STABLE Accounts:  What you need to know!

Thursday, May 21 • 1:00 PM – 2:30PM  •  Zoom Webinar

Living with a disability can mean extra and significant expenses not covered by insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.  Nicholas Hancart from Ohio Treasurer of State will explain the benefits of STABLE accounts, who is eligible, how to enroll, what expenses are considered "qualified" and implications for SSI recipients. REGISTRATION REQUIRED to receive Zoom invite.  

 Take away from Bite Size Discussion #6:  Thank you to Dr. Jessica Emick from Total Education Solutions for sharing strategies to successfully adapt to life’s disruptions while parenting children with exceptional needs during this pandemic. Dr. Emick reviewed the common emotions of parents during COVID and tips to handle them. She emphasized that our kids probably won’t remember what they were doing during these strange times, but they will remember the connections made with parents/family and the positive environment created for them.  See all “Bite Size” presentations HERE.

NEW VIRTUAL PROGRAM: EXPLORE THEFARM WITH ASGA!

Last week, Catalyst Farm introduced us to the goats on the farm including Talulah and her “kid” Daphne. Visit our website HERE each Tuesday and Thursday to meet new animals on the farm.

This Tuesday, meet Fran and learn about chickens and on Thursday, meet Harriett the horse! 

You can learn fun facts about the animals, do crafts and puzzles and even send a letter or photo to an animal on the farm and get a reply!  See you on the farm!

PROGRAM INFORMATION 

Coffee, Tea and Autism Closed Facebook Support Group now has over 100 group members. This is a chance to meet Outreach Specialist, Wendy Cline, as she offers up to date and reliable resources, great tips and tricks and pleasant conversation to help us all survive the quarantine life! If you are not a member, make sure to join NOW!

Take a Break on ASGA addresses emergency needs of families with funding for respite support and a gift card to Giant Eagle or Walmart. Since its launch on Mar 27, this program has served over 200 families in all 5 of our counties (Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne). If you need respite or food support, please let us know!

Operation Cheer is a simple gesture that involves making cards, or drawing a picture, sending words of encouragement to adults with disabilities who can’t leave their homes! Simply send your artwork to ASGA and we’ll distribute them to individuals and organizations in need of a pick-me-up. Over 100 cards have been delivered to four group homes. This is a great way for younger children and teens to connect with different abilities!

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on ASGA’s activities!

ASGA's Step Into Autism - Virtual • OPEN FOR REGISTRATION! 

Saturday, June 13th – Saturday, June 27

Over 85 individuals are ALREADY showing their support by registering for this year's virtual walk and FUNdraising on behalf of the Autism Society of Greater Akron. THANK YOU!

Don't wait too long...register and create your team HERE! Set a goal, get your friends and family involved, and let's make a difference together!

Find unique VIRTUAL fundraising ideas HERE!

PRIZES AND MORE PRIZES! Check out this year's fundraising prizes HERE!

And remember, every little bit helps support individuals and families living with autism in our community! 

FUNDRAISERS FOR ASGA! 

ASGA’s mission is as critical as ever, and even more so, as we face challenges in unprecedented times. A few of ASGA's Step Into Autism - Virtual teams have set up a variety of fundraisers on our behalf. Help us continue to deliver essential support, services, and advocacy, by making a donation or supporting these walk team events. 

Wednesday, May 27: Grab Dinner at the Chipotle in the Arlington Ridge Market Place in Akron; 33% of proceeds will go back to ASGA! Make sure to download the flyer HERE.

Saturday, June 27: Autism Poker Run Hosted by Rusted Iron Motorcycle Clan! All are welcome and raffle tickets available NOW! HERE for more information.

Are ordering from Amazon as much as ASGA staff? Make sure to log into Amazon Smile and choose the Autism Society Greater Akron as your charity. It’s the same products, but ASGA receives a percentage back for your order.  Please consider supporting ASGA!

What's Going on in the Community? 

The Center for Applied Drama and Autism is offering Online Summer Camps beginning June 15. See HERE for more information and registration. 

Newsworthy information from Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Standards of Care for Vulnerable Populations.

Create a Time Capsule to tell the story of COVID-19. Check out the activity book HERE!

Milestones National Autism Conference went virtual! June 11-16. HERE for more information!

Wearing a Mask: Social Story for encouraging kids to wear them in the upcoming weeks. Thank you, State Support Team Region 8!

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.