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Spectrum Events

Spectrum Events: Connecting, Educating, and Celebrating Diversity

Working towards positive educational outcomes: Mental health and special education

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.

Free

Advocating for your child with significant healthcare needs

Parents and guardians of children or young adults with significant health care needs bring a wealth of information to their health care team. Combining your personal knowledge with advocacy skills can help ensure that your child or young adult receives the best quality of care. This workshop will review using service plans (IHPs, IEPs, and 504Plans) as advocacy tools, understanding the roles of the medical team supporting your child or young adult, and provide possible solutions for common problems.

Free

Understanding Dispute Resolution a four part series

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

Free

Recurring

Autism Parents Coffee Tuesday

Autism Hope Center 2000 Hamilton Road Ste B, Columbus, GA, United States

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.

Free
Recurring

Online “Closed” Support Group for Parents of High School Girls

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

$180
Recurring

Parent Support Group

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

Recurring

Online “Closed” Support Group for Parents of Adults (30+)

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?

$180

Katie Beckett Webinar Part 2

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

Free

Extra Special Saturday Respite

Alpharetta Presbyterian Church 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta, GA, United States

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!!

Free

The Role of American Job Centers (AJCs) in Promoting Access to Good Jobs for All

People with disabilities play a crucial role in strengthening America’s economy. To support this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme, Access to Good Jobs for All, we recognize the role of the American Job Center (AJC) Network. Under the vision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), AJCs and their partners provide access and opportunities to all job seekers, including individuals with barriers to employment that is inclusive of individuals with disabilities, to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in high-quality jobs. This webinar will spotlight four AJCs located in communities within the states of New York and Colorado. Panel presenters will provide insights on the services the AJCs provide, share a roadmap for accessing AJC services, discuss the critical role of partnerships in service delivery, and highlight the creative integration of universal design principles to ensure meaningful access to all customers using AJC services.

Free

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