Autism Toolkit of Georgia
Autism Toolkit of Georgia
To find in-person events in your area, first use the map below to find out which region you are in. Click on the drop-down menu for your region and click on “Find Events.” The calendar will show which events are near you!
Is there an autism-related event happening in your area? Please add it to our calendar to get the word out! You can also send us events that you would like to add to the calendar using our “Contact Us” page.
We'll have coffee and donuts this Tuesday at our office; come by for fellowship and support. At 2000 Hamilton Road, Suite B (next to Columbus Foot and Ankle), starting at 10 o'clock.
This training will introduce parents of school-age children to assistive technology devices and services; help them determine what assistive technology (AT) their child might need to overcome barriers and achieve their goals, and locate sources for AT.
Únase a P2P mientras analizamos cómo prepararnos y planificar una transición sin problemas desde Babies Can't Wait/intervención temprana. La presentación incluye una visión general de varios programas y servicios que pueden estar disponibles para niños de tres años con necesidades especiales en su comunidad.
Contact: Irma Infinger
Email: irma@p2pga.org
Phone: 678-736-7334
Join P2P as we discuss how to prepare and plan for a smooth transition from Babies Can’t Wait/early intervention. The presentation includes an overview of various programs and services that may be available for three-year-olds
with special needs in your community.
This first workshop in a series of three will provide parents with an introduction to understanding the special education process and an overview of parental rights. It will include a discussion of the six main principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Plan on joining us for one or all of the upcoming Family Matters PTIC Dispute Resolution Series webinars via Zoom! We are excited to welcome amazing guest speakers from Equip for Equality, Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, and the Illinois State Board of Education, who, in partnership with our Educational Support Coaches, will be exploring conflict resolution options in the Special Education process. Learn more about working in partnership with your IEP team, writing state complaints, understanding the importance of Procedural Safeguards, and effectively utilizing Due Process and Mediation. Register for each session individually. Please each out with questions to Abbi Mars, Educational Support Coach, at amars@fmptic.org.
Session One – September 6, 2024, 4:00 p.m. ET
Working Together: Ways to Work Together as an IEP Team with Karrie Potter from FMPTIC
Zoom Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6BW-_7tyRtKqxLHtp6LCww#/registration
FOCUS on Moms is a day of fun activities and workshops all while hanging out with other awesome FOCUS Moms! There will be no workshops on IEPS or Medicaid meetings…only fun, self-help workshops available and time to connect with others!
Eligibility:
Be a FOCUS Mom of a child with a disability
Registration required to attend.
Other Info:
There is no charge for this event
Childcare will not be provided
This workshop will focus on Powers of Attorney, health care directives, maintaining eligibility for government benefits, Special and Supplemental Needs Trusts, and ABLE accounts. It will address the unique challenges families and individuals face as they begin their transition into adulthood. Presented by Roger Strege, CES(c), president of Special Needs Planners, a financial planner, and Certified Estate and Trust Specialist™.
During the month of September, we mark the 51st anniversary of the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To commemorate the first civil rights legislation for people with disabilities, DETAC welcomes two disability-led national organizations to discuss employment - the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL). They will highlight how their work increases access to competitive, integrated employment nationally and how they collaborate with Centers for Independent Living (CIL) in all geographical locations across the country to do so. This webinar is intended for CILs but is applicable to other Administration on Disabilities stakeholders, as well as self-advocates and family members who want to learn about additional resources to boost employment outcomes.
Live English captioning, Spanish machine translations, and American Sign Language interpretation will be provided during the webinar.
As we settle into the new school year, we understand that many of you are navigating the complexities of ensuring your child with special needs receives the best possible education. To support you in this journey, we're excited to invite you to a free webinar on The Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Why Attend?
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of what an IEP is and how it benefits your child
- Learn how to effectively participate in IEP meetings and advocate for your child's needs
- Discover strategies to collaborate with teachers and school administrators
- Connect with other parents facing similar challenges
-We look forward to seeing you at the webinar and supporting you in your child's educational journey
Your kids will spend many hours at their local school and it’s important for you as their parent to be connected and involved. Learn tips to communicate with school staff and other parents more easily; simple ways you can support your child’s education at home; and ideas for how you can volunteer or participate in activities at your child’s school.
This webinar is intended for parents with disabilities, as well as the people who support them.
Presented by Lisa Simmons, Lindsay Brillhart, and Dorothy Auckland.
Please join the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services for the third session in the 2023-2024 OSERS Symposium Series, Collaboration to Improve Outcomes, scheduled for September 12, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:30 pm Eastern Time.
The 2023-2024 OSERS Symposium Series offers an opportunity for the field to join OSERS in the challenge to raise expectations, engage families earlier, and fully empower all individuals who support transition services to improve post-school outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and their families. This symposium will focus on the importance of collaboration between special education and vocational rehabilitation to ensure the best outcomes for our youth with disabilities and their families.
Additional updates on important resources, events, and information will continue to be posted on the Expect, Engage, and Empower homepage: https://osepideasthatwork.org/federal-resources-stakeholders/topical-issues/expect-engage-and-empower-successful-transitions-all
If you have any questions, please contact the planning team at OSEP-EEE@air.org.
This training will focus on the employer’s perspective on hiring and employing individuals with disabilities, the current employment outlook for people with disabilities, workplace accommodations and practical tips for families to help their teen get a job.
Contact: Lori Jackson
Email: lori@p2pga.org
Phone: 678-736-7335
Plan on joining us for one or all of the upcoming Family Matters PTIC Dispute Resolution Series webinars via Zoom! We are excited to welcome amazing guest speakers from Equip for Equality, Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, and the Illinois State Board of Education, who, in partnership with our Educational Support Coaches, will be exploring conflict resolution options in the Special Education process. Learn more about working in partnership with your IEP team, writing state complaints, understanding the importance of Procedural Safeguards, and effectively utilizing Due Process and Mediation. Register for each session individually. Please each out with questions to Abbi Mars, Educational Support Coach, at amars@fmptic.org.
Session Two – September 13, 2024, 4:00 p.m. Understanding Dispute Resolution and Procedural Safeguards with Laura Hart from Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission (IGAC)
The Autism Hope Center is offering a free night out for parents of children with Autism, Developmental Disabilities, and their siblings all over 3 years old.
Dates: Aug 16th, Sept 13th, Oct 11th, Nov 8th, Dec 13th
One time registration is required: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rXrRQ09iCFaJGz0T09qViEBbNoZHAJPb-QC71GHZHxg/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawEQ4OtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHftrswjyHMiLgbbp_CrM35KXhkRCXr2i1KLYkCvKzpQEbJtsvYFYO6MXSw_aem_gkYx8kxCK4gAt1i9bn7KpQ&edit_requested=true
The Autism Hope Center is offering a free night out for parents of children with autism, developmental disabilities and their siblings all over the age of three. A one-time registration is required, call or email each month to reserve a slot. Call: 706-604-6333. Email: autismhopecenterLLP@gmail.com
This open group meets one Sunday a month and is for parents, family members, and friends of Autistic individuals. Guest speakers are hosted every other month. Advanced registration is required.
This workshop will address the consideration and purpose of supported decision-making and guardianship, with a focus on the details of the legal procedures. The workshop will include a discussion about what changes for the parents and their child regarding legal rights and authority when the child reaches age 18, and what parents should consider about providing support for their son or daughter into adulthood. Presented by Joseph P. Kukla, esq., Thiel, Anderson, Kukla, and Gunderson, LLP. Attendance at both workshops in the series is encouraged.
This workshop will educate parents of children with disabilities (age birth to three years) on Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP). Participants will learn skills to help them effectively communicate with other members of the IFSP team and advocate for the needs of their child to be reflected adequately in the plan.
This final workshop in the series will review the ten parts of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and dive into understanding its goals, services, and accommodations. It will also include a brief overview the Prior Written Notice (PWN). Attending each workshop in the series is recommended.
This “closed” support group is for parents who have an Autistic adult child 30+ years of age. Other adult family caregivers may also register for this group. “Closed” support groups are ideal for parents and other adult family caregivers who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at open support group meetings.
AANE support groups provide an opportunity for parents and family caregivers to voice their concerns and frustrations and celebrate hard-won and unexpected victories. Although each group will focus on different themes and questions, here are some of the most common ones:
Now that your child is an adult, how do you support and/or parent without power?
How do you keep the lines of communication open?
How can you help the Autistic adult find and sustain employment and live independently?
How do you motivate them to expand their social network?
What types of services have other families used and what were the results?
How have other members tapped into health, income, housing, and other benefits?
Plan on joining us for one or all of the upcoming Family Matters PTIC Dispute Resolution Series webinars via Zoom! We are excited to welcome amazing guest speakers from Equip for Equality, Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, and the Illinois State Board of Education, who, in partnership with our Educational Support Coaches, will be exploring conflict resolution options in the Special Education process. Learn more about working in partnership with your IEP team, writing state complaints, understanding the importance of Procedural Safeguards, and effectively utilizing Due Process and Mediation. Register for each session individually. Please each out with questions to Abbi Mars, Educational Support Coach, at amars@fmptic.org.
Session Three - September 20, 2024, 4:00 p.m. ET
An Overview of State Sponsored Mediation and Facilitated IEP Meetings with Emily Postelmans from ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education)
Zoom Registration link:
Healthy relationship boundaries are an important skill for us all. We are seeing more and more examples of those who have crossed lines in our culture. Even though people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are sexual beings, just like everyone, they also need the information and skills to navigate these waters and learn what’s okay and not okay in various settings.
This FREE 60-minute workshop will explore tips and tools for addressing sexuality one-on-one with the individuals you work with. We will explore why this topic can be difficult to approach and useful tools that will help you become more comfortable and confident communicating about this sensitive topic.
Fathers’ Group is a place where fathers can share their experiences, support one another, and build their toolbox to parent more confidently. We will be having a good conversation over Zoom.
Parenting can be demanding, frustrating, and at times stressful long after the child is grown. Autistic children can often have unique challenges. Parent Support Groups provide feedback, support, and perspective from peers on a variety of common issues. Groups are meant strictly for parents and do not include the Autistic child. Advanced registration is required.
The thought of their child “aging out” of school services is the “elephant in the room” that worries many parents of children with disabilities. As the saying goes, “the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.” Sara will share strategies to take “little bites” over many years to enable your student to be prepared for that day when the educational chapter of your child’s life is completed. Join us with Sara Barron, Co-Founder of Ventures ATL.
This closed group is designed for parents and family members of Autistic high school girls. This group is limited to 15 participants for caregivers to connect with one another and share information. Advanced registration is required.
Dates
September 26
October 10
October 17
October 24
October 31
November 7
November 14
November 21
This introductory workshop will provide parents and others with information to help them understand the special education process, how to prepare for a positive Individualized Education Program (IEP) team approach to support their child’s mental health needs, and how to navigate IEP team disagreements. This workshop is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.
Plan on joining us for one or all of the upcoming Family Matters PTIC Dispute Resolution Series webinars via Zoom! We are excited to welcome amazing guest speakers from Equip for Equality, Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, and the Illinois State Board of Education, who, in partnership with our Educational Support Coaches, will be exploring conflict resolution options in the Special Education process. Learn more about working in partnership with your IEP team, writing state complaints, understanding the importance of Procedural Safeguards, and effectively utilizing Due Process and Mediation. Register for each session individually. Please each out with questions to Abbi Mars, Educational Support Coach, at amars@fmptic.org.
Session Four - September 27, 2024, 4:00 p.m. ET
Understanding Due Process and State Complaints with Cristina Kinsella from Equip for Equality
We'll have coffee and donuts this Tuesday at our office; come by for fellowship and support. At 2000 Hamilton Road, Suite B (next to Columbus Foot and Ankle), starting at 10 o'clock.
This 8-week AANE support group is for parents and caregivers of Autistic or similarly neurodivergent teen children. This small group setting allows parents and caregivers to connect with each other and delivers a wealth of information.
Advanced registration is required.
This closed group is designed for parents and family members of Autistic high school girls. This group is limited to 15 participants for caregivers to connect with one another and share information. Advanced registration is required.
Dates
September 26
October 10
October 17
October 24
October 31
November 7
November 14
November 21
Spectrum hosts monthly parent meetings the first and second Thursday of each month featuring guest speakers who share their knowledge and expertise regarding a variety of topics related to the Autism Spectrum Disorder. First Thursday of the month meetings are offered Sept-May for parents of school age children. Breakout sessions are also offered for Dads, parents of preschoolers, and in Spanish only.
Social Skills programs are offered at the same time for children ages 5-22. Childcare is offered for those under 5. Second Thursday of the month meetings are for parents of adults out of high school and for adults on the spectrum.
Location: Spectrum Autism Support Center, 2997 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096
Sesiones de Familia in Spanish via ZOOM twice a month. Email Mariana to be added to the list mariana.ortiz-padilla@georgialda.org
Reunion grupo de apoyo para de ninos con autismo de 22 anos o menos.
Join our Part 2 virtual webinar for a comprehensive review and guidance on gathering the necessary paperwork for the Katie Beckett Waiver application processEvent Timing: October 4th 8pm est Event Address: via Google MeetAny Questions Contact us at info@shineautism.org
You deserve a break today! Enjoy a few hours to run errands, lunch with a friend, or take a nap!
FOCUS offers Extra Special Saturday Respite (ESS) in the spring and fall at 2 locations. A nurse is at each location to manage G-tube feedings, seizures, and other medical care. Caregivers at each location are knowledgeable and experienced in caring for children with special needs. Ratio of caregiver to child is 1:4, but community volunteers are often on hand to help and play. It’s a wonderful time for the children to enjoy free play, music, and extra attention from FOCUS caregivers and volunteers. Oh, and the parents enjoy the break!!
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