Monthly Milestones | AUGUST 2023

Check Out the 2023 Milestones National Autism Conference Program Book

Our deepest thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors for their support.

Explore highlights from the 2023 Milestones National Autism Conference along with our amazing sponsors and exhibitors.

Your feedback is very important to us!

If you have not done so yet, please let us know what you thought of this year's conference!

Share your comments by clicking the Conference Feedback Form button in the lobby (before August 15th). Your valuable input helps us continue to improve the event each year.

SPECIAL ELECTION AUGUST 8TH!

On Tuesday, August 8th, there will be a Special Election in the state of Ohio that will amend the state constitution. All elections are important, but this one in particular pertains to how the Ohio constitution can be amended in the future. There are many articles online about Ohio Issue 1 that may be useful to review as you reflect on the choices available.

Milestones.org has a visual guide that can answer your voting questions. Let your voice be heard and VOTE!

Stay connected and meet new friends with the

Milestones Self-Advocate Social Group

An online network for individuals ages 16+ with a formal or self-diagnosis of ASD or other disabilities.

New members welcome! To join the group or RSVP to an event below, please email socialgroup@milestones.org

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Older Autistic Adults Social Group (virtual event)

Thursday, August 3rd and 17th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Facilitator Rick Bondy, received his diagnosis at age 69 and is eager to connect with others who have similar experiences. Join and meet other autistic adults to share the autism journey, discuss how to navigate common challenges, and celebrate common interests. To learn more about this program please contact Beth Thompson at beth@milestones.org. To register, please contact Christa Mullis at christa@milestones.org. For individuals 45 years and older.

Social Roleplaying: Dungeon & Dragons (virtual event)

Various dates and times – Sessions are scheduled based on member availability. Options available to fit most schedules.

Join us for socialization and roleplaying as we work together to tackle challenges big and small. Create a character and join in on the adventures. New and experienced players are welcome. For this activity, we will be utilizing text and voice messaging features on Discord and will be using the D&D Beyond companion app (available for free via web browser https://www.dndbeyond.com/).

Our Moderator Team will be leading the campaign and are happy to answer questions. Questions or to RSVP, contact us at socialgroup@milestones.org. 

Social Roleplaying: Dungeon & Dragons (in-person event)

Saturday, August 19th from 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Location: Fun 'n' Stuff - 661 Highland Rd. Macedonia, OH 44056

Join us for an afternoon of adventure as we explore the mysterious Stormwreck Isle. This is an introductory campaign that is perfect for new players on their first journey and seasoned veterans alike. For more information or to RSVP, please email socialgroup@milestones.org. 

Monthly Game Night (in-person event)

Monday, August 21st from 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Location: Parma-Snow Public Library - 2121 Snow Rd, Parma, OH 44134

Join us in-person for a night of fun and conversation. We’ll be playing various card and board games. Have a game you like to play? Bring it along to share with members of the group. RSVP is strongly recommended. Questions or to RSVP, email socialgroup@milestones.org.

Double Rainbow LGBTQ+ Networking (virtual event)

Thursday, August 21st from 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Are you a neurodivergent member of the LGBTQ+ community? Join this virtual monthly meeting group to socialize, discuss current events, and build support and friendships. Not out? We can support you while privately attending this group. For information on how to join, please email socialgroup@milestones.org.

Click the button below for more information about the group and how to join.

We are happy to welcome Ruth James-Dickens, a Teen Adult Specialist. Before coming to Milestones, Ruth worked with students with disabilities for 36 years. She served as a Transition Coordinator for 20 years with Cleveland Metropolitan School District and has supported many students and families through middle and high school get linked to post-secondary opportunities. Prior to being a Transition Coordinator, she served as an Intervention Specialist for 10 years and taught students with a range of disabilities which included autism. 

Welcome Linda! Linda Hile also serves us as a Teen Adult Specialist. Throughout her career, Linda has assisted individuals and their families with job development, job coaching, mobility training, advocating and transitioning students from high school to adult services for the past 37 years. She has worked at Kevin Coleman Mental Health Center, Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and with various public school districts.

Case Western Reserve University and Community Partners (REACH Services, Hope Behavioral Health, Mother 2 Mother Ohio, and Connecting for Kids) are supporting Caregivers of Individuals with Disabilities through the “Bridging the Gap: Behavioral Healthcare Initiative.

The purpose of this survey is to create an Assessment Tool for Caregivers. This survey can be accessed by this link and by the QR code on the image above. 

A Time of Transition: Helping Teens Adjust to High School

Young children are not the only ones who get nervous at the start of the school year! Teens starting high school may need help adjusting to a new building, learning new schedules and meeting new friends. Click the button below for ideas to assist your child with a smooth transition back to school.