challenges experienced by individuals with autism.
3. GROUPS: Autism Connections and Family Empowerment (all are currently virtual)
SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY ALLIANCE
First Wednesday of the month (October 1, November 6, December 3), 6:00 p.m.
Third Thursday of the month (October 21, November 18, December 16), 10:00 a.m.
This is a group of parents and concerned caregivers who seek to support, educate, and provide resources to each other to improve the quality of their loved ones’ lives and make the journey just a little bit easier! 
  • This group is for parents, caregivers, friends, and family. Most attendees live in Franklin and Hampshire Counties but participants from other areas are welcome to join.
  • Contact Caroline at caroline.wenck@pathlightgroup.org to register and for more information. 
  • FLYER
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
First Thursday of the month (starts November 2, December 7) 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meet with Education Advocate Nancy Farnsworth to discuss DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) guidance, ask questions and focus on struggles with IEP services.
  • Coffee and Conversation is for parents, caregivers, friends, and family in western Massachusetts, but participants from other areas are welcome to join.
  • Contact Nancy at nancy.farnsworth@pathlightgroup.org for more information and to reserve a spot.
AUTISM FAMILY SUPPORT COMMUNITY OF PIONEER VALLEY
2nd Wednesday of the month (October 11, November 8, December 13) 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
This group of parents and concerned caregivers meets with a facilitator to make connections and share experiences.
  • The group is for parents, caregivers, friends and family in Pioneer Valley, but partcipants from other areas are welcome to join.
  • Contact Kansas at kansas.brown@pathlightgroup.org for more information. 
AUTISM FRIENDS AND FAMILY FORUM
1st Wednesday of the month (starts November 3, December 1) 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
This forum meets in support of family and friends caring for young adults (17+) with an autism/asperger profile. Discussion topics will include managing care as needed while supporting independence of a young adult.
  • The Forum is for parents, caregivers, friends, and family in western Massachusetts, but participants from other areas are welcome to join.
  • Contact Kansas for more information and to reserve a spot: kansas.brown@pathlightgroup.org
SPECIAL EDUCATION FORUM
Last Wednesday of the month (October 25, November 29, December 27), 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
This popular forum is for parents, and meets to share information/experiences and receive insight from an education advocate (Nancy Farnsworth).
  • This group is for parents, caregivers, friends, and family in western Massachusetts, but participants from other areas are welcome to join.
  • Contact Nancy at nancy.farnsworth@pathlightgroup.org for more information. 
  • More information: Register, Flyer

4. THE 2022 AUTISM CONFERENCE, from Autism Connections
Save the date for our Autism Conference on April 28, 2022! The Conference will be virtual, with a selection of Speakers, Breakout Sessions and Exhibitors. Join us!

Contact us at autismconnections@pathlightgroup.org if you have any questions or want to join us early as a sponsor or exhibitor.
5. Pathlight and community events and activities
PATHLIGHT EVENTS and ACTIVITIES
WHOLE CHILDREN
Whole Children/Milestones Fall Classes
October 4 - December 11
Classes have started so don't wait any longer to check out what is still available from the selection of in-person and online activities for children and young adults. There are options for children, teens, and young adults. REGISTER
WHOLE SELVES
"Knowing Yourself" Clinic
October 12 - October 15
This is a clinic about exploring who you are, your likes/dislikes, values, strengths, things that give you trouble, and your needs and how to meet them. We do a brief introduction to self-advocacy and decision making and how they relate to knowing yourself.

The clinic is for children ages 10–16. Contact Tracy Romeo for more information at Tracy.Romeo@PathlightGroup.org or 413.314.3152. Visit the Whole Selves' website to view all types of clinics and other events.
COMMUNITY EVENTS and ACTIVITIES

WEBINARS
CONFERENCES
  • The ARC of Massachusetts 2021 Transition Conference: Charting the LifeCourse, for families of teens and adults 13-26. November 4-18.
  • Making a Difference Conference, from FCSN, November 10-16. This conference provides a wonderful opportunity for Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs), Foster/Adoptive and Kinship Caregivers, Educators, Child Welfare Providers, Community Partners, and others to experience a full day of high-quality education and networking. Attendees will come away with information and resources to assist them with supporting the at-risk students they serve.
FAMILY ACTIVITES
ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS
  • Special Olympics Hiking Club (2x monthly in various locations in western MA)
  • Sled hockey (Center for Human Development): The Springfield Thunderbirds sled hockey team is compromised of kids and adults with a variety of ability levels. Practices are September-April at the Mass Mutual Center on Sunday evenings. If you are interested in trying out a sled contact Jess Levine at Jlevine@chd.org 
SPECIAL EVENTS
  • Northern Berkshire Community Coalition's Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group would like to invite you to join a special dinner on Tuesday, October 19, 4:00-6:00pm, UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams. "Please join us in celebrating grandparents raising grandchildren." RSVP to Donna Senecal at 413-663-7588, ext. 18, by noon on October 15.
7. Resources and family supports
HEALTH RELATED
  • The Health Connector is hosting a free, public webinar ahead of the October 23rd enrollment deadline for coverage that starts November 1, 2021. Health Connector staff will cover how the American Rescue Plan (ARP) helps lower health insurance premiums with new help for people who’ve never qualified before.
  • FLU SEASON: Please check with your local towns to see where free or other clinics will be held and view CDC Guidelines for guidance on getting a flu shot.
EMPLOYMENT
FINANCIAL
7. Education related
8. COVID news and resources
GENERAL COVID RESOURCE SITES
COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION

  • BOOSTER SHOTS
  • Mass.gov information about booster eligibility and FAQs, including "What should people who received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine do?" and "Do I need to get the same brand of vaccine for my booster?".


  • CHILDREN, AGES 5-11
  • What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine and children ages 5-11, from the Public Health Institute of western MA; November 2, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Email kszegda@publichealthwm.org for more information.



Autism Connections and Family Empowerment are programs of Pathlight