|
Upcoming Events
ABA Training Classes
Dates will be announced soon!
Visual Supports Workshops
Dates will be announced soon!
Family Event at ZooLights
January 3 - Phoenix Zoo
CARD Feeding Workshop
January 6 - Phoenix
Candlelight Vigil
January 29 - Capitol Building |
|
Take Advantage
Contact us about any of the services below by clicking on the link.
|
|
Who Does What?
To email one of our staff members directly, click on the name below:
Executive Director
Family Services Facilitator
Operations Manager
Program Specialist
Habilitation Specialist
Bilingual Outreach Coordinator
Finance Manager
|
|
Link of the Month
On Disability Awareness Day, a man on the autism spectrum sang the national anthem before a Red Sox game. When he came down with a case of the giggles, the crowd showed us what "community support" is all about.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Join us at ZooLights!  Families of AZA United, come join us at the Phoenix Zoo for another family event, as we all enjoy the local legend of "ZooLights." AZA United is offering free tickets to Member families (including siblings) on the evening of Thursday, January 3rd. If your family would like to join us, please contact us as soon as possible! All tickets must be confirmed by 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 2nd. |
|
AZA United Joins Advisory Committee The recently formed "Arizona Autism Coalition" has formed an Advisory Committee elected by members of the coalition. The committee contains representatives from DDD service providers, medical professionals, teachers/professors, therapists, family members and government. AZA United was elected as one of three representing agencies in the "Service Provider" category. The Advisory Committee will review the key issues and priorities of the coalition and report back to all members. Anyone can join the Arizona Autism Coalition, and the fee for families to join is simply to make a donation that fits within their personal budget. The coalition will be working hard to make positive changes for the Arizona autism community. We need everyone's support! For more information or to join the coalition's free email list, please contact Jessica Lewis, coordinator for the Arizona Autism Coalition. |
|
Insurance Coverage for Autism?
The Arizona Autism Coalition is working hard on its first goal - to increase private insurance coverage for autism treatments. Several other states have successfully passed legislation requiring insurance companies to cover certain research-based treatments, most notably Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs. The passing of the proposed bill would have a wide range of positive effects for families, including increased availability of high quality treatment programs in Arizona. To be successful, we need the help of everyone - especially parents! Beginning in January it will be essential that citizens from all of Arizona's legislative districts contact their representatives and let them know why this bill is so important. Both SARRC and the coalition will be helping parents with writing letters, sending emails and setting up meetings with legislators. Every voice counts! To get involved, please attend a candlelight vigil on January 29th, 6:00 pm at the Arizona State Capitol. Everyone is invited! For more information, visit www.azautisminsurance.org. |
|
Feeding Workshop Discount  On Sunday, January 6th, the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) will host a workshop in Phoenix entitled, "What to Do When a Child Won't Eat - Feeding Disorders and Developmental Disabilities." The workshop willl include strategies for increasing motivation to try new and textured foods. In light of the holiday season, the registration fee has been reduced to $75 per household - that includes parents AND providers! For more information or to register, click here. |
|
ASU Student Starts Autism Club 
One of our prized habilitators has taken the initiative to start an "Autism/Asperger's Club" for ASU students! In the upcoming spring semester, this club will have social activities and events to spread awareness in the community. The first goal is to have a movie night with a guest speaker and a screening of the classic movie "Rainman." Any ASU student who would like to join or get more information should contact Nina. |
|
Healthcare Focus Group for Parents
(contributed by Andrea Ford)
The Arizona affiliated medical insurance plan, Arizona Physicians IPA, is seeking input/feedbackfrom parents of children with coverage under the Division of Developmental Disabilities. The format is a luncheon time meeting to be held on a weekday, Noon-2pm, at Arizona Physicians IPA sometime in early to mid January. The date will be set based on parent response. If you are DDD eligible and would like to participate in this important discussion, please contact Andrea Ford. |
|
Heavy
(contributed by Ehren Werntz)
Walking with
The
Weight of these thoughts
Heavy beats
From
Steady feet,
What I sought
Or
What I seek,
It's
Mother's tears
On
Children's cheeks
These
Heavy thoughts
Of
Heavy blood
These
Metals cut
Her
Heavy love.
Iron wrought
And
Tarnished steel
Heavy eyes
On
Spinning wheels
A father turns
Upon
His heels
And
Lifts her up
From
Where she kneels
It's
What I know
Or
Have been taught,
I love this child
I'll
Make new deals
Get
New Hopes
And
New appeals
There's new dreams
To be caught
With heavy hands
And
Tender gloves
We'll
See this through
With
Heavy love. | |
|
Thanks for all you do, and don't forget to tell us what else we can do...for you! |
|
|
