PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY
IN THE PANDEMIC

Thursday, December 3  |  6:30 PM  |  Zoom Webinar

Families have tough decisions to make during the holidays with the presence of COVID. Join ASGA to hear Dr. Cuffman, Developmenetal-Behavioral Pediatrician from Cleveland Clinic Children's talk about: preparing a child with autism for holidays that may look different, making the holiday special amid restrictions, making gatherings as safe as possible and managing expectations from others whose thoughts don't align with yours. 

HOLIDAY BOXES & VIRTUAL
VISITS WITH SANTA

ASGA IS BRINGING SANTA TO YOU! Celebrate the holidays with ASGA in two fun and exciting ways! You and your family can sit down and chat with the big guy on Zoom on December 19 or 20 between 6pm and 9pm. You can also reserve a Holiday Box filled with crafts and games shipped right to your door!

Special thanks to GPD Group Employees’ Foundation and Cleveland Clinic Children's Rehab Center for their support!

ATTENTION DIRECT
SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS

We heard you and developed a training in Autism Spectrum Disorder based on your questions. Six modules, six continuing education credits by the Summit County Board of DD, and all online! We partnered with community experts to address: Using visual schedules, behavior modification techniques, planning community outings, and even provide a parent panel about working with guardians/parents for better outcomes. Improve your knowledge with training tailored for the staff families depend on to support their loved ones!

GIVE $25 AND WE GIVE A BOX OF JOY

YOU can make a difference in a life this holiday season for #GivingTuesday! For every $25 you give to ASGA, we will purchase a holiday “box” filled with things like essential items, games and a gift card for individuals with disabilities living in group homes.

With the increasing cases of COVID in our counties, residents may not be able to spend the holidays with family and friends, making it our mission to spark joy in our community and spread holiday cheer!

Can you help us raise our goal of $2,000 by December 1? We are half way there!

FACEBOOK AND VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS

Are you a family member of someone living with autism? Are you searching for support and information to better understand the autism spectrum? Meet individuals virtually, through our closed Facebook group and Zoom support meetings, just like yourself who have questions about how to best encourage a person with autism while also practicing self-care.

Summit County/Stow
ALL IN PERSON MEETINGS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER.

Portage County (Virtual Meeting)
November 24, December 22, 10 AM
Email Wendy to receive Zoom invite

Online Facebook Group - JOIN HERE

 BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING
WITH AMAZON SMILE

CALLING ALL BLACK FRIDAY AND CYBER MONDAY SHOPPERS! Stay safe at home with the family and do your gift shopping online through Amazon. You can DOUBLE your giving by using Amazon Smile to purchase all your holiday gifts this season and Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to ASGA! The best part is, you can give to ASGA without spending a dime of your own money! HAPPY SHOPPING!

ASGA ADAPTED POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE IS CANCELLED

In the interest of public safety due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) decided to cancel all THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides for the remainder of the season beginning Thursday, November 19.

The Autism Society of Greater Akron was excited that CVSR planned to offer THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride this season so we could offer our adapted version; however, we understand and support their difficult decision to cancel the event for the 2020 season and hope to see you in 2021!

We are still keeping the holiday spirit alive! Check out our virtual visits with Santa and Holiday Boxes filled with activities and crafts HERE!

Summit Metro Parks' Activities - A Bingo Card for Fall, Campfire Activities and Recipes, An Eye Spy along Furnace Run 

Support Group - Faith-based support group December 8, at 9am with Ryan Wolfe from Ability Ministries.

December Webinars - OCALI is hosting several webinars ranging in topics throughout December.

About the Autism Society of Greater Akron

The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) is one of more than 80 affiliates nationwide that are part of the Autism Society of America, the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots autism organization. ASGA serves Summit, Stark, Wayne, Portage, and Medina counties. ASGA works locally to achieve its mission to improve the lives of all affected by autism.

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.