HMEA's Autism Resource Center
THE RESOURCE CONNECTION 
In This Issue
Director's Note
Walk Ways
Greater Worcester Gives
CALENDAR
Tax Free Disability Accounts
May Conference
Transition Conference
Division of Autism Groups
Autism License Plate
Community Calendar
Research Studies
Contact Us
Phone 508-835-4278
Our Hours
Monday 9 AM - 9 PM
Tuesday 9AM - 5 PM
Wednesday 9 AM - 9 PM
Thursday 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday 9 AM -3 PM
Quick Links
 
Spring 2014 Newsletter 
FACE BOOK & TWITTER
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
2014 5K /Walk for 
Autism Awareness and Acceptance
presented by Autism Intervention Specialists 
SPONSORS 
 

 





2013 Tee Up for Autism Presented by
 Long Auto Group
  SPONSORS & DONORS

Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List






































































































Weekly Update 
April 16, 2014

 

  

 

      We've potentially something really BIG to celebrate! But we need YOUR help. This could well be an historic week for people with autism spectrum disorders living in Massachusetts. Here's where we need your help to make that potential a reality. We need you to move outside your comfort zone and call your representative THIS morning.

 

An important piece of legislation that will impact your child will be voted on today in the Massachusetts House of Representatives after 1 p.m.

House Bill # 4047 will:

1. Make the Autism Commission a permanent commission
2. Create a pre-tax savings plan for all disabled families to save for housing, education, supports and services
3. Establish an autism endorsement for public school teachers to voluntarily attain a training concentration in autism
4. Removes the 70 IQ standard to qualify for DDS - focusing on the federal definition of developmental disability for those with autism or Prader Willi
5. Directs a study into future jobs and housing for people with autism

What we need you to do: 

 Call or e-mail your representative and ask them to support House Bill 4047 This omnibus bill bundles many of the recommendations made by the Autism Commission and if passed will help people across the spectrum and the lifespan. 

To find your representative go to www.wheredoivotema.com

Let them know how important this funding is for your children or children you know. We know from our experience with the passage of the ARICA bill in 2010 that if we all work together we can make a real difference for those we love who are on the spectrum. 

 

Only a few more days before we come together on April 27th for the 2014 5K and Walk for Autism Awareness and Acceptance. The passage of this piece of legislation could well be a reality by then and boy wouldn't we then have something awesome to celebrate? We are in the final countdown, if you haven't created  a page yet there is still time. to get started click here

 

So there's your assignment for this week, call your legislators and create a fundraising page. If you've already created a page , let's flood Facebook with our walk pages this week asking our friends, neighbors and families  for their  support !  Then get ready to celebrate on Sunday the 27th! 

 

Have a great week 

 

Sue 

 

    

  

 
     

Walk Ways 

.

  

  

 
Each week in this space we will share tips, ideas and stories to inspire you as you prepare for your Run/Walk. 

Want DAILY  Inspiration, Motivation and Information?
Like us on Facebook :Community Walk & 5K Run for Autism Awareness!
 

          

Autism Resource Center Walk/Run2014
Autism Resource Center Walk/Run2014

 

  

 

  

  GREATER WORCESTER GIVES

.

 

The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts has a new supporter-The Greater Worcester Foundation.  We will be joining many other significant non-profits in the area in an on-line fund raising challenge, Greater Worcester Gives. This is potentially a wonderful fundraising opportunity for us.  Here's some information about what it is, how easy it is to help, and what you can do. 

 

Greater Worcester GIVES is a community-wide online giving challenge hosted by Greater Worcester Community Foundation which seeks to inspire as many people as possible to support local nonprofit organizations during a 24-hour period for 24 hours, between 12:00am through 11:59pm on Tuesday, May 6.

OUR Goal

Our goal is to raise unrestricted dollars for the Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts to support programs for the 2700 participants and their families who benefit from our program. 

How it Works

For 24 hours, between 12:00am through 11:59pm on Tuesday, May 6, donors can make gifts of $25 or more to the Autism resource Center on-line. 

Why The Greater Worcester Foundation is Doing This

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the country's first community foundation, to shine a spotlight on their nonprofit partners (us!)and make it fun and easy for individuals to support our local nonprofit community.

What You Can DO:

  • On May 6th, from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm, please consider making  donation of $25 or more on-line for The Autism Resource Center of Central Mass at http://www.gwgives.org and please  spread the word to friends and family via word of mouth, e-mail, Facebook, and any other means you can think of.  This is a great opportunity for the center to raise money for the many people we serve and develop awareness and acceptance of people on the Autism Spectrum.

 

 

  

  

 

          

 

 

 

Autism Resource Center Calendar

.

  

IF you are a registered member of the Center you may register for events by clicking here 
Not a Member? Call 508-298-1609 to register with Kathy O'Neill 
 
Events are listed with start times and end times so that families can plan accordingly. Please be punctual and arrive on time for activities, Thank you.
 

    

APRIL
 
April  
 
 
 
 
 
Not Just Child's Play  
Technology & Violent Behavior  
Location: Umass South Street Campus Amphitheater   
South Street , Shrewsbury MA   6:30 PM

April 18, 2014  
Visit with the Bunny & Egg Hunt
HMEA Sterling
3 Bartlet Pond Road Sterling
3:30PM
Fee $2.00 /pp

Monday April 21, 2014
Center Closed

Family Fun and Fitness Walk  
St Vincent's Hospital - 6PM

Vacation Family Fun  
April 22, 2014  
ECOTARIUM  
Admission Tickets & Train Ride  
10AM  
22 Harrington Way Worcester MA  
Fee $ 3.00/pp Children under 2 free


April 23, 2014  
WE BOUNCE  
FOR TEENS (13 & up) & YOUNG ADULTS  
Sky Zone Trampoline Park  
290 Turnpike Road, Westborough MA  
Arrive at 9:30 AM Fee: $5.00/pp

FOR CHILDREN UNDER AGE 12  
Pump It Up  
810 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury  
10:45 AM  
Fee $2.00/per child

Jump n Play  
486 Chestnut St Gardner MA  
11 AM  
Cost: $2.00/per child

Zoinks  
7 Pioneer Drive North Oxford MA  
11 AM  
Cost $ 2.00/per child

April 23, 2014  
Parents of Teens Support Group Teen group runs concurrently  
Night OUT-TBD by Group!

April 24, 2014  
Southwick Zoo  
10AM  
Fee: $5.00 /pp Children under 3 free

April 25, 2014  
DDS Central Legislative Breakfast  
Clark University Higgins Hall  
8:30 AM

Friends & Family Movie  
Cinema World  
John Fitch Highway, Fitchburg MA  
10 AM  
Followed by a Picnic (pack your own )& Playground Fun at Coolidge Park  
weather permitting  
12 Noon  
Fee $2.00/pp for Movie -Picnic Free

April 27, 2014  
14th Annual 5K/Walk for Autism Awareness and Acceptance  
DCR's Quinsigamond State Park

April 28, 2014  
Center Closed  
Family Fun & Fitness  
St Vincent's Hospital - 6PM 
 
  

 

 
 
Congress Eyeing Tax-Free Disability Savings Accounts

 

With significant public backing and support in Congress, advocates say federal lawmakers are poised to consider a major change to the money-saving abilities of those with disabilities.

Just one hurdle remains before Congress is expected to take up the Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, Act.

The bill - which has lingered since at least 2009 - would establish special accounts to allow people with disabilities to save up to $100,000 without risking their eligibility for benefits like Social Security. What's more, under the plan, individuals could retain Medicaid no matter how much is deposited.

But before Congress can move forward, lawmakers are waiting for the Congressional Budget Office to weigh in with an estimate of what the bill would cost the government if it's implemented. Once that figure is released - which could happen any day now - Congress is expected to act swiftly with advocates hoping for a floor vote in early spring.

"The ABLE Act is a must-pass piece of legislation for this Congress," said U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., who is a member of the House leadership and a co-sponsor of the bill, in a statement to Disability Scoop.

Modeled after the popular 529 college savings plans, the ABLE Act would allow individuals with disabilities to open a special account at any financial institution to pay for education, health care, transportation, housing and other expenses. Interest earned on savings within the accounts would be tax-free.

The bill is backed by nearly every national disability advocacy group and has 63 co-sponsors in the U.S. Senate and 332 in the U.S. House of Representatives representing both political parties. An online petition favoring the act has generated more than 230,000 signatures.

"The fact that only six bills in all of Congress have this many co-sponsors is a sign of the overwhelming support for this effort to make a major difference in the lives of these families," the measure's chief sponsor, Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said in December.

Advocates say it's about more than just money for those with disabilities and their families. At present, individuals often cannot have more than $2,000 at any given time without forfeiting government benefits. As a result, many people with disabilities decline to seek out paid employment simply because they don't want to risk losing access to Medicaid and other programs.

"It's really about self-determination," said Sara Weir, vice president of the National Down Syndrome Society.

If the ABLE Act passes, Weir said, "individuals can go out and get a job and pay for their own expenses and not be so dependent on the federal government for everything."

__._,_.___

 

 

 

  

 

MAY CONFERENCE

 

 CONFERENCES

  



          Division of Autism Programs  - Social Skills, Sensory Clinics & More   
 
Participants for all groups MUST be Autism Division eligible, and under the age of 18.

Social Skills 
 
FUNDING FOR SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS HAS BEEN DEPLETED
  
IEP, ADL & VISUAL CLINICS 

 
IEP  Clinics  available in  April 
 

1 Hour IEP  Clinics with Elaine Rabbitt Meet with an Advocate to discuss your child's IEP , concerns and needs and how best to advocate for changes with your school  Dates available for consultation are as follows :

 

 

April 17th              Autism Resource Center , West  Boylston

 9:30 AM , 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM,  1PM, 2PM 

   

Your Child must be Autism Division eligible and under the age of 18 to access this service                                                          Please call Kathy at (508) 298-1609 to book your clinic.

 

 ADL Clinics are booked only upon request.  Please call Kathy at (508) 298-1609 to request.

 For Visual Clinics, parents my drop by the Center at any time during regular business hours to access the Boardmaker Program and material to create visuals.  Printing and laminating are provided without charge.  After a brief tutorial on how the Boardmaker software works, most parents can create their own visuals.
  
 

INCLUSION GRANTS
Please call Kathy at 508-298-1609 to request Inclusion Grants
 YMCA Memberships
The Autism Resource Center will provide scholarships to the following YMCA's  for children under 18 with ASD who are DDS eligible, which will run through to the end of June.

Greendale YMCA in Worcester,      
Montachusett YMCA in Fitchburg, 
Tri Community YMCA in Southbridge,                                         
Hockomock YMCA, Franklin Branch,                                                           
Boroughs YMCA Branch in Westborough                                                
The Clark YMCA in Winchendon

Children who qualify may be accompanied by 1 parent or a 1:1 aide. Access to some of the program areas for children under the age of 13 may require the person accompanying the child to have a CORI & SORI check done, which would take 24 hours.  
Martial Arts
The Autism Resource Center will fund 1 month of fees for inclusion in a martial arts program at the following studios
MJA Martial Arts in Spencer or           
New Horizons Martial Arts in West Boylston .
If you are enrolled in a class elsewhere call Cid at 508-298-1610 to inquire for funding.  
 
 
  
  

AFAM Autism License Plate

  

AFAM's Spring Newsletter is now available click here to read


 Apply today for an Autism Speaks / Advocates for Autism Massachusetts       Specialty License Plate!
A portion of every plate sold and renewed will go to Autism Speaks and Advocates for Autism Massachusetts!

 AFAM AS plate

Once we reach 3,000 paid applications the MA Registry of
Motor Vehicles will then start the process of distributing our Autism Speaks / AFAM Specialty License Plate. Sign up today!
To learn more or to get involved with the campaign, please email [email protected]
www.autismspeaks.org | www.afamaction.org

 

 

Click here to download an application 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Calendar
                              Register today and join AT professionals as they teach participants the benefits and uses of the latest assistive technology tools.

 

Registration Information for Easter Seals AT Workshops

 

Easter Seals Workshops Winter / Spring 2014

  • Presenter: Kevin Berner, MS OTR/L, ATP

 

AAC Language & Conversations: Make It Fun And Interactive!

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                April 26, 2014    9:00am - 3:00pm

Merrimack College

Fee:  early bird (before February 21) $165 or $189 after February 21

 

How often do you observe AAC users who perform beautifully in therapy, only to sit passively in classrooms and social situations?  This quick-paced, interactive session will support students in using core vocabulary for authentic purposes, with peers, and using repetition with variation.  Strategies include:  RPM-GO (rehearse, practice, model - GO), combining core vocabulary and literacy, and scaffolding communication with engaging apps. Social Scripts ensure that augmented communicators - even those with limited access skills - can achieve interactions that are frequent, motivating, self-initiated, varied, ongoing, with multiple turns, and with a range of partners, including peers. Strategies will be provided for creating, programming, and teaching the use of social scripts to support accessing skills as well as conversation.  Participants will engage in multiple 'try-it' activities to help learning generalize, just as we hope to make core vocabulary generalize for people who use AAC!  Participants will receive a CD with sample activities and forms.

 

Learning Outcomes:

1)      Summarize the RPM-GO approach (Rehearse, Practice, Model - GO)

2)     Review the components of a social script and work as a team to create a social script for a student who is a beginning communicator

3)     Describe apps and ways to use apps interactively to support target strategies (combining language and literacy, interactive communication games)

 

Presented by Dr. Caroline Musselwhite

 

ASHA CEUs are available at no additional charge for the April 26 workshop only

 

  

 

Research Studies Seeking Participants
                           

 

The Autism Resource Center does not endorse any treatments, programs or products. Articles, announcements and  resources are provided for information purposes only.