News and Happenings - June 22, 2022


Thank you for coming to the Summit County Walk!

YOU DID IT! You helped ASGA exceed our $100,000 goal! We welcomed over 700 attendees to Lock 3 this past Saturday for the Summit County Walk, Resource Fair, and Family Fun Day! Parents and Caregivers connected with over twenty-five providers to learn about local programs and services. Everyone enjoyed yard games, photos with Star Wars characters, princesses and princes, and the Northeast Ohio Ghostbusters. Some families chose to get their COVID-19 vaccine or booster at the Disability COVID Vaccine Accessible Clinic. Hearts for Music provided the tunes while folks geared up for the one and two-mile walks! A BIG Thank You to: Our volunteers who helped behind the scenes to make the day possible. We cannot do it without you! Sponsors, team captains and donors who contributed to ASGA's fundraising goal. You allow us to continue to make connections for everyone in our Autism community! Summit County Public Health and Akron Children's Museum for their support of the Disability Accessible COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic! More to come: Post-program highlights Event day photos Missed the fun? We're doing it again! Join us on Saturday, August 13, for the Stark County Walk at the McKinley Museum!
ASGA PROGRAMS
The Alphabet Soup of SSI and SSDIThursday, June 23 \| 1:00-2:00 PM \| Zoom Webinar Robert Fenn with the Social Security Administration will explain these two programs and help attendees understand the qualifying criteria for each. Have a specific question? Let us know when you register! Read More & Register
Ride the Rails with ASGA! Sunday, August 21 \| 12:00-4:00 PM \| Medina Park Back by popular demand! Train lovers of all ages can enjoy a unique train riding experience with the Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers at the Lester Rail Trail in Medina. Have lunch and make train related crafts! Space is limited - reserve your time slot today! Read More & Register
Special Needs Trusts Financial Support Throughout Your Child's Lifetime Amanda Buzo, attorney and Executive Director of Community Fund Ohio, simplified the topic of Special Needs Trusts for webinar attendees. In addition to dissecting the two types of Special Needs Trusts available to a person with a disability, Amanda taught families how to choose a credible agent to set-up the Trust and make its distribution and funding air-tight. Learn More \| Download Slides
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Step Into Autism Walk Stark County\| August 13 \| McKinley Museum Volunteers are still needed for this new walk! Sign up today! iCan Bike Camp Needs Spotters - July 11-15 5 Session Times Daily - Copley High School 80 volunteers needed to assist riders with learning how to ride a bike. Must be 15 or older. Great community service hours for high school or college students.
ONLINE SOCIAL CLUBS
Our social clubs will meet again in September. Have a great summer!
SUPPORT GROUPS
Informal support groups provide time for discussion and information sharing for anyone impacted by autism. SUMMIT COUNTY: Meets Fri, June 17 from 7-8 PM Stow Panera, Kent Road LEARN MOREPORTAGE COUNTY: Meets Tues, June 28 from 10-11 AM Reed Memorial Library LEARN MORE Facebook Support Group for parents and caregivers JOIN HERE!

MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS
We know protecting your loved one with a disability is one of your highest priorities. We also know it’s not always easy to decide what is best. That is why ASGA is providing information to help you make informed decisions. ORAN SHARES HIS STORY He hopes it helps other kids be brave! Oran's Story: “I was brave enough to get my COVID shot because of the shot blocker! First, I drew pictures at the table. Then, I picked a bandaid. Next, I met someone named Bob. Mr. Bob took me over to the seat and told me everything he was going to do. Then he gave me my shot and bandaid. It didn’t hurt as much with the shot blocker!” Oran Mom's Story: "Oran was due for his COVID booster, but shots make him anxious and have always been a difficult experience for him. We saw the Summit Health Department and Autism Society were having an accessible vaccine clinic, so I gave Oran the information and he said he would like to try the shot blocker. The experience was incredibly smooth. Oran drew pictures while I filled out the paperwork. Mr. Bob introduced himself to Oran and explained the vaccine process step by step. Bob was very calm and patient and moved at Oran’s pace. I would love to see more accessible clinics like this in the future. It really took a lot of the stress out of the process!" Molly
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Improv for All is now open for registration! \| June 18-August 20 CADA is offering a class for all ages, abilities, and levels of experience for new and continuing students. Learn More Green Organized Adaptive League Soccer \| Register by July 15 For any individual with physical or intellectual challenges, 6 to 18 years old. Fall Session- Sundays in September and October. Learn More Akron Children's Hospital Health and Wellness Day \| July 23 Free Health and wellness screenings, school supplies and hygiene items, interactive activities, and games for children and anyone else. Must preregister to secure your spot. Learn More and Register Frozen Sensory-Friendly Performance\| September 3 This performance presented by Playhouse Square is intended for individuals with sensory sensitivities, Autism, and other sensory, social, and cognitive challenges or differences. Learn More
SUPPORT LOCAL FUNDRAISING!
Whether you are donating to ASGA through Step Into Autism or another way, ask your company if they have a match program or can start one! Be sure to ask your friends and family as well!

About the Autism Society of Greater Akron The Autism Society of Greater Akron's (ASGA) mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. ASGA serves Summit, Medina, Portage, Wayne, and Stark county communities. ASGA is also a proud member of the Ohio Family Network (OFN), connecting people with disabilities and their families to local information and resources within their communities. We believe OFN provides opportunities to share ideas, find solutions to common challenges and inspire and strengthen each other.
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