April 2, 2020 – Webinar. Think College, UMass Boston, presents Intentional Inclusion: Cultivating Circles of Support. In good times and challenging ones, we use circles of support to help us out. The same goes for people with disabilities, only they are sometimes even more intentional in seeking out just the right people to be part of the Circle.
  * Hear from a parent Janice Fialka and sibling Emma Fialka about how they have used Circles of Support with their son and brother, and how it’s also a model that has been used in schools and communities around the country. Emma has also had great success using Circles of Support with her elementary school students.
Objectives:
1. Learn what (and who!) makes up a Circle of Support
2. Hear how families and educators can initiate and sustain Circles at home, in schools, and in the community (at any age).
3. Get valuable tools to invite people, host Circles gatherings, and keep things going.
REGISTER TO: https://communityinclusion.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2A3SKNRMTf2PSFpkfuQ1og?utm_source=2020+Webinars+announcement_MAR2020&utm_campaign=2020+Spring+webinars&utm_medium=email o

With the Asperger / Autism Network in Watertown, MA – 7:00 – 8:00 PM EST on 4/2/20 and 4/9/20. Free.
 * If you’re unsure how to provide structure with kids out of school, need some self-care, or if you’re feeling isolated from other adults and the community, drop in to the Autism / Asperger’s Network for their weekly free online chat sessions to connect with other parents raising teens with Asperger profiles.
 * Chats will be facilitated by Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) Child and Teen Services staff who know firsthand the need to maintain a balance for ourselves and our teenagers when life brings the unexpected.
  To log in, click https://zoom.us/j/482221879 to join at that time.

April 18 Webinar@ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, with AANE in Watertown, MA. Presenter Jane Thierfeld Brown, EdD co-author of A Parent’s Guide to College for Students on the Autism Spectrum, will talk about  the key steps needed for success after high school for students with Asperger Syndrome and related conditions. Topics include:

• Assessing readiness for post-secondary education.
• Developing independence, self- regulation, and organizational skills.
• Deciding which college environments might be a good match for your teen.
• Accommodations process in college, working with college personnel.
• Laws and strategies parents and teens need to know.

Fees apply, registration is required to www.aane.org/event/preparing-for-college/ or contact 617-393-3824 x77 or samantha.hallidaydiez@aane.org

April 27th, 2020, 10:00 – 11:30 AM, Online with the Asperger / Autism Network in Watertown, MA. Transition Planning requires a steady pace along with optimism, creativity, and flexibility. Maintaining this mindset is much easier when we know, and focus on, the skills that will most impact postsecondary adult life outcomes.
 * Hear why transition planning for adulthood needs to start early, about the skills known to make the biggest difference in postsecondary transition, and  tips on what you can do to build these skills.
* About the speaker: Kelley Challen is the Director of Transition Services, overseeing planning, consultation, evaluation, coaching, case management, training and program development services at a local support organization. 
 * In addition , Kelley spent several years at the MGH Aspire Program where she founded an array of social, life and career skill development programs for teens and young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome and related profiles. She additionally worked at the Northeast Arc as Program Director for the Spotlight Program, a drama-based social pragmatics program, serving youth with a wide range of diagnoses and collaborating with several school districts to design in-house social skills and transition programs. Ms. Challen is co-author of the chapter “Technologies to Support Interventions for Social- Emotional Intelligence, Self-Awareness, Personality Style, and Self-Regulation” for the book Technology Tools for Students with Autism. 
Fees apply, registration is required to www.aane.org/event/aane-webinar-transition-planning-skills-that-make-a-difference-in-long-term-success/  or contact Stephanie Birkdale, 617-393-3824 x32 , events@aane.org 

Webinar – May 18, 2020, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST, Online with the Autism Aspergers Network based in Watertown, MA. Every adolescent develops uniquely and every family has its own culture and preferences. However, some aspects of transition planning can take nearly a decade to complete and other aspects may include accessing time- or age-limited resources. For these reasons, it is helpful to have guidelines regarding when to focus on what and what to focus on when.
* Presenter Kelley Challen will discusses a suggested timeline for carrying out transition planning activities in order to best support a young person with Autism across life domains as they transition toward postsecondary adulthood. 
* Kelley is the Director of Transition Services at a Boston based neuropsychology practice and integrative treatment center. She is is co-author of the chapter “Technologies to Support Interventions for Social- Emotional Intelligence, Self-Awareness, Personality Style, and Self-Regulation” for the book Technology Tools for Students with Autism. She overseeing planning, consultation, evaluation, coaching, case management, training and program development services. 
COST: $10 – Financial assistance is available. 
To register or for more information visit www.aane.org/event/aane-webinar-transition-planning-guidelines-and-timelines-for-supporting-an-individual-with-autism/   or contact Stephanie Birkdale, AANE, 617-393-3824 x32,  events@aane.org. adrotate banner=”139″]

June 22, 2020 – 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST – Online with the Autism Aspergers Network based in Watertown, MA.  Students with autism who participate in special education are entitled to an education designed to meet their unique educational needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living afterward.
 * Schools assist students on IEPs with postsecondary preparation is through “transition services.” But, what are transition services? And, where do they go in an IEP?
 * The presenter will be Kelley Challen, the Director of Transition Services at a Boston based neuropsychology practice and integrative treatment center. She is is co-author of the chapter “Technologies to Support Interventions for Social- Emotional Intelligence, Self-Awareness, Personality Style, and Self-Regulation” for the book Technology Tools for Students with Autism. She overseeing planning, consultation, evaluation, coaching, case management, training and program development services. Kelley will provide some basic information about how:

• the law describes transition services
• how an IEP team determines what transition services a student needs
• and provides examples of transition services that are commonly useful and necessary for students with autism.

COST: $10 – Financial assistance is available. Contact stephanie.birkdale@aane.org for more information.
To register or for more information visit www.aane.org/event/aane-webinar-transition-planning-understanding-and-accessing-iep-transition-services/ or contact Stephanie Birkdale, AANE, 617-393-3824 x32, 
events@aane.org

UMass Lowell, May 6th, 2020. This event is free and open to the public. Leslie Hughes, Massachusetts Advocates for Children will be the presenter. This workshop is part of the UMass Lowell Center for Autism Research and Education (CARE) Spring 2020 Expert Speaker Series. 
 * 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. 
 *  This event is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, UMass Lowell Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies, and the UMass Lowell Interdisciplinary Minor in Disability Studies.
*** Registration is required Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychology, Director, Center for Autism Research and Education (CARE)   Ashleigh_hillier@uml.edu 

Stevens Memorial Library, North Andover, MA, March 23rd, 2020. UPDATE: Due to concerns from the Coronavirus, this event is cancelled. Please visit the event link below for more information from the host.

Free. Speaker Herb Cabral is dad to three adult children, including son Joe, who is 23 and on the autism spectrum. Herb is also Advocacy Alliance Coordinator, Arc of Massachusetts and HMEA on the Autism Advantage @ Work program.
   * In this workshop, Herb will share his family’s journey to discuss strategies that will help your child’s transition:
 · developing your child’s story and story-telling strategies
 · communicating with schools, agencies and insurance companies
 · leveraging applicable resources
 · finding transportation, employment and housing
To RSVP or for more information contact Radhika Pillai ldnorthandover@gmail.com

Marlborough, MA, through February 26th, 2020. For teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 16+. Learn the art of cooking and make friends in this life skills group.
 * In each class, participants start with a menu board and end with a delicious, healthy meal.
* While food is cooking, participants engage in activities geared toward fostering friendships, self-esteem, and social skills.
* Hosted by the THRIVE support agency.
Fees apply, registration is required to www.icanthrive.org/event/social-cooking/all/?fbclid=IwAR3w8W1Z97ObuhJB9OuGDN1hy2IQSzK45apoRv0NICLnSqf9Vpmge3vVYow     or contact 508-485-4227 x 1114, thoude@icanthrive.org

Ripley Administration Building, Concord MA, February 11th, 2020. Guest Speaker Victor Hernandez, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Department of Developmental Services (DDS), will review the transition process and key transition milestones individuals and families need to be aware of.
* Includes a review of DDS supports that are available to help youth and families develop a vision including how to access them.
* Learn about the DDS traditional & non-traditional service options for both transition age youth and adults.
* Presentation will also explore the DDS resources that can help youth and families plan for the future.
* Victor currently holds the position of Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the largest state agency in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
* Responsibilities include: – DDS Statewide coordinator for MA Ch 688, the state law governing the transition services for those leaving special education – Commissioner’s liaison for special projects with the DDS 4 regions and 23 area offices.
Hosted by the CASE Collaborative of Concord, MA. 
To RSVP or for more information visit www.casecollaborative.org/programs  or contact RSVP required to: scampbell@casecollaborative.org   

Thrive in Marlborough, March 28th, 2020. UPDATE: Due to concerns from the Coronavirus, this event is cancelled. Please visit the event link below for more information from the host.

This workshop is presented by the Sexual Assault Response Unit (SARU), within the Disabled Persons Protection Commission.
* SARU provides sexual assault survivors and their families with peer support, information, and resources.
* The workshop provides caregivers with knowledge about how to access free and confidential sexual assault information, peer support, and trauma services.
* Presenters will be available after the workshop for questions.
To RSVP or for more information visit Thrive www.icanthrive.org/event/sexual-assault-support/ or contact 508-485-4227 x1118 jcostello@icanthrive.org

HMEA’s Autism Resource Central, Worcester, MA, February 29th, 2020. For parents, adult siblings, caregivers, family members of people with disabilities. It will be most beneficial to those caring for adults over 22.
* If your greatest fear is “who will take care of the person I love when I’m gone?” then you are not alone. If you’ve decided that the solution is to never die, you’re also not alone – but that’s not a solution.
 * “Circle of Support” workshops described as emotional, full of difficult conversation, challenging your heart and your mind. However the end goal will be for the group together to find a pathway and leave armed with the tools needed to the important future for the person we love.
 *  Presented by Cheryl Ryan Chan. Cherly is Mom to Nicky – a 26 year-old man severely impacted by autism and intellectual disabilities. She has spent over 20 years in Massachusetts, integrating her son and family into the disability community and becoming a known leader in community organization, legislative activism, mentoring and public speaking. She has served on Boards for a number of nonprofit human service providers, mental health providers, and Support Centers. Her work as a Person-Centered Planning Practitioner has been shared nationwide. 
To RSVP or for more information visit  http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=pg7iu8cab&oeidk=a07egu32ndh6ef0a2ec&fbclid=IwAR0nsEkR07kUrV-3j8pc1phgbxYMCzmFuuNYfk5Vndq0XX5PLHaObEXciss or contact 508-298-1610, autismactivities@hmea.org

Waltham High School, Waltham, MA, March 18th, 2020. Learn about the transition from school to adult life. This presentation will cover the Transition Planning Form (TPF) which starts when your child turns 14.
* Includes  ways to empower your child and support them in
their transition to adult life. 
RVSPs required to the Waltham SEPAC https://www.facebook.com/WSEPAC/  or walthampac@gmail.com

Plymouth Public Library, Plymouth, MA, January 22nd, 2020. A Department of Mental Health Plymouth Site Community Conversation Event.
* Keynote Speaker: Dori Hutchinson, ScD, Director of Services, Center for Psychiatric Services, Boston University.
* Other Activities: Panel Conversation and Table Discussions regarding Employment and Recovery
Lunch will be served.
* Sponsors: Department of Mental Health, Plymouth Site Board, NAMI Plymouth Area, Plymouth Bay House, Mass Rehabilitation Commission, Vinfen

Plymouth, MA, January 28th, 2020, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. A Resource Fair where participants from local agencies will introduce their programs. A variety of programs will attend and have materials and resources to share.
* Find important and practical information of how to help their children become more successful and independent young adults.
Hosted by Pilgrim Academy.
RSVPs required by January 21st to http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07egj79rdkbe1a6bc9&llr=m6ixkr6ab or contact Joanna Silverman
Pilgrim Area Collaborative, 508-747-6686  

Middleboro, MA, January 9th, 2020. Free. The Department of Developmental Services Southeast Regional Office will hosts “DDS 101 Training – What you should know about DDS as the transition from high school to life after high school approaches?”  Topics include:

• ELIGIBILITY -How do I become eligible for DDS Services?
• AREA OFFICE – What is the role of the DDS Area office?
• FAMILY SUPPORT – What can Family Support provide to my family,
  and what are the limitations?
• SELF-DIRECTION – What are Self-Directed Services.How do they differ from Traditional Services?
• AUTISM SERVICES What support is available to my family member with autism, and how do we access it?

To register or for more information http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=hjcuxexab&oeidk=a07egr3hdlaadbb6bdb  or contact Raquel Pereira
DDS Southeast Learning and Development, or contact Ed Wilson 1 508 866 8864 or Edward.B.Wilson@state.ma.us or Raquel Pereira,DDS Southeast Learning and Development, 508-866-8874
dds.southeasttraining@massmail.state.ma.us

Worcester, MA, January 21st, 2020. The Parent Professional Advocacy League invites you to join them in designing a survey to assess family
and community needs in order to better understand family
experiences.
 * This assessment tool will help them gather information about access, supports and trainings to better understand the challenges families’ experience.
To RSVP or for more information email parentsupportgroup@ppal.net or call Kathy or Beth at 508-767-9725

Somerville, MA. Applications due by January 7th, 2020. A program run by the Asperger Autism Network from February – May, 2020. Anxiety is often a major challenge for adults on the spectrum, and the desire to always be perfect can lead to difficulty achieving goals and finishing projects.
* In this program, groups of 4 participants will meet weekly for 3 hours each week to come up with an idea, define your own standards for success, and complete a project that will impact your relationship with anxiety and perfectionism in a positive way.

• is a post high-school adult
• on the autism spectrum
• likes to create and make things
• and is interested in reducing anxiety and/or perfectionism

Fees apply, registration is required to www.notion.so/AANE-Makers-Series-Design-for-Anxiety-and-Perfectionism-Winter-Spring-2020-ffa91752c97f449281943cd80c92eda2   or contact Contact Miriam Zisook at miriam@powderhouse.org or Nancy Schwartz at nancy.schwartz@aane.org