Arizona Autism United
(602) 773-5773 [office]
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Upcoming Events
Arizona Autism Coalition Emergency Meeting
June 15th & June 17th
Disability Empowerment Center (Phoenix)
Pool Party for AZA Families
June 18th
Hamilton Aquatic Center (Chandler)
ISP Preparation Workshop for AZA Parents
June 23rd
AZA United (Phoenix)
ABA Training Class: Fundamental Concepts
July 16th
AZA United (Phoenix)
Contact us for more information on any of these events!
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Link of the Month
AWAARE is a collaboration of national autism organizations working to prevent wandering incidents and deaths in the autism community. CLICK HERE
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Summer Pool Party for AZA Families
 Beat the summer heat and join us for an AZA Family Pool Party on Saturday, June 18th, at the Hamilton Aquatic Center! We have reserved the facility just for you during this time, and some of the amenities include 2 water slides, a zero-depth play pool, a water vortex, and a lazy river. The fee to attend is only $2 per person (children and adults) and you are welcome to bring guests, including habilitation therapists or respite providers! You may pay in advance online using a credit card or at the door on the day of the event (cash only, exact change). We will have pizza and soft drinks at no extra charge. If your children are on a special diet please feel free to bring your own food and drinks. Visit the event website by clicking here for more information and to register! |
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AZ Autism Coalition Hosts Emergency Meetings
 Contributed by the Arizona Autism Coalition: The Arizona Autism Coalition will be hosting two emergency meetings to discuss the AHCCCS respite reduction from a maximum of 720 per Individual Service Plan (ISP) year to a maximum of 360 Individual Service Plan (ISP) per year, as well as the elimination of childless adult coverage. There will be two meetings so that people who are unable to attend in the evening might be able to participate during the day. Both meetings will be held at the Disability Empowerment Center located at 5025 E. Washington Street in Phoenix in the first floor conference room. Meeting Option 1: Wednesday, June 15 from 7:30-8:30 PM after Superintendent of Public Instruction, John Huppenthal's discussion with Coalition members which will begin promptly at 6:30 PM (all are welcome and encouraged to attend) Meeting Option 2: Friday, June 17 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM You do not have to be an Arizona Autism Coalition member to attend, and we encourage you to share this email with anyone who might be interested in learning more about how these changes to AHCCCS will affect you and the state of Arizona. This issue is not strictly related to autism - any person or organization impacted by disability can and should participate. Please visit www.azautism.org for more information. |
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Conference and Annual Meeting Inspire Community
 Last month's Spring Conference for Parents and Professionals was a huge success, bringing guests and speakers from around the state (and a few from other states) to learn more about autism and available resources while inspiring each other to work together in building a community of support. Video highlights from selected presentations and panel speakers will be available soon online. You can see some now by visiting the Arizona Autism United Facebook page here (don't forget to "like" us!). The Annual Meeting for AZA parents was also a big hit as participants formed workgroups to start planning for a new Autism Treatment and Family Resource Center. Among the ideas presented were:
- A transdisciplinary treatment approach that includes all services and treatments that people with autism need, including therapies, ABA, medical treatment, psychological services, and family counseling
- Social and recreational programs (arts, music sports) and including summer camps
- Sibling programs and a sibling play area for therapy appointments
- Hands-on training programs for paraprofessionals working in home-based programs or school settings
The Autism Treatment and Family Resource Center is part of Arizona Autism United's 5-year strategic plan. If you would like to be a part of planning the future, please read below about how to join the new Program Committee!
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A New Opportunity to Give Back
 Along with a new parent-led Board of Directors, AZA United now has new opportunities for parents, employees and other supporters to volunteer and make a meaningful difference in the community. If you are passionate, creative and skilled, please consider joining one of our special project committees! The Board of Directors has established three primary committees: the Program Committee, the Outreach & Awareness Committee, and the Fundraising Committee. Each committee meets face-to-face four times per year to determine priorities, assign action items, and report back on progress and results. These committees help AZA United achieve our mission in two ways - by getting ideas from parents and developing them into proposals for the board, and by helping the AZA staff teams accomplish important goals and activities.
The Program Committee is dedicated to developing and improving programs and services for AZA United. This includes making changes and enhancements to current services, as well as creating new programs to address unmet needs in the autism community. Ideas come from committee members, staff, and other AZA parents or community members. The committee's job is to work through each idea, conduct any necessary research, and develop realistic proposals for the board that will lead to real implementation.
The Outreach and Awareness Committee is dedicated to communications and marketing efforts that raise autism awareness, tell the stories of our families, and increase access to help and resources for every person affected by autism in the community.
The Fundraising Committee is dedicated to increasing the capacity of AZA United to achieve its mission and serve the autism community at large. Activities include planning special events, securing sponsorships and donations, and participating in activities that engage supporters and potential donors with AZA United.
If you are interested in learning more about any of these committees or attending a meeting, please contact Aaron Blocher-Rubin, Executive Director, at aaron@azaunited.org or 602-773-5774. Thank you for your support!
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Now Hiring: BCBA Clinical Interventionist
Arizona Autism United has added a new position to the Program Team and is now accepting applications for Clinical Interventionists. This position is primarily responsible for the supervision and management of home-based behavioral intervention programs and therapy teams for children with autism. Clinical Interventionist applicants must be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and eligible for licensure in the state of Arizona. Professionals who are almost finished with the requirements to become a BCBA will also be considered. Clinical Interventionists will manage a caseload of at least 10 behavioral intervention home programs and work with a dynamic team of supervisors and assistants. The values and culture of AZA United will drive our professional approach to helping families, including teamwork, creativity, compassion, and flexibility. Clinical interventionists will be supported with a wide range of resources and tools to develop skill teaching programs and problem behavior interventions using a range of methods of applied behavior analysis (ABA), such as discrete trial teaching (DTT), natural environment teaching (NET), pivotal response treatment (PRT), verbal behavior, and more. This opportunity is the perfect experience for a BCBA whose primary interests are making an impact on children's lives today, working directly with families and teams to facilitate measurable significant change, and professional growth in an organization that prioritizes quality of life for children, families and employees. For more details and instructions on how to apply, please visit www.AZAunited.org.
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Thanks for all you do, and don't forget to tell us what else we can do...for you! |
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