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April 2023 Resource Newsletter

ACCESS NONPROFIT CENTER

Parenting Black Children

Decrease Disparities, Increase Access

to Resources & Information for

Black/African American Families Experiencing Autism & Developmental Disabilities

Resources Featured in This Issue:

  • Executive Director's Share
  • Access Nonprofit Center Upcoming Programs
  • Autism Awareness Acceptance Month
  • Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
  • San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center - Community Outreach Department
  • Parent's Place Family Resource Center
  • Inland Regional Center - Community Engagement Department
  • Early Start Family Resource Network
  • AAIMM - African American Infant Maternal Mortality
  • Additional Resources

Executive Director’s Share: 


Hello Beautiful people, It’s your girl Ardena, mom to a Beautiful Black Boy on the Autism spectrum. It’s Autism Acceptance month, whaaaattt they changed it from Awareness


I asked my Parent LEADership group about the new title promoting Autism Acceptance and not Awareness as much. Overwhelmingly, the parents agreed that in our community both awareness and acceptance is needed. We deal with the double situation of the intersection of RACE & DISABILITY being Black has its own challenges, and Autism has its own challenges, but being Black with Autism can compound the challenges that we face in getting access to services and programs to support our families.


As a Black momma, just to be real about it, I often think, did they not give me all the information because I am Black, did they not respond to me in a certain way because I’m Black or did they not accept my kid into their program because of his challenges related to Autism? Yes, it is exhausting sometimes. NONETHELESS! We are STRONG, RESILIENT, and PROUD of our African diaspora heritage as well as the beautiful diversity of abilities that come along with our families who are experiencing Autism.


Yes Autism Awareness is important because our children are still being mis and delayed diagnosis. Acceptance is important for families and communities to see a diagnosis as an opportunity to obtain the appropriate intervention that will prepare our children to live their best lives. If not for our great state of California and the Lanterman Act, my son would not have access to the amazing interventions that include social skills which have improved his social interaction, swimming has taught him water safety, and music lessons that helped with his anxiety and depression. 


Autism Awareness & Acceptance is important but so is Cultural Humility & Competence. Please review the resources that are provided in this newsletter and sign up for alerts from the different agencies listed.


Please visit our Linktree for more information and updates at https://linktr.ee/accessnonprofit

Access Nonprofit Center Programs

Access Nonprofit Center's Virtual Drop In Hours

Wednesdays, 10am -1pm


Parents and Caregivers can ask questions, discuss available resources, concerns about services related to Regional Center, and special education services


Call in: 1-669-900-9128

ID 823 5504 1757


Zoom in: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82355041757?

Access code 823 5504 1757


Visit the Access Nonprofit Website


Please visit our Linktree for more information and updates at https://linktr.ee/accessnonprofit

Parent LEADership & Advocacy Training Program (PLA)

Mission of the program is to decrease this disparity and to increase the access to representation and participation of Black families on boards, committees and other decision-making platforms by providing parents with the opportunity to increase their knowledge, skills and understand how to take up space as leaders and advocates in the community. 

Parenting Black Babies

Screening Education & Referral Initiative

Access Nonprofit Center and Carousel Developmental Services introduce Parenting Black Babies Education & Referral Initiative, a project which focuses on assessing early intervention services and increasing access for at-risk infants.

Learn More...


Hiring Program Manager for Parenting Black Babies email ardenab@accessnonprofit.org

Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month

National Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month raises awareness for autism and Asperger’s syndrome during April.

Children of color with autism face disparities of care and isolation

Watch the PBS video


"African-American children are often diagnosed with autism at older ages than white children, missing years of potential intervention and treatment. Special correspondent John Donvan and producer Karen Zucker meet a black family who struggled to find community and resources for their son with autism, but are now helping others who need answers and support." - Source PBS NewsHour

PBS Video - Children of color with autism face disparities of care and isolation

Autism in the Black Community


Five things to consider about autism:


  1. Undiagnosed or misdiagnosed?
  2. Delayed intervention
  3. Community Isolation
  4. Non-equitable access
  5. Racial injustice

Autism Response Team (ART) is specially trained to connect people with autism, their families, and caretakers to information, tools, and resources.


The Autism Response Team can help you learn more about:

  • Where to get a diagnosis
  • Schools and special education
  • Advocacy and support
  • Adult services - including post-secondary programs and employment
  • Inclusion and community activities
  • And much more


https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-response-team-art

100 Day Kit for Young Children

Knowledge is power, particularly in the days after an autism diagnosis. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit helps families of children make the best possible use of the 100 days following the diagnosis.


This kit will help you learn more about autism and how to access the services that your child needs. It contains information and advice collected from trusted experts on autism, autistics and parents. 


Click here to view & download the took kits:

https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/100-day-kit-young-children

https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/100-day-kit-school-age-children

2023 Autism Society Inland Empire Autism Acceptance Walk


Date: Sunday, April 30th, 2023

Time: 12pm - 3:00 pm

Location: March Field Air Museum, 22550 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518


More information


Autism Resources

Autism Society Inland Empire

Autism Society Los Angeles

Autism Speaks

Black Autism Moms (B.A.M)

The Color of Autism Foundation

American Autism Association

Autistic Self Advocacy Network


Autism Parenting Magazine

Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

ABOUT DDS:

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) works to ensure Californians with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to make choices and lead independent, productive lives as members of their communities in the least restrictive setting possible.

DDS Website

DDS Featured Resources:

DDS serves more than 330,000 individuals, also known as consumers, who have developmental disabilities including cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, autism, epilepsy and related conditions. The programs, services and resources here are designed to empower consumers who have developmental disabilities and help guide the families, advocates and professionals who help them live their best lives. 

San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center

If you are a parent or caregiver with questions about SGPRC client services, please contact:


Josie Martinez 

Community Outreach Specialists

Community Outreach Service Access & Equity Dept.

jmartinez@sgprc.org

(909) 710-8817

Calendar of events


Sign up for Updates



Access past resources via their Google Drive>>

SGPRC Featured Events:

2023 Virtual Training About Educational Matters for Parents

Every Thursday 4:30pm - 6pm


April 27, 2023 IEP verses 504 Plans - Which one best supports my child at School


Via Zoom

https://sgprc-org.zoom.us/j/86436653824#success

SGPRC Weekly Community Meetings

Every 3rd Tuesday of the month - 10am to 11am

Via Zoom


More information

CIF training on Utilization of Evidence Based Practices

Presented by Joshua Trevino, Board Certified Behavior Analyst

 

April 13, 2023 – 11am-12pm. 

 

Zoom ID: 890 0198 5467

https://sgprc-org.zoom.us/j/89001985467

Sirens of Silence Event

A Special Day with First Responders

Join us for the 2nd Annual Sirens of Silence event hosted by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department in partnership with the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center. 


COME AND MEET WITH FIRST RESPONDERS IN A SENSORY-FRIENDLY SPACE:

Saturday, April 29, 2023 -- 9am-12pm

This event will be held outdoors at the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center parking lot area. 

For more information, contact Josie Martinez (909) 710-8817 or Amos Byun (909) 710-8814


SGPRC - Parent's Place Family Resource Center

Parents' Place Family Resource Center, Serving the San Gabriel and Pomona valleys, we are committed to supporting and enhancing family focused services in a parent driven atmosphere for families who have children with special needs, 0-22 years of age.


Calendar of Events

PPFRC Featured Events:

The Parents' Place

28th Annual Information Fair and Festival

Sunday, April 30


Volunteers needed

More information 626-919-1091

Email tavia.l@parentsplacefrc.com

REACH - A Parent support group for families who have children with special needs


1st Thursday of Every Month

7pm - 8pm Guest Speaker

8pm - 9pm Parent to Parent Support


More information 626-919-1091

Email tavia.l@parentsplacefrc.com

Inland Regional Center

If you are a parent or caregiver with questions about IRC client services, please contact: 


Mari Rodriguez 

Cultural Specialist 

Community Engagement Department

mrodriguez@inlandrc.org

909-890-4781

Social Media

Calendar of Events

IRC Featured Events:

Coffee Talk

Special Needs Parents Support Group

Thursday, April 13, 10am - 12pm

@CNUSD Parent Center

152 E 6th Street

Corona, CA 92879

Art Class with Fania!

Every Third Tuesday

6pm -7:30pm


More information

Email asl@inlandrc.org

Phone 909-332-3639

New Parent Orientation will be provided via Zoom. The trainings will be held from April 24, 2023 5:00 pm / 7:00 pm

More information

Let's Dance Together

Saturdays 9:30am -10:30am

Via Zoom

More information

IRC - Early Start Family Resource Network (EFRN)

The Early Start Family Resource Network provides a coordinated network of parent-to-parent support throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties in California. The ESFRN provides supportive services which include education, resources, and training to families with children who are at risk for or are experiencing delays or disabilities. We believe the family plays the central role in all aspects of the decision-making process by utilizing their strengths and engaging in parent/professional collaboration. The ESFRN assists families with system navigation and linking families with appropriate services in their communities.

Calendar of Events

Your Village

Virtual Support Group for Families and Caregivers of individuals with Autism


The 2nd Wednesday of each month

6:30pm - 7:30pm

Zoom Mtg ID: 992 3203 7997

passcode: 393892


More information email jbenner@llu.edu

Autism Independence Workshop / Life Beyond COVID


Wednesday, April 26

California Endowment

1000 N. Alameda Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012


Tickets $150

More information

AAIMM

African American Infant Maternal Mortality

The Los Angeles County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Initiative is a countywide coalition dedicated to addressing the disproportionately high rates of Black infant and maternal deaths and ensuring healthy and joyous births for Black families in L.A. County. Led by the L.A. Department of Public Health (DPH) in partnership with First 5 LA, AAIMM was launched in 2018 as part of DPH’s 5-Year Plan to address the Black-White infant mortality gap in L.A. County.

12681460744_bd11b7faab_k-1-1 image

Black Community Baby Shower and Food Giveaway

Friday, April 14th from 12pm-3:00pm

At The African American Museum of Beginnings

1460 E. Holt Ave., Suite 188

Pomona, CA 91767


Black birthing mothers and community members will be able to receive essential items such as diapers, wipes, and more along with fresh produce. We will also be tabling and providing resources as well as details and information about our initiative along with the countless other organizations involved in this effort.


Register for the event 


FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

https://www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org/resources

Additional Resources

List of Resources Provided by National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities - NACDD

 


Resources for Families with Regional Center Services



California Disability Advocacy Conference


Organized by Arc of California, Easterseals, United Cerebral Palsy


April 25 - 27

Virtual event via Zoom


More information

Black Characters & Cultures Books


#BlackBooksAllYear! Thanks to generous support from our partners at TD Bank, First Book is increasing the quantity and breadth of titles throughout the First Book Marketplace that uplift diverse Black and Brown authors, voices, characters, and stories.


More information

Spring Into Wellness Community Health Festival

April 29, 11am - 3pm


Robinson Park Recreation Center

1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave

Pasadena CA, 91103


More info call Pasadena Public Health Department Phone: (626) 744-6118

Script Reading

On the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 11 AM, SCIL is partnering with 

Stage Lights Forever Production Inc., 

to host a script reading, drama, and improv class. 

Please give Armand a call at (909) 621-6722 

Pamper My Baby

April 10, 1pm - 5pm

IEHP Training Building

9500 Cleveland Ave

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730


April 25, 10am - 2pm

Inland Regional Center Building

1425 South Waterman Ave

San Bernardino, CA 92408


More information email INFO@CHASING7DREAMS.ORG

Soulful Breast Feeding

SFYB is now enrolling 10 participants for the fifth cohort of our Soulful Breastfeeding Program. With this program participants will receive comprehensive breastfeeding education, essential breastfeeding support tools, private sessions with a Lactation Consultant after delivery, and peer support. Completion of our 4-week breastfeeding class is required to receive our additional program services. Programming for cohort 5 begins on March 30, 2023. Interested families can register using this link.

Department of Mental Health Workshops

6 week workshop series

April 11 - May 9

4pm - 5pm


For more information call Josie Martinez 909-710-8817 or Amos Byun 909-710-8815


Register for workshops

Students with Disabilities Resource Fair

A resource fair for Students with disabilities from birth to adulthood and their families.


April 15, 2023 - 10am - 1pm


West San Gabriel Valley SELPA

11204 Asher Street

El Monte, CA 91731


Phone 626-412-1438

Culturally Competent

Vendors

Behavior Genius

Narrowing the gap in access to quality behavioral healthcare


  • ABA Services
  • Social Skills Group
  • Parent Coaching
  • BG kids Club - Sibshops


More information

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