Held online with UMass Lowell, Through December 2nd, 2021. A social networking program for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. There are currently have around 10-15 regular attendees each month ranging in age from about 16-30 years.
* The group typically meets online (Discord server) the first Wednesday of each month 6-7.30 pm.
* The main goal of The Network is to provide an opportunity for young adults on the autism spectrum to meet others who they may have things in common with and who they can connect with.
* Meeting online, chat, and playing Jackbox games.
* The Network costs $75 for the year (pro-rated; and scholarships are available).
To RSVP or for more information visit https://www.uml.edu/Research/Autism/services/the-network.aspx or contact Ashleigh_hillier@uml.edu
- Wednesday, February 5: late afternoon / early evening.
Group Members: Escapology escape game in Tewksbury, Mass. $29 each but we might be able to get a group discount if enough people are coming. Caregivers: Can just hang out in the lobby or drop off. - Wednesday, March 4: 6-8:30 p.m. Please note the later end time. UMass Lowell South Campus, 3rd floor of Health and Social Sciences Building (HSS), 113 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA 01854.
Group Members: Movie and Pizza Night at UMass Lowell. Also, please note our “no cell-phone policy” for this meeting.
Caregivers: Focus group (and pizza!) with David Schena (in a room on the third floor of HSS). It would be great if as many parents/caregivers as possible could come in for this session so we can find out more about their future plans for their son/daughter. More details to follow. - Wednesday, April 1: 6-7:30 p.m. Group Members: XtremeCraze, 15 Presidential Way, Woburn, MA 01801
Fun center offering laser tag, inflatable airpark, & an arcade, plus a snack bar with pizza.
Lasertag:
Caregivers: There is a café where caregivers can meet and chat. - Wednesday, May 6: 6-7:30 p.m. UMass Lowell South Campus, 3rd floor of Health and Social Sciences Building, 113 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA 01854. Group Members: Games Night on campus. Please bring your favorite multi-player board game and a snack to share with the group. Also, please note the “no cell-phone policy” for this meeting
Caregivers: Expert Speaker Leslie Hughes from Massachusetts Advocates for Children: Transition from School to Adult Life – Using the IEP to Create Success.
This workshop will address the transition planning and services required for youth with disabilities ages 14-22.
The training will focus on both the transition special education services which prepare youth for employment, independent living and further education and discuss mechanisms to plan for services students may require when they exit special education as well as transition to the adult human service system.
Through the use of case examples, parents and professionals will learn strategies that may help students receive important transition services mandated by special education laws.
Parents and professionals will also gain an understanding on Chapter 688, the federal law that helps plan for youth with disabilities after they leave.
Free parking is available in big parking lot on the corner of Wilder and Broadway (access on Wilder – barrier will be up). This lot is opposite the Health and Social Sciences Building. - Wednesday, June 3: 6-7:30 p.m. Everyone: Pizza Night at Dominos
(If you don’t like / can’t eat pizza then hopefully you can find something else on their menu).
Please bring $5 to help cover the costs of the pizza and drinks. Also, please note our “no cell-phone policy” for this meeting. - Wednesday, July 1: 6-7:30 p.m. UMass Lowell South Campus, 3rd floor of Health and Social Sciences Building, 113 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA 01854.
Group Members: Social Games and Pizza Night on campus. We will plan a large group game / activity. Also, please note our new “no cell-phone policy” for this meeting.
Caregivers: Networking with other parents; sharing ideas and resources. - Wednesday, August 5: 6-8:30 p.m. UMass Lowell South Campus, 3rd floor of Health and Social Sciences Building, 113 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA 01854
Group Members: Movie and Pizza Night on campus. We will vote for a movie we can watch together. Also, please note our “no cell-phone policy” for this meeting.
Caregivers: Networking with other parents; sharing ideas and resources. - Wednesday, September 2: 6-7:30 p.m. Everyone: Merrimack Valley Pavillion. Laser Tag, mini golf, snacks. 2087 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876
Laser tag is $13 for one 30 minute game
Mini golf is $9 per person
You can choose to do both or either one. - Wednesday, October 7: 6-7:30 p.m. UMass Lowell University Crossing. Video Games Night. 220 Pawtucket St, Lowell, MA 01854
Group Members: Video Games Night on campus. We will use the video game consoles available on the second floor at UCrossings. Also, please note the “no cell-phone policy” for this meeting.
Caregivers: Networking with other parents; sharing ideas and resources. There is Crossroads Café in the University Crossings building where parents can chat together. - Week of November 2 UMass Lowell River Hawks ice-hockey game. Day and time depends on the schedule, so TBD.
- Wednesday, December 2: 6-7:30 p.m.
UMass Lowell South Campus, 3rd floor of Health and Social Sciences Building, 113 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA 01854. - Everyone: Pizza Night at Papa Ginos, (If you don’t like / can’t eat pizza then hopefully you can find something else on their menu.
Please bring $5 to help cover the costs of the pizzas and drinks, or feel free to order something yourself. Also, please note our “no cell-phone policy” for this meeting.
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