THE ROAD TO ACCEPTANCE
… starts with an understanding that everyone’s unique experiences are valid.
#CelebrateDifferences because #TheConnectionIsYou!
On April 1, the Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) will join the Autism Society of America and its fellow affiliates across the country to kick off Autism Acceptance Month. There are many ways to get involved to learn more about Autism as we #CelebrateDifferences throughout the month. Educate, Participate and Donate to support individuals and families living in our community throughout the year!
We will share information and stories throughout April. Listen, learn, and reshare to support Autism Acceptance Month.
READ
Read books written by authors with Autism.
Introduce your children to books that talk about disabilities and celebrate differences.
Books for Pre-K to 5th Grade and 6th to 12th Grade to learn more about Autism.
FOLLOW
Many caregivers and individuals with Autism document their journey on Facebook to give others insight and hope.
LISTEN
Listen to podcasts, music artists, and other audio media about Autism.
WATCH
WATCH movies and TV series about Autism.
VIEW WEBINARS from ASGA's Education Section.
VISIT
Visit your local library branch to find information about Autism. You can check out books and movies and utilize computers to do research. Your library may also have an Autism Acceptance Month display to help you quickly locate information. We love sharing things about our Autism community, so email us a photo of you and your library's Autism display.
SHARE: WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU ON THE ROAD TO ACCEPTANCE?
Everyone's Autism experience is different. We would love to hear what is important to you when thinking about the road to acceptanc. Use this "CAR Template" to write a word or words that describe what you think is needed. It could be kindness, training for providers, etc. Take a picture of you with your car and email it to us or share it on facebook and tag @GreaterAkron.
Jump for Autism at Get Air Akron
Sunday, April 7 | Choose from 10 - 11:00 AM or 11 AM - 12 PM
ASGA has reserved the entire facility. Nominal cost of $10 per jumper.
ASGA SWIM PARTY
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Medina Recreation Center
ASGA has reserved the ENTIRE pool area. Enjoy the leisure pool featuring jungle cove with a water dumping station, hot tub, riptide current channel, lap lanes, and thunder falls water slide. Cost is $10 per person with kids 3 and under free. Includes pizza, snacks, and drink. REGISTER HERE
AUTISM PERSPECTIVES SERIES
Monday Nights in April | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | In-Person with Zoom Option to Join
Akron-Summit Main Library, Room 2AB
Registration is Required
ASGA is excited to offer a Special Topics Series featuring people living with Autism sharing their experiences. Join us for these engaging, informal chats…hear the expected, the unexpected, and the pleasantly surprised.
April 1 - Growing Up with Autism
Recently retired Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh is also the mother of 25-year-old Matthew, who graduated from The Ohio State University’s TOPS program in 2023. From her fear of letting go to watching Matthew blossom, to celebrating his independence and next steps, Sherri will host an engaging conversation about growing up with Autism…together.
April 15 - World of Housing for Adults
ASGA’s Executive Director, Laurie Cramer, has been asked a lot about her experience after her son, Philip, moved out of their family home in August 2022. The good, bad, and the ugly will be the topics of this engaging conversation about the current state of housing in our community and the need for a continuum of services to support the varied needs of individuals with Autism/Intellectual Disabilities.
April 22 - The Transition Years
ASGA’s Senior Director of Programs, Lisa Thompson, will share her experience with her son, Jordan, on his journey from age 14 to 22. The path involved navigating challenging behaviors, completing the backwards planning process, leaving academics behind to pursue the functional curriculum, and preparing for integrated community employment. Lisa will host this conversation to provide families with ideas of what they can expect or request during the transition years.
April 29 – College, Anxiety and the Fun of Making New Friends
Neurodiversity Coordinator at Kent State University and ASGA Board Member, Zach Strickler will have an open conversation about his experiences with college students, Autism, and social anxiety.
LUNCH AND LEARNS FOR THE PUBLIC
Inclusion Begins with You!
Take a break and learn about Autism. ASGA will provide an overview of Autism and how you can be more inclusive of individuals with Autism in your life.
April 2 @ Noon, Virtual: REGISTER HERE
April 19 @ Noon, Virtual: REGISTER HERE
ASD BAND: THE MOVIE virtual online premiere!
A new documentary film following the members of ASD Band as they embark upon the difficult journey of writing and recording their first album and ultimately performing their first public show. The film is the heartwarming story of four talented musicians who all happen to be on the autism spectrum
When: March 31, 2024 - April 30, 2024 in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month
Where: From the comfort of your home
Cost: $10 to stream with $5 being donated to ASGA
Volunteer your time with ASGA
- Complete our Volunteer Form to receive notifications of volunteer opportunities
- The 11th Annual iCan Bike Camp needs 80 volunteers to serve as spotters for 40 riders. July 15-19 | Learn More
Make a Donation
Help ASGA continue to serve the growing number of Autistic individuals in our community find the supports, services, resources, and information they need.
Create a Facebook Fundraiser
It’s easy to set up and it’s a great way to rally your network to help us provide more Autism resources, and support for families and individuals who need it.
Step Into Autism Walk & Resource Fair
Summit County: June 8 @ Cuyahoga Falls Downtown Amphitheater
Stark County: June 22 @ McKinley Museum in Canton
Rally your family and friends! Make a team, become a sponsor or volunteer with ASGA for its 14th annual fundraiser and resource fair.