Taking Care of Our Community and Ourselves | |
Baltimore Police Department and Autism Society Baltimore-Chesapeake Share Communication Facilitator Partnership | |
Communication images displayed courtesy of Boardmaker | |
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The First Responder’s Communication Facilitator booklet was made possible through a partnership of the Autism Society Baltimore-Chesapeake and the Baltimore Police Department.
The BPD will be the first law enforcement agency in Maryland to provide this user-friendly communication booklet to its officers. The Department will initially distribute 2,000 copies.
The handout is designed to facilitate communications between BPD officers and non-speaking members of the community, including those on the autism spectrum. Without a means for clear communication, these individuals could be at high risk for negative interactions with law
enforcement.
The organizations worked together to provide officers with a tangible, useful, functional tool to have on hand when responding to calls for service... read more in the full press release here: Press Release
View the training video here!
All of this great work is made possible through our donors and members... please consider making a donation so we can make an even greater impact!
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A Big Thank You to the Ethan Saylor Alliance and the Hussman Foundation! | |
ASBC would like to thank the Ethan Saylor Alliance and the Hussman Foundation for approving us for a grant that will expand our project of providing more communication facilitator guides to include first responders in Baltimore County! | |
Become an ASBC Member for $15 a Year! | |
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Missing something? Have you seen events hosted by us but have not been able to register? Become a member with an annual family membership of $15 and enjoy the benefits of...
Family membership includes:
- Access to member-only social events
- Up to $100 per family per year to attend Autism related workshops and conferences provided by the Charles J. Fowler, Jr. Memorial Fund
- Access to ASBC grants and funding opportunities (for families living in Baltimore City and County)
Your membership helps the Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake:
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Connect people to valuable information and resources through our phone line, website, calendar and info@baltimoreautismsociety.org email
- Provide monthly groups like our virtual discussion groups for adults with Autism, and parents/caregivers
- Provide monthly socials for those in the Autism community
Not a member yet? Don't miss out - become a member TODAY, sign up here: ASBC's Membership Page
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A Family Walk Sponsored by Bodyfit Wellness | |
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Be a part of an inclusive walking experience for families as we celebrate our mothers who love someone on the spectrum...Dads are welcome too! Its a full family event! A portion of the proceeds will be going to ASBC: thank you to Bodyfit Wellness for their support!
Register for the walk here!
Date:
Saturday, May 11th, 2024
Location:
Northwest Regional Park
4515 Deer Park Rd
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Time:
7:30am-8:30am - Registration
8:30am - 1 Mile Walk begins
8:45am - 5K Walk/Run begins
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A Very Busy and Impactful April: Autism Acceptance Month in Review! | |
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Making Autism Work in the Community Day at Coppin, April 28th
Our Adult Autistic community enjoyed a day at Coppin State University as they perused a Neurodiverse marketplace, explored local resource vendors, took part in a community forum, expressed themselves at a general share and support session, conversed with the Baltimore City Police Department, and actively job searched and were coached in mock interviews.
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Sensory Friendly Flight Experience, April 20th
ASBC would like to extend a warm thank you to Danielle "Dani" Scott and her team at Southwest Airlines at Thurgood Marshall BWI airport for hosting a Sensory Friendly Flight Experience for our members on April 20th. Our families had the opportunity to go through TSA, travel to the gate, use boarding passes, board the plane, meet the flight crew, meet the pilot, recieve goody bags, and more.
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Autism Acceptance Day at the Maryland Zoo, April 6th
ASBC would like to thank The Maryland Zoo for inviting our families on April 6th to explore the zoo and all its amazing offerings of animals and their habitat.
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Be a part of these wonderful partnerships by becoming an active donor. Every amount is appreciated and it all makes a positive difference for our community all year long! | |
Virtual Groups, Meetings, Workshops
& Other Resources
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Upcoming ASBC Virtual Groups
Click the group name to register and receive the email reminders and login information.
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General Session
An inclusive space for all adults to learn and grow in their understanding
Tuesday, May 28th, 2024, at 7:00pm
With Guest Speaker TBA!
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Parent / Caregiver Discussion Group
A supportive environment to meet other parents and share
Tuesday, May 21st, at 7:00 pm
This session will feature Kennedy Krieger Institute with the Maryland Resource Finder, a project of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities.
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Autistic Adult Discussion Group
Every Thursday at 9:00pm
(3rd Thursdays of every even month will be in-person starting at 7pm!)
For Autistic Adults (18+) Only
A casual, neurodiverse space to connect and share
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The Autistic adult group will be holding a social event this month! Keep an eye out for information on where and when by joining the email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fgKjaH0/AutisticAdultGroup
NEW! Monthly LGBTQIA2S+ Group for Autistic Adults
Every Third Sunday at 1:00pm
Register to receive information to attend here. This group welcomes all LGBTQIA2S+ neurodivergent individuals or those who are exploring their identities, age 18 and over. We will do our best to keep the login information the same. Continue to watch for and read our emails to be notified of any changes.
ASBC is now on Meetup!
Check us out to get up to date info on our events and connect with other members:
https://www.meetup.com/autism-society-baltimore-chesapeake/
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Special Sensory-Friendly Performance: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Sunday, May 26, 5:00pm) | |
The Arc Maryland 2024 Convention and
Scholarship Fund
The Arc Maryland invites you to "Leading The Way" 2024 State Convention and Awards Banquet on May 30th at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, MD. Learn more about the presenters and Register Here!
The Arc Maryland is pleased to announce The Arc Maryland 2024 Convention Plenary Speaker: Collette Divitto! Collette is a seasoned entrepreneur and advocate who has Down syndrome. Collette founded Collettey's Cookies, which has sold over 400,000 cookies to date. They now employ 15 people, several with disabilities! Collette also founded a nonprofit in 2018 to provide workshops, training, empowerment, and leadership for those with or without (dis)abilities. Collette is very passionate about being an entrepreneur and helping others succeed in life.
Need financial support to attend? Apply for The Arc Maryland’s Annual Convention scholarship fund at this link here. It is generously supported by all chapters of The Arc in Maryland, as well as The Arc Maryland Board through 2023 silent auction proceeds. The scholarships awarded may cover a partial or full registration for a person with disabilities and are needs-based. Scholarships and reduced registration fees may also be available for Direct Caregivers; those who are needed to provide assistance to a person with disabilities to facilitate their participation.
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Live Webinar: Autism and Mental Health on May 22
Most children diagnosed with Autism also have one or more mental health conditions. In fact, Autistic children are more likely to have a mental health condition than children with other intellectual or special healthcare needs are. In our webinar, you’ll hear from Kennedy Krieger mental health and Autism experts and learn about warning signs, new research and new treatment approaches.
Panelists:
- Dr. Daniel Hoover, clinical child and adolescent psychologist at Kennedy Krieger’s Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress
- Dr. Luke Kalb, assistant professor for Kennedy Krieger's Neuropsychology Department and Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSIᵀᴹ)
- Dr. Amy Keefer, clinical psychologist at CASSIᵀᴹ
- Dr. Roma Vasa, director of psychiatric services at CASSIᵀᴹ
Please click here to register. While the webinar is free of charge, registration is required. Once you register, you will receive an email with a private Zoom link for the webinar.
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We Rock The Spectrum Summer Camp Registration is NOW OPEN!
☀️Join We Rock The Spectrum Kid's Gym for an unforgettable summer adventure 🏕️
Get ready for an exciting summer camp experience filled with fun activities, open play and lifelong memories! WRTS camp offers a unique blend of learning and recreation, perfect for campers of all abilities.
Dates: June 17- Aug 16
Location: We Rock Baltimore , 9770 Groffs Mill Dr, Owings Mills, MD 21117
Registration is now open, with a $50 non-refundable registration fee to secure your spot. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make new friends, learn, play and create lasting memories. Reserve your place today!
Spaces are limited, so act fast to secure your spot. Call 410-497-6250 now to register, book on our app or scan QR code below.🌳🔥🎉
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B&O's Sensory Inclusive Summer Camp is BACK! | |
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From STEM workshops to relaxed tours, art projects, behind-the-scenes explorations,
and gentle train rides, the week is filled with activities that adapt to every child’s unique
learning style and sensory needs!
At the heart of our Summer Camp at the B&O is a commitment to inclusivity, support,
and safety. Designed specifically for children with developmental disabilities, sensory
processing disorders, and related challenges, B&O's camp is run by a caring team of
experienced counselors and 1:1 aides.
2024 Dates:
Week 1: June 24-28 (Ages 7-10, waitlist only)
Week 2: July 8-12 (Ages 11-14)
Week 3: July 22-26 (Ages 6-7)
Week 4: August 5-9 (Ages 11-14)
(Please note that some weeks have waitlists!)
Register for the B&O's Summer Camp using this link!
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B&O Railroad Museum's Next Sensory Sunday: "Splash into Summer" on June 2nd! | |
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To support their neurodivergent visitors, the B&O Railroad Museum is dedicating first Sundays in select months to Sensory Awareness. These day will include environmental accommodations (no music, low lighting, quiet areas, increased signage for areas with sound effects), as well as sensory-friendly events (kids craft, train ride, and tour) and resources (sensory kits, social stories, and community table).
June 2 – Splash into Summer
Sensory Activity: Rain Stick Instruments, Water Play
Sensory-Friendly Tour: Fueling America’s Railroads
August 4 – Popsicle Party
Sensory Activity: Melting Tissue Paper Popsicles, Water Play
Sensory-Friendly Tour: Maryland History
October 6 – Fall Fest
Sensory Activity: Paint a Pumpkin, Fall Themed Sensory Table
Sensory-Friendly Tour: Museum Highlights
Pre-registration suggested, walk-ins welcome. Register using this link!
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Sensory-Friendly Vaccine Bags Available! | |
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FREE Sensory-friendly Vaccine Bags are available through our friends at the Autism Society of MD (Howard, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel)! Please contact them at 410-290-3466 or email info@autismsocietymd.org to reserve yours!
Kits contain noise-canceling headphones, fidgets/spinners, squeezy ball, shot blocker, sunglasses, and stickers to make your/your child’s vaccine experience easier!
The Vaccine Bags are part of the Vaccine Education Initiative, a partnership of the Autism Society of America (ASA) and the Howard County Health Department. The Autism Society believes that improving the vaccination experience is a critical step towards achieving more equitable healthcare for people with Autism and all neurodiverse individuals. The Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI) addresses systemic barriers, while promoting vaccine education, confidence, and access. Funding has been provided through a mission-critical grant from the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC).
CLICK HERE to access a variety of information and resources in English and Spanish including flyers, communication boards, social stories. Check out the national impact of the Vaccine Education Initiative in the image below:
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The Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered with the
State of Maryland and your gift to us is tax-deductible.
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