June 2024 | ISSUE 202

Participate in our Spectrum of Dreams Talent Showcase!

AZA United is thrilled to announce plans for our first annual Spectrum of Dreams event, a community awareness event that will showcase the talents and stories of those on the autism spectrum!

We invite anyone on the autism spectrum over the age of 7 to apply to perform in the talent show. That includes children, teens and adults! Our goal is to create an entertaining and impactful experience that will leave the audience with a better appreciation for the spectrum of dreams in our community. Filling out the interest form below is the first step in the process.

We want to support anyone who would like to participate, and we will provide professional coaching to help each participant prepare their performance. We plan to host an intimate gathering for all participants to perform for their family & friends. Then we will separately invite a select number of participants to perform in the public Spectrum of Dreams event.

If you or your child would like to showcase a talent, complete the Interest Form.

We will contact you to discuss next steps. We look forward to connecting!

If you have any questions, please contact Events@AZAunited.org

Join Us for a Night at the Movies!

We are excited to host three private, sensory-friendly screenings of Despicable Me 4, open to the entire AZA community! To make this event accessible for families across the state & valley, we will host one showing on July 18th at 5:30PM at the Prescott Valley 14 Harkins Theatre.

The other two showing will be hosted on July 25th at 5:30PM - one at the Peoria Arrowhead 18 Harkins Theatre and one at the Chandler Fashion 20 Harkins Theatre.

Tickets are $6/person and we have limited availability, so save your spot today!

If you have any questions, please contact Events@AZAunited.org.

Thank You Bashas' & Our Community!

Throughout the month of April, Arizona Autism United teamed up with Bashas' Supermarkets and other nonprofit organizations--Autism Society of Southern Arizona, First Place AZ, and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)-- to Take Action for Autism. We are proud to announce that together we raised $50,000 in support of autism research and support!

Thank you to Bashas' and our community members for helping to make this campaign a huge success. Your support helps AZA United and our partnering nonprofits to continue our work in communities across the state!

BLOG: Understanding Grasps and Functions

As parents, nurturing our children's development is a journey filled with learning and discovery. For parents of children with autism and other developmental disabilities, understanding and supporting grasp development can be particularly important. In this blog, we will explore the different types of grasps and their functions that are important to teach children as they develop. 

To continue reading this blog post, visit the button below.

Community & AZA Employee Trainings

Arizona Autism United will be offering training sessions during the months of June and July on the following topics: Article 9, Prevention & Support, and CPR & First Aid. These training sessions are available to current AZA employees and new applicants, as well as to the public for a fee. Each topic offers a wide array of session dates, and additional details can be found by clicking on the topic name above.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Trainings@AZAunited.org

For additional provider resources, please visit our website below.

Other Announcements & Resources

Support Group for Spanish-speaking Families

Our Grupo de Apoyo Unidos en Bienestar (Therapeutic Support Group in Spanish for parents) will meet again on Thursday evening, June 27, at 5:30 PM and Wednesday morning, July 10, at 9:30 AM. For more information contact Apoyo@AZAunited.org or 602-932-2227.

Vote the Spectrum

Vote the Spectrum is a voter registration movement designed to empower and amplify the voices of adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (A/I/DD) and those who care about them. To learn more about this incredible organization and register to vote, visit their website here.

Job Opportunities with Team AZA

AZA United is a growing organization and we are always hiring great people to join our team! Click on any of the featured jobs below to learn more or view all job openings here.

ABA Therapist / Behavior Technician

Our ABA Treatment Services program is growing across the valley! Positions can be full-time or part-time, either in-home or at one of our children's therapy clinics in Mesa & Avondale.

Direct Support Provider - Habilitation, Respite & Attendant Care

If you or someone you know is interested in providing in-home care services for individuals with developmental disabilities, use the link above to apply for a position as a Direct Support Provider. This role is available statewide and is a great opportunity to gain experience and make a difference.

Parent Provider - Habilitation & Attendant Care

AZA United helps parents become paid providers for their own child, where parents are able to provide Habilitation and Attendant Care Services. For more information on if you or someone you know qualifies for this position and how to apply, please click the link above.

Arizona Autism United | 602-773-5773 | www.AZAunited.org