The Program Committee is a new way for families to participate in shaping the programs and services offered by AZA United.  Having active parent-led committees is a key part of an effective Human Service Co-op.  The Program Committee will share its ideas with the board of directors and have direct access to our senior staff.

 

For this meeting, we plan to discuss a new Habilitator Training class that AZA United is currently developing.  We would like to hear directly from parents what you feel are the most important things to include in an initial training, which all habilitators will receive in the future before being matched with a family. 

 

 

"Lacey has been a great help to our son, Nathan. She does an excellent job of not only working with him one on one, but she takes opportunities to get him out in the community so he can interact with other children. She does a great job of recognizing his strengths and using those to build his weaknesses. Another way that Lacey has been great is her work ethic. She is always on time, and completely dependable. I know that I can always count on her! Thanks for everything Lacey!"

 

Lacey started as a habilitator right out of high school, when her neighbor's son was diagnosed with autism and they asked her to work with him. Says Lacey, "I am so grateful to them for the wonderful opportunity they have given to me."  Her favorite part of the job is being able to help others and make a difference in their life. She considers her work fun and challenging, because she is doing something meaningful. "When things get tough I use a positive and caring attitude to get through whatever obstacles are being thrown my way; and I always try to remember that everybody has bad days, no matter who you are." We also asked Lacey about her other interests. "My favorite thing to do in life, besides habilitation of course, is learning. I love having new experiences and opportunities and learning from them. Something interesting about me is that I have a dirt bike and love to go ride it. When people learn that about me they are typically shocked, but it is something I love to do!"

 

 

 

We also have two new seminars available, Behavior Management Strategies and Discrete Trial Teaching.  Both of these are 2-hour seminars and include about 1 hour of video presentation followed by group discussion.  These seminars will take place at AZA United as follows:

 

 

 

Applications are now being accepted for Partners in Policymaking, a renowned program that teaches parents or young adults with a disability to become advocates and community leaders.  This program is FREE! For more information, contact karen@pilotparents.org

 

 

 

The board and other parents attending discussed how AZA United would be able to do each of these and determined the following:

 

1. During the fall break period in 2010, AZA United will host a variety of activities for children, families and habilitators around the valley.  The goal is to host 3 activities per week during a 3-week period that should cover most school schedules.  Contact us if you have any ideas or would like to volunteer!

 

2. This summer, AZA United will coordinate a weekend family getaway at a local resort with planned activities.  Stay tuned for more details!

 

3. AZA United is now researching laws and best practices on how to administer a scholarship program for recreational activities. 

 

We invite all AZA families to attend the next board meeting on July 14th!  Prior to the meeting, we will host an open house for families and staff from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.  Please join us!  It is a great way to get your feedback.  To RSVP, you can call our office or email board@azaunited.org.