WE NEED YOUR VOICE!

Ohio State Representatives Bob Young and Casey Weinstein will soon introduce legislation to designate April Autism Acceptance Month in Ohio! Please contact your state representative and ask them to co-sponsor this legislation through their “Contact Us” portal.

They can either email Rep. Young’s aide Amanda Magoteau at 
amanda.magoteaux@ohiohouse.gov or call (614) 466-1790.

They can also email Rep. Weinstein’s aide, Cory Vantresca, at cory.ventresca@ohiohouse.gov or call (614) 466-1177.

The deadline for this request is March 29^th, 2021 at 4PM. 

This bill is sponsored by the Autism Society of Greater Akron, Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, Autism Society Central Ohio, Autism Society Mahoning Valley, Autism Society Greater Cleveland, and the Autism Society Northwest.  

BE A PART OF THE #IAMME SERIES 

On April 2, ASGA will kick-off its “#IAmMe” series as part of ASGA’s Autism Acceptance Month celebration. #IAmMe will be short vignettes about autism spectrum disorder for people who want to learn more about autism. The series will continue throughout the year, with different speakers and subjects, about life with autism. Want to be a part of the series? We’ll share as many as we can! You can also find other ways to participate in Autism Acceptance Month.

WIDE AWAKE: AUTISM & SLEEP CHALLENGES
Monday, March 29 | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Zoom 

Is your child with autism or other developmental disability having trouble sleeping? We understand and want to help! Hear Dr. Carrie Cuffman from Cleveland Clinic Children’s talk about what might be causing your child's sleep challenges and ways to deal with it. 

DON'T MISS! FORMING A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP
WITH YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS GRANDCHILD
Wednesday, March 31 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm | Zoom 

Grandparents, are you having a difficult time connecting with your special needs grandchild? Join facilitator, Jocelyn Eskenazi, BCaBA, and other grandparents to discuss ways to form a positive relationship with your grandchild so that the entire family unit benefits.

INTERNET SAFETY WEBINAR RECAP - Thank you Amanda Tipkemper from the Heidt Center of Excellence in Cincinnati and Dr. TJ Nestheide from the Hamilton County Board of DD for your presentation concerning Internet Safety.  In this time of digital communication, it is important for parents/caregivers to continue to educate themselves, emphasize the difference between private and public information and what is safe to share online. The internet offers individuals with developmental disabilities an easy path to engaging with others; unfortunately, the internet does not identify who is friend and who is foe.  In the end, our speakers encouraged participants to trust their gut when it comes to identifying cyberbullies or purveyors of inappropriate material. View the Webinar and Download the Supporting Documents

COFFEE, TEA & AUTISM 

Join our Facebook group or come to one of the online or in-person Coffee, Tea & Autism meetings!

Ravenna – 10AM with Facilitator: Trina Bullard
APR 27, MAY 25 - ZOOM - REGISTER

Kent/Stow – 7PM with Facilitator: Mary Richards - RESUMING IN-PERSON MEETINGS!
APR 2, 16  - Location: Panera Bread · 4338 Kent Road, Stow OH 44224

Facebook Group - JOIN

PAC MEETING - Gary Tonks and The Arc of Ohio are hosting a PC meeting on April 14, 2021 from 9:30 - 11:30 AM to cover various topics surrounding disabilities. 

LEVEL 1 & SELF WAIVERS MEETING - The Arc of Ohio is looking for your suggestions on how to improve the Level 1 & SELF Waiver at their Town Hall Meeting Monday, April 5, 2021 at 6 PM via ZOOM.

RESEARCH STUDY FOR ADULTS WITH ASD - La Salle University is conducting a study on adults living with autism, focusing on quality of life and social behavior.

SUMMIT COUNTY RENT HELP - Summit County Cares is NOW accepting applications for rent, mortgage, and utility assistance. APPLY NOW!

EYE-SPY AT SUMMIT METRO PARKS - Check off each item as you see it along Quarry Trail in Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264.

SUMMIT METRO PARKS CENTENNIAL TOUR - Celebrate the Summit Metro Parks Centennial with a self-guided tour.

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.