Upcoming events from Autism Connections and Family Empowerment

September 26, 2023

This week we have a training, community family events and a networking/support group! A few announcements about important topics are also included here. If you have any questions about the below events, please contact the event coordinator, who is listed in the flyer and event links.

Happy Autumn!

TOMORROW!

LUNCHTIME TRAINING

Introduction to Charting the LifeCourse Tools

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

ZOOM

Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Participants: Parents/caregivers in the four counties of western Massachusetts who would like help with organizing ideas, vision, goals, problem solving and advocating for support for a family member

Join Family Empowerment for a webinar about Charting the LifeCourse Tools with Donna Kushi, Pathlight’s Charting the LifeCourse Mentor. The LifeCourse tools are a person-centered and powerful method to organize your thoughts when creating a life plan for, and with a loved one. If you haven’t yet tried using these tools, this is a perfect opportunity to become familiar with the process and as preparation for a free 1-1 consultation, which start in October and can be scheduled directly with Donna.

NETWORKING/SUPPORT GROUP

Special Education Forum for Parents

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

ZOOM

8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Participants: Parents in the four counties of western Massachusetts with school age children having issues with IEPs

Join Nancy Farnsworth, our Educational Advocate and Information & Resources Manager, for a supportive virtual community. Come to discuss a current issue you are having, get feedback, receive updates relative to special education, share a solution you've experienced, or just listen.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

Fall Family Fun Night with Kelsey

Thursday, September 28, 2023

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Autism Connections

75 South Church Street, Suite 402

Pittsfield, MA

Registration required

Participants: All ages! Bring a friend! All community members are invited.

Join us at our Pittsfield office on Thursday, September 28, for Caramel Apple decorating, a fall arts and craft activity, snacks, board games and seasonal music. Please read all information in flyer before registering with Kelsey.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

for Hampshire County Family Empowerment families

Thursday Funday: Karaoke and craft activity

Thursday, September 28, 2023

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Northampton, registration required

Participants: All ages! Bring a friend!

Families and individuals working with Family Empowerment are invited to join Bianca for monthly activities and an opportunity to meet others - you are invited to bring a friend!

Please register directly with Bianca, bianca.vazquez@Pathlightgroup.org.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

for Franklin County Family Empowerment families

Friends Out and About Social Group:

Open Mic Night & Dinner

Thursday, October 5, 2023

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Greenfield, registration required

Participants: Ages 18+, Bring a friend!

Families and individuals working with Family Empowerment are invited to join this social group in Greenfield. There are several activities every month.

Please register directly with Donna, donna.walden@Pathlightgroup.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

DDS Autism Waiver Service Program (AWP) Open Interest Period 2023

The 2023 Children’s Autism Waiver Open Request Period information and application forms are available on the DDS website.  The 2023 open request period runs from October 16 through October 31, 2023. Applications will be accepted during this period only. View more information regarding the waiver, the DDS letter to families or download applications in multiple languages. If you have questions about the waiver or would like assistance filling out the application, please contact us at autismconnections@pathlightgroup.org and we will do our best to answer all your questions!

Four, free, at-home COVID-19 tests are again available on COVIDTests.gov

If your insurance company is no longer covering the costs of at home tests, these free tests could come in very handy.

View more information

Order tests

Family Empowerment and Autism Connections Trainings

If you would like to attend any of these future trainings, please email the program and let us know. We will ensure you receive registration links when they become available.

Autism Connections



Family Empowerment

Hampshire county

Family Empowerment

Franklin county

familyempowerment@pathlightgroup.org

autismconnections@pathlightgroup.org

Family Empowerment and Autism Connections are programs of Pathlight.