Spring 2016 - HMEA`s Autism Resource Central

RESOURCE
ResourceCONNECTION
Connection
Spring 2016
Vol. 17, Issue 68
On Your Mark, Get Ready, Get Set
It’s Time for the 5K Run & Walk !
We are so excited to be in “Walk/Run Season. “ This is the best time of the year for us, watching as the
village we’re part of comes together to support their Center. Since 1997 Autism Resource Central
has served to connect families to each other and to caring, competent providers. This event brings us
all together for the last day of Autism Acceptance Month to celebrate the progress we’ve made and to
raise the funds needed to continue to expand services and increase understanding and acceptance in the
community.
So mark your calendars for Saturday, April 30th our big day for the 2016 5K Run & Walk for Autism
Acceptance. This year, the 5K Run will start an hour earlier at 9 am and the walk will also start earlier at
10:30 am. This way Teams that participate in both aspects of the day will be able to be all together!
New this year is the Kids Fun Run which will be a 100 yards in the park for the 3-11 year olds. Please
make sure to register your child for the Kids Fun Run as we have to order the medals ahead of time. The
walk will start promptly after the kids cross the finish line!
Creating memories with our families is something each of us desires. Your fundraising efforts have not
gone in vain. Think of the Breezy Picnic Grounds Family picnic, Family Fun Days at Camp, movies,
workshops, the kids holiday party, spring fling for the teens and many more activities where families have
come and had lots of fun and connected with each other. Friendships and circles of support are forged
and reinforced when we come together. All these activities are funded by fundraising dollars.
This is the major fundraiser for the center and we are appealing to each of you to talk to your family and
friends, colleagues and ask them to support this event. Ready to get involved? Here’s how!
The walk/run actually begins right now, because first we ask families to help us make the day a fundraising
success by creating an online fundraising page and spreading the word to family, friends, coworkers,
Facebook friends, Twitter followers, and anyone else you can think of; asking them to consider giving to
the Center so that it can continue to provide critical supports to families like yours.
Register as a run or walk participant http://www.firstgiving.com/arccm and start a fundraising page. Start a
team and ask your family or friends to join your run or walk team . Appeal to your friends and family to
donate to your page.
Donate or ask a friend/business for a donation to the raffle. We’re seeking items kids would like, they all
get such a thrill if they win so we’d like to have lots of items for them ! All parents need some down
time so donations of restaurant gift cards, services and gadgets are always welcome.
Volunteer on the day of the event. It takes a small army to make this all happen you can contact Wanja
to be part of this extraordinary day !
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Vol.17 Issue 68
Donations
UNITED WAY DONATIONS
Macy’s Employees
UPS
John Amorello
Mathieu Michaud
John O’Leary
Hanover Insurance
Brian Kelly
Margo McCaffrey Bishop
Maria Panerelli
Coreen Gaffney
Liberty Mutual
Matthew Desimone
Brittany Tirozzi
Michael Couturier
Chelsea A. Olson
To designate the Autism
Resource Center as the recipient of
your United Way Donation use the
name Autism Resource Center and
the code UN 00365
DONATIONS
Quabbin Valley Educational
Associates
Alice Litter
Costa Family Charity
Karen Kowalik
Dr. Lisa Kamean Silva
Bonnie Budd
Julia Wild
Cyndi Zarriello
Donna Coye
Renee Smigliani
Sean Rabbitt
Samantha Gass
Jennifer DeSalvo
Paula Cronin
Jenna Trueman
Brian Kolvalski
Kristina Golji
Heidi Robbins
Mia McDonald
Priya & Sanjay Tikku
Judy Meunier
John Carpentier
Bobby Ljungberg
Alina Michelewicz
Jennifer Kremer
Sarah Campbell
Roger & Joan Lavasseur
MEMORIAL GIFTS
In Memo ry o f
Robert Zoppo
Alice Tuomivaara
Frank Caputo
Carol Ann Horrigan
John & Jeanne Couture
Betty & Bill Kann
Richard & Barbara Bechan
Garabedian Jewelers
Jacqueline Gordon
Arlene M.Taylor
Carolyn Carroll
Peter & Bette Duprey
Annmarie & Michael Pantos
Margaretta Scully
Kenneth & Ruth Lowe
Brenda & Paul Werme
Clarence & Marilyn Burnham
Guertin Graphics & Awards
Assumption College
John & Linda Dzik
William & Lucille Bailey
Richard & Joanne Peeso
Gloria A. Tufenkjian
Kathleen A. Johnson
Hebert & Marion Walters
Ralph Anderson Jr.
Edward & Barbara Hayes
James & Maureen Buckley
Palma & Dennis Dextradeur
Mary Ann McGrain
Paxton Lions Club
Constance & Robert Boucher
In Memo ry o f
Louise Guerin
Raymond & Kendra Underwood
Paula Bujnowski
Donna M. Ferro
Cheri Cousens
Al Narris
Richard & Colleen Anderson
City of Worcester, DPW&P Water
Operations
Noreen & Anthony Fernandes
Elizabeth King
CARS FOR AU TIS M
Yo u can donate a used car
and suppo rt your Cen ter.
A professionally licensed, bonded and
insured towing company will pick-up
your car donation and provide you
with a vehicle donation receipt. Car
Donations are accepted at
http://www.donateacar.com/
or call
800-240-0160 to speak to a
representative of Car Program LLC
directly
Page 3
Vol.17 Issue 68
Clinics and Social Skills Funding
Participants for all groups MUST
be DDS eligible, and under the
age of 18. Parents must register
within 30 days of request for
funding.
Social Skills
Those who would like to enroll their
child in a Social Skills Groups with a
clinician may apply for funding, up to
$300.00 towards a group session.
Funds will be sent directly to
providers, and families would be
responsible for any fees beyond
$300.00. Funding for social skills
groups is limited to eligible candidates
under the age of 18 who meet the
criteria for participation as set by the
clinician. Contact the Resource
Center to secure possible funding by
calling Donmarie at 508-298-1609.
Once your DDS status has been verified your provider may invoice the
Center for payment of $300.00 for
your child.
IEP, ADL & VISUAL CLINICS
To book all clinics please call Donmarie
Smith at (508) 298-1609 .
ADL and Visuals Clinics are by
appointment ADL Clinics are
booked only upon request. For Visual
Clinics, parents may drop by the
Center at any time during regular
business hours to access the
Boardmaker Program and material to
create visuals
IEP Clinics with Elaine Rabbitt
Meet with an Advocate to discuss
your child’s IEP, concerns and needs
and how best to advocate for changes
with your school. Dates available for
consultation
April 14, 2016
Autism Resource Central
4 PM , 5 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM
April 28, 2016
Leominster Public Library
9, 10 & 11 AM, 12:15PM, 1:15 PM
May 12 , 2016
Autism Resource Central
4 PM, 5 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM and 8 PM
Sensory Clinics with
Mary Loughlin MS OTR/L
Autism Resource Central
Clinic will provide consultation to
families in the area of Sensory
Processing Dysfunction. Child and
Parent will meet with Mary for
four (4) 1 hour sessions across 4
weeks . A Sensory Profile
Assessment will be done which
will identify any sensory specific
needs the child may or may not
have. Parents will be provided
with resources including websites,
DIY sensory equipment, sensory
play and activities. At conclusion
of the sessions parents will be
given an individual " sensory diet"
for their child.
Times 3 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM
Session1 March 7, 14, 21, 28
Session 2 April 4, 11, 18, 25
Autism 101 in Leominster
Our Autism 101 series is designed to help families who are new to the diagnosis gain a solid footing to begin their
journey. It includes an overview of autism (5/5), an overview of sensory issues seen in ASD (5/12), the medical
management of ASD (5/19), a workshop on SPED Law (5/26), an organizational workshop (6/2), and how to access
public supports (6/9). Also Included is an on-line learning experience from UMass Medical School called
UDiscovering : Discovering Behavioral Interventions. This interactive online course will be made available to parents
who register for Autism 101 for a period of 3 Months. Going at your own pace, you will learn about ABA.
With this “jump start” families are better prepared to meet the challenges that an autism spectrum diagnosis can bring.
And to insure that their child has the best possible chance in life to be independent and interdependent.
Autism 101 will take place in May and June, Thursday evenings starting May 5th from 6:45 PM– 8 :45 PM at the
Leominster Public Library in the Friends room . We are pleased to be bringing this to the North Central Area.
Space is limited . There is a $25.00 fee for the series. Register online at our website or call 508-298-1610
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Vol.17 Issue 68
Autism Acceptance Month Events
SAVE THE DATE!
Autism
Awareness & Acceptance
CELEBRATION
Friday, April 1, 2016
UMASS Medical School
Worcester, MA
Schedule of Events:
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. - Department of Pediatric Grand Rounds, Connie Kasari, PhD
“Early interventions for autism spectrum disorder: Active ingredients and deployment to the community”
5:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Family Activities and Provider Fair, Sherman Center First Floor
For more information contact:
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
UMass Medical School
[email protected]
774-455-4100 for Grand Rounds
For Family Activities & Provider fair
Autism Resource Central
508-835-4278
To register, visit:
www.autismresourcecentral.org
Click on register for an event
Page 5
Vol.17 Issue 68
Autism Acceptance Month Events
Autism Awareness & Acceptance Day at The State House
The Health and Well-Being of People with Autism across the Life-Span
April 7, 2016
9:30 AM —11:30 AM
Great Hall
Massachusetts State House, Boston
Come Be Part of the Biggest Autism Event of the Month !
2016 5K Run & Walk for Autism Acceptance
Register and join us for the Annual 5k Run and Walk for Autism Acceptance.
Registration opens at 7:30 AM for both the run and walk and closes at 10:30 AM
Run starts at 9 AM. Kids Fun Run and Walk start at 10:30 AM
To Register visit www.firstgiving.com/arccm
Page 6
Vol.17 Issue 68
Spring Fling
A Semi-formal for Teens & Young Adults with ASD and Siblings
May 13, 2016
The Manor Restaurant
242 West Boylston Street
West Boylston 6:30 PM– 9:30 PM
Italian Dinner Buffet with GFCF options
Dancing & Karaoke with D.J. Gregg
Parent Night Out at The Manor 7-9 PM for parents of teens at dance
Ticket Order Form
Name(s) __________________________________________Ages ______________________GFCF? ________
Number of adults for Parent Night Out __________________(Dinner on your own—we’ll make
a reservation for the group. This allows teens/young adults easy access to parents during
the event if they need you.)
Number of Tickets for dance @ $15.00 each ________________________ (Family cap $30.00)
(Deadline May 6, 2016) You may also register online at www.autismresourcecentral.org
InSync Communication Center in Sterling and Westford MA is excited to announce Corporate
Scholarship opportunities providing children and their families ages 2-22, on and off the
autism spectrum, skills and strategies to enhance and promote friendships, social skills,
emotional regulation, and overall communication.
Scholarships will be awarded and allocated through a combination of clinical criteria and Mass
Health Standard Guidelines for yearly income.
Please log on to www.insyncnewengland.com or call: 978-422-0200 for more information on
the application process.
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Vol.17 Issue 68
Vol. 17, Issue 68
Page 8
Family Fun Days at Camp
Come join friends and families for a week of summer fun, designed to fill the gaps in your school's summer program.
Parents, grandparents, and siblings may accompany a child with autism for a day or a week of family fun. (One to one
aides are welcome for families with multiple children on the spectrum but may not substitute for the presence of a parent; all children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
Once again, we will offer a week of Community Day Trips the last week in June, as opposed to a camp, watch the Summer Newsletter for details. We’ve trips planned to the Roger Williams Zoo, Drawbridge Puppet Theater, the beach at
Dunn Park, Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, Skyzone and a Bravehearts Game.
In August a full week of camp activities is scheduled, although parents may choose to attend as little or as much as their
child prefers. We’ve a brand new location which offers us some new opportunities, Camp Marshall in Spencer. We’ll
offer swimming, crafts, games, archery, kayaking, pony rides and entertainment for the children. It also offers a chance
to network and visit for the adults. Starting camp on a Sunday allows families who have working parents to join the fun
for a day. Wednesday evening there will be a cookout and swim that can also include parents who are away from home
during the day. An optional overnight, for those families that are ready for the experience, follows the extended day.
Family Fun Days is a great way to entertain the entire family in a safe and supportive environment. Come spend time
with old friends and make new ones.
Complete, detach and mail in with payment or
register online at www.autismresourcecentral.org
August Camp August 21-25, 2016
Sign up for:
Name
Sunday 8/21
Cost
total
# of participants X
$2.00/pp
Address
Names & ages of children
$2.00/pp
Monday 8/22
# of participants X
Tuesday 8/23
# of participants X $2.00/pp
Wednesday 8/24
# of participants X
Wed cookout 8/24
# of participants X $2.00/pp
$2.00/pp
Phone
Wed Overnight 8/24 # of participants X $5.00/pp
Visa
Check
MasterCard
American Express
Credit Card #
Exp. date
Signature
CV
Thursday 8/25
# of participants X
$2.00/pp
Total
Make Checks payable to HMEA’s Autism Resource Central & mail to
71 Sterling St, West Boylston, Ma 01583
Vol. 17, Issue 68
Page 9
Guiding Star Awards
The goal of the Center is to promote the well being of people with autism at home, at school, and in the community.
We do this through a variety of ways, but one of the most enjoyable is through the Annual Recognition Dinner which
will be held this year on May 18th, 6:30 PM, at The Wachusett Country Club, 187 Prospect St West Boylston.
Is there someone who has made a significant contribution to the success of your family member on the spectrum in
any of these areas? Why not tell them so by having them honored at the dinner? The dinner is a lovely affair in an
elegant setting where families, nominees and supporters gather to listen to inspiring stories and show their
appreciation for one another.
It is one of the most memorable events of the year and one we look forward to with anticipation. Not only do the
awards provide great personal satisfaction but they also reinforce the values and relationships within our community.
What a wonderful way to show your appreciation! Please take the time to thank someone who has made a positive
difference in your life. Complete a nomination form and the Center will do the rest. All nominees will receive a
certificate from the Center and one winner from each category will be invited to the dinner. Attendance at the event is
open to all our parents and friends. (Please no children) Tickets for the evening are $25.00/pp Honorees and a guest of
their choice attend as the Center’s guests.
----------------------------------------------------NOMINATION AND TICKET ORDER FORM
CATEGORIES : Educators: (Early Intervention through College ), Adult Services (22 and older), Service
Providers ( eg ABA, OT, Speech, Social Skills, Direct Service Provider Adult & Children), Service
Organizations, Parent Community Leader, Legislator, Self Advocate, Volunteers, Religious Groups
Your Name & Address____________________________________________________________________
Name of Nominee: _______________________________________________________________________
Profession :____________________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________Phone #______________________
Category:_______________________________________________________________________________
Tell us in 150 words or less why you feel this person deserves recognition and attach to this form and mail to:
HMEA’s Autism Resource Central 71 Sterling Street West Boylston, MA 01583 before May 2, 2016
*************************************************************************************************
We would like to attend the evening
Name(s) ______________________________________________________________No. of Tickets@$25.00 _______
Or register at www.autismresourcecentral.com
Page
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Calendar
Vol.17 Issue 68
R e g i s te r f o r E v e n t s @ w w w . a u t i s m r e so u r c e c e n t r a l . o r g o r c a l l 5 0 8 - 2 9 8 - 1 6 1 0 F e e s f o r E v e n t s a r e a s s t a t e d o n s i te
MARCH
March 2, 2016
Parents of Adults
Support Group
7-9 PM
Person Centered Planning,
Accessing Services and the
Supporting Families Campaign
Kathy Hamelin ARC MASS
Family Outreach Consultant
March 5, 2016
Sibshop
Zion Lutheran Church
60 Main St Oxford MA 10 AM– 2 PM
Fee: $10.00/child $15.00 family cap
March 7, 2016
Family Fun & Fitness
Walking at St V’s Atrium
6 –7 PM
March 9, 2016
Parents of Children
Support Group
7-9 PM
March 14, 2016
Parents & Tots
4:30-5:30 PM
Family Fun & Fitness
Strength Training with Julie O’Mara
3 Bartlett Pond Way Sterling
6-7 PM
March 16, 2016
Under the Pink Umbrella
Parents of Girls
Support Group
7-9 PM
March 17, 2016
Grupo de Apoyo
11 Sycamore Ave
Worcester MA
10 AM
March 19, 2016
Claytime Fundraiser
124 Boston Turnpike Shrewsbury MA
3:30-5:30 PM
March 21, 2016
Family Fun & Fitness
Healthy Eating
Flying Rhino
278 Shrewsbury St Worcester
7-9 PM
March 23, 2016
Parents of Teens
Support Group
Exceptional Lives Workshop
IEPS, Guardianship,
SSI & Health Insurance
( open to all parents ) 7-9 PM
Teen Socialization
Group—GAME NIGHT
runs concurrently
fee: $5.00/teen
March 25, 2016
Spring Egg Hunt &
Visit with the Bunny
HMEA 3 Bartlett Pond Way Sterling
Fee: $2.00 /per child
4-5:30 PM
March 28, 2016
Family Fun & Fitness
Strength Training with Julie O’Mara
3 Bartlett Pond Way, Sterling
6-7 PM
March 31, 2016
PAINT NIGHT
Turners Hall
60 Branch St , Clinton MA
6:30 PM Fee : $35.00/per painting
APRIL
April 1, 2016
Autism Acceptance Month
Celebration
UMass Medical School
55 Lake Ave Worcester MA
(see page 4)
APRIL 2, 2016
World Autism Awareness Day
April 4, 2016
Family Fun & Fitness
Walking at St V’s Atrium
6 –7 PM
April 6, 2016
Parents of Adults
Support Group
Self Determination Work Shop
Pam Hickey DDS
7-9 PM
April 7, 2016
Autism Awareness Day
at The State House
9:30 AM—11:30 AM
CENTER CLOSED
April 11, 2016
Parents & Tots
4:30-5:30 PM
Family Fun & Fitness
Strength Training with Julie O’Mara
3 Bartlett Pond Way Sterling
6-7 PM
April 13, 2016
Parents of Children
Support Group
Students for Hire Respite
Project Informational Night
7-9 PM
April 18, 2015
CENTER CLOSED
Family Fun & Fitness
Healthy Eating at UNO’s
Worcester
6-8 PM
Vol. 17, Issue 68
Calendar
Page 11
R e g i s te r f o r E v e n t s @ w w w . a u t i s m r e so u r c e c e n t r a l . o r g o r c a l l 5 0 8 - 2 9 8 - 1 6 1 0 F e e s f o r E v e n t s a r e a s s t a t e d o n s i te
FAMILY FUN DAYS
April 19, 2016
Spying on Spotted Salamanders
with Catch the Science Bug
Camp Green Eyrie
69 Still River Road Harvard MA
10 AM
April 20, 2016
CANDY CAMP
Hebert’s Candy Mansion
574 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury
2 sessions 11 AM & 12:30 PM
Parents of Teens
Support Group
& TEEN ACTIVITY
PIZZA & A MOVIE
6 PM
April 21, 2015
Grupo de Apoyo
11 Sycamore Ave
Worcester MA
10 AM
Southwick Zoo
Southwick Road, Mendon, MA.
1:00 PM
April 22, 2016
Friends & Family Movie
West Boylston Cinema
Rt 12 West Boylston 10 AM
April 23, 2015
Fire Safe Program
Hudson Fire Department
296 Cox St, Hudson, MA 01749
9:30 AM– 11:30 AM ( see page 12)
April 25, 2016
Family Fun & Fitness
Strength Training with Julie O’Mara
3 Bartlett Pond Way, Sterling, MA
6-7 PM
April 27, 2016
Under the Pink Umbrella
Parents of Girls
Support Group
7-9 PM
April 30, 2016
17th Annual
Walk & 5K Run for
Autism Acceptance
MAY
May 2, 2016
Family Fun & Fitness
Walking at St V’s Atrium
6 –7 PM
May 5, 2016
Parents of Adults Support
Group
Susan Senator
Autism Adulthood : Strategies and
Insights for a Fulfilling Life
Tatnuck Book Sellers
Westborough Shopping Plaza Rt 9
Westboro
7-9 PM
May 7, 2016
SIBSHOP
Family Cook-Out
HMEA
3 Bartlett Pond Way, Sterling, MA
11 AM– 1 PM
Family Fun
Mini Golf
Mulligans Rt 12 Sterling, MA
1:30 PM
May 9, 2016
Parents & Tots Support Group
4:30 PM– 5:30 PM
Family Fun & Fitness
Strength Training with Julie O’Mara
3 Bartlett Pond Way Sterling 6 PM
May 11, 2016
Parents of Children
Support Group
7-9 PM
May 13, 2016
Spring Fling for Teens
& Young Adults
See page 6
May 16, 2016
Family Fun & Fitness
Healthy Eating at B Good
Route 9 Shrewsbury
6-7 PM
May 18, 2016
Guiding Stars Awards Night
Wachusett Country Club
Prospect St West Boylston
6:30-9 PM
(See page 9)
May 23, 2016
Family Fun & Fitness
Strength Training with Julie O’Mara
3 Bartlett Pond Way Sterling MA
6-7 PM
May 25, 2016
Parents of Teens
Support Group &
Teen Socialization Group
7-9 PM
May 30, 2016
CENTER CLOSED
Family Fun & Fitness
Walk at DCR’s
Quinsigamond State Park 6 PM
June 4-5, 2016
Mother’s Retreat
Colonial Hotel
Betty Spring Road, Gardner, MA
Fee: $40.00
$80.00 at registration with
$40.00 refund day of event
71 Sterling Street
West Boylston MA
Phone: 508-835-4278
Fax: 508 –835-3723
Email: [email protected]
www.autismresourcecentral.org
Sue Loring RN - Director
Cid DeLeo - Assistant to Director
Donmarie Smith Autism Information Specialist
Kris Gregoire , Autism Waiver Supervisor
David Iborra - Autism Waiver Support Broker
Priya Tikku - Autism Waiver Support Broker
Wanja Kiraguri- Event & Development Coordinator
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 9 AM– 9 PM
Tuesday 9AM –5 PM Friday 9 AM—3 PM
We are the Center of the autism community
The Resource CONNECTION is a quarterly publication of HMEA’s Autism Resource Central
T h e A u t i sm R e s ou r c e C e n t e r d o e s n o t e n d o r s e a n y t r e a t m e n t s , p r o g r a m s o r p r o d u c t s . A r t i cl e s , a n n ou nc e m e n t s a n d r e s ou r c e s a r e p r o v i d e d f o r
i n f o r ma t i o n p u r p o s es o nl y .
FIRE SAFE PROGRAM ESPECIALLY FOR OUR KIDS !
Thanks to Family Advisory Board member Tina D’ Asti we’ve a very special opportunity
for our children on the spectrum to learn Fire Safety. This is limited to children with
ASD as space is limited. A parent must accompany each child. Register online .
In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, the Hudson Fire Department is
hosting an event April 23rd. There will be a fire safety demonstration by
firefighters involved with the SAFE (Student Awareness of Fire Education)
program, a station tour including the opportunity to sit in, climb on and take
pictures with fire trucks, and weather permitting, some ‘hands on’ activities. This
is a great opportunity for our kids to familiarize themselves with the sights and
the sounds of firefighters and fire trucks, in a fun and interactive way.
An excellent and informative opportunity for parents as well. All kids will receive
a fire safety goody bag, including an HFD T-Shirt! April 23rd, 9:30-11:30 AM,
ages 6 to 16.
Family Advisory Board
Chair
Heidi Robbins ( Millbury)
Vice Chair
Kristen Saad ( Worcester)
Secretary
Tina D’Asti ( Bellingham)
AFAM Liaison
Erica Ploof ( Sterling)
Carrie Noseworthy (Leominster)
Kim Athanassiades (Oxford)
Stacey Levine-Lavely( Shrewsbury)
Tina Colbert ( Worcester)
Brian Kovalski (Clinton)
Kelly Carey (Shrewsbury)
Lisa Thompson ( West Boylston )
Mia McDonald ( Worcester)
Herb Cabral ( Bolton)