May 15, 2024

AUTISM CONNECTIONS AND FAMILY EMPOWERMENT EVENTS

LAST CALL FOR TONIGHT'S TRAINING FOR AGENCY PROFESSIONALS AND EDUCATORS!

Autism Training for Agency Professionals and Educators

Presented by Massachusetts Advocates for Children and Sponsored by Autism Connections

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

ZOOM

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Participants: Agency Professionals and Educators

REGISTER TO RECEIVE RECORDING IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND

This webinar provides an overview of specific special education requirements addressing the unique needs of students with autism. It reviews current trends, legal standards, evaluation rights and the range of compensatory services still available to address students’ needs. There will be an emphasis on law and strategies to help ensure children with autism receive the full range of instruction and services necessary to meet their unique needs, and to provide educational opportunities reflecting potential in inclusive settings.  

TRAINING

Transition from School to Adult Life: Using the IEP to Create Success

Presented by Massachusetts Advocates for Children and Sponsored by Family Empowerment, Franklin County

Thursday, May 15, 2024

ZOOM

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

Participants: Parents, Caregivers, Agency Professionals, Educators

This online, Special Education transition training will address the transition planning and services required for youth with disabilities ages 14-22, with a focus on the transition services districts should provide to prepare youth for employment, independent living, and further education. Using case examples, parents and professionals will learn strategies that can help ensure students receive important transition services required by special education law. The webinar will also provide information about transition to the adult human service system, including Chapter 688, the state law that helps plan for youth with disabilities after they leave school.

FORUM FOR ADULTS

Adult Topics on the Spectrum, Ages 26+

Tuesday, 5/21 and 6/4, 6/18

(Group for ages 18-25 meets Tuesdays, 5/28, 6/11, 6/25)

Both groups will continue to meet throughout the summer

ZOOM

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

ALL AGES FAMILY ACTIVITY

Party with Autism Connections!

Saturday, June 15, 2024

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

IN-PERSON

450 Banquets

450 Memorial Drive, Chicopee

Participants: All ages, siblings, friends, parents, and caregivers are invited. Our event is open to all community members and we want everyone to feel welcome and included.

COMMUNITY FAIRS

Creating your Vision, 2024 Transition Fair

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Baystate Health Education Center

361 Whitney Ave.

Holyoke, MA

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Free

Contact your DDS representative for more information

Transition Fair

Thursday, May 16, 2024

High School of Science and Technology

1250 State Street

Springfield, MA

3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Free

For more information contact Vocational Counselors Marc Riccio 413-750-2000, Ext. 59858, or Maureen Ferriter, 413-787-7085, Ext. 47850.

Planning A Life: College & Beyond (Virtual)

(from the Federation for Children with Special Needs)

Friday, May 17, 2024

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

$50 for parents and professionals

REGISTER

Virtual presentations covering many topics concerning students on IEPs who are curious about college. If you need a further discount or scholarship, email transition@fcsn.org for more information.  

Berkshire Citizen Advisory Board for Department of Developmental Services (CAB)

Friday, May 17, 2024

MCLA at Murdock Hall

375 Church Street

North Adams, MA

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Free

REGISTER with Terry.Unwin@mass.gov

Registration and Sharing: 8:30 to 9:00  - Free Workshop, Lunch provided

Speakers and topics include:

Sonja Haecker, Executive Vice President of Berkshire County Arc

-Mapping Relationships for the Future

Maryellen Smith RN and Attorney John Torrone from DDS

-Health care proxy, MOLST, and Guardianship

Adam Hartwell, Director of Attainable Outreach

-Attainable Savings Plans

Ned Roche from Roche Funeral Home

-Funeral Planning

Cathy Costanzo, Executive Director of the Center for Public Representation

-Supportive Decision Making

Community Inclusion Summit (Pittsfield)

(from Pathways to Friendship and the Massachusetts ARC)

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Berkshire Family YMCA

Pittsfield, MA

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

$25

REGISTER

This event is geared toward community organizations (such as libraries, recreation departments, faith communities, after-school programs etc), with the goal of teaching concrete tools and strategies for improving inclusion within their programming. This is a wonderful opportunity to not only learn, but to also connect with like-minded organizations who care about Disability Inclusion.

familyempowerment@pathlightgroup.org

autismconnections@pathlightgroup.org

Family Empowerment and Autism Connections are programs of Pathlight.