Weekly Covid-19 Newsletter Update

Vol 1, Issue 19, December 2020

We would like to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season. We are grateful and honored to be able to share in your life journey, and we look forward to 2021!

Weekly Updates

THE PATHLIGHT COMMUNITY

AUTISM CONNECTONS

All of Pathlight’s programs have been very active during the pandemic, continuing to provide essential supports and information and resources to all of the families within our network and beyond. Pathlight's Autism Connections, the Autism Center for all of western Mass, is the Pathlight Program Highlight in this week's newsletter.

The specialists at Autism Connections have been collaborating closely to offer an array of services based on Read more

WHOLE SELVES' PUBERTY CLINIC

Whole Selves' new Puberty Clinic (for age group 10-14) will foster confidence and competence in a way that is fun and comfortable. The Clinic was created for kids with an intellectual disability and autism, but has beneficial information for all children in this age group. The Clinic begins on January 9 and will be held each additional Saturday in January; the Parent Information Session is January 5. LEARN MORE

WHOLE CHILDREN - NEW WINTER SESSION

Winter Session is coming! Join in for 10 weeks of fun, education, and conversation! More new options have been added...Comic Writing and LGBTQIA+ Group. Try something new or pick up where you left off in your favorite classes. LEARN MORE or REGISTER

UPCOMING PATHLIGHT PROGRAM EVENTS

WEBINAR: DDS SELF-DIRECTED SERVICES

Family Empowerment and Autism Connections are sponsoring a webinar on January 12, featuring the DDS Self-Direction Manager Pam Hickey. Self-Directed Services from DDS offer the most flexibility to arrange and customize supports based on an individual’s needs and preferences. LEARN MORE or REGISTER

SPECIAL EDUCATION FORUM FOR PARENTS EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY

The Forum is an excellent resource group for parents looking for solutions to education related challenges during the pandemic. The next meeting is December 30, and then January 13 and 27, and February 10 and 24.. LEARN MORE or REGISTER

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2021 AUTISM CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021!

This year's Conference will be fully virtual and will feature Breakout Sessions (including those planned for Spring of 2020), special networking opportunities, 2 amazing Keynote Speakers, an Exhibitor Showcase and all of the unique features that a virtual conference offers. If you are interested in Exhibiting or Sponsoring the event, please contact joanne.lucey@pathlightgroup.org, if you are interested in the opportunity to offer a Breakout Session, please contact rhonda.setkewich@pathlightgroup.org, katie.drumm@pathlightgroup.org or kansas.brown@pathlightgroup.org.

COVID RELATED UPDATES

STATE & FEDERAL COVID UPDATES Read more

TESTING

Stop the Spread sites in western MA are currently located in Amherst, Great Barrington, Holyoke, North Adams, Pittsfield and Springfield. These sites are available for free testing even if you do not have symptoms but feel you may have been exposed. Contact each site for hours and registration information if required.

HOLIDAY GUIDANCE

Winter Holiday Guidance from the CDC

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE