Upcoming events from Autism Connections and Family Empowerment

June 19, 2023

We have upcoming trainings, community family events and networking/support groups! If you have any questions about the below events, please contact the event coordinator, who is listed in the flyer and event links.

Hoping you are enjoying the start of summer today!

CONFERENCE

2023 Autism Conference

Accessible virtually until July 1, 2023

Purchase a virtual only ticket OR sign in with your previous in-person or virtual ticket link.

The in-person Autism Conference may be over until next year, but you can still register for the virtual Conference to view all the Breakout Sessions! All content will be available until July 1, so register soon to view amazing Sessions from expert Presenters. Learn more about Breakout Sessions and purchase a ticket.

A reminder to all current 2023 in-person and virtual attendees, don’t forget to view the Sessions that you missed! Log in to the online platform (VIRTUAL AUTISM CONFERENCE) with your registration email and password. If you haven’t yet logged in, input your registration email and you will be prompted to set up a password. Make sure you use the email you input for your original Conference registration. If you have any questions, contact us at autismconnections@pathlightgroup.org.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2024 AUTISM CONFERENCE ON

APRIL 11, 2024!

FAMILY ACTIVITY

Summer Ice Cream Party with Kelsey

Thursday, June 22, 2023

• 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Pathlight
• 220 Brookdale Drive,
• Springfield, MA 01104
• Participants: all ages!

Build your own sundae with assistance from Autism Connections staff if needed. Ice cream and toppings will be provided by AC. Allergies will be reviewed at registration, and accompanying adults are welcome to participate! Low volume music will be played throughout the event. Please read all information in flyer before registering with Kelsey.

TRAINING-WEBINAR

School to Adult Life: IEP Transition Training with MAC (Massachusetts Advocates for Children)

Thursday, June 22, 2023

• 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Zoom
• Participants: Parents, caregivers and professionals working with developing Transition year IEPs (ages 14-22)

This Family Empowerment/MAC webinar will address the transition planning and services required for youth with disabilities ages 14-22, and will focus on the transition special education services needed to prepare youth for employment, independent living, and further education. 

The training will also address compensatory services still available, and how to ensure districts fully address students’ transition needs. Using case examples, parents and professionals will learn strategies that can help ensure students receive important transition services required by special education law. The webinar will provide information about the transition to the adult human service system, including Chapter 688, the state law that helps plan for youth with disabilities after they leave school.

CAREGIVER ACTIVITY

Family Art Group

Monday, June 26, 2023

Greenfield

• 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• 153 Munson Street, Greenfield (Pathlight Program Space)
• Participants: Caregivers and individuals ages 16+

Family Art Group is brought to you by Family Empowerment and Resilient Community Arts.

Caregivers and individuals ages 16+ are invited to come together in Greenfield each month to relax and connect with others through conversation and art activities, as well as free-choice studio time. Activities include acrylic and watercolor painting, printmaking, air dry clay, hand-held sculpture, collage, jewelry, poetry/creative writing, sewing/fiber arts and more!

Pre-register with Donna at donna.walden@pathlightgroup.org, or call Donna at 413-585-8010.

TRAINING

Charting the LifeCourse

1-1 Private Consultation

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

• various times (and other days) available
• Zoom
• Participants: Parents/caregivers in the four counties of western Massachusetts who would like help with organizing ideas, vision, goals problem solving and advocating for support for a family member.

Meet with LifeCourse Ambassador Donna Kushi in a private virtual meeting and address your questions regarding this powerful tool.

NETWORKING/SUPPORT GROUP

Special Education Forum for Parents

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

The next Forum will be September!

• 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Zoom
• Participants: Parents in the four counties of western Massachusetts with school age children having issues with IEPs.

Join Nancy Farnsworth, our Educational Advocate and Information & Resources Manager, for a supportive virtual community. Come to discuss a current issue you are having, receive updates relative to special education, share a solution you've experienced, or just listen.

familyempowerment@pathlightgroup.org

autismconnections@pathlightgroup.org

Family Empowerment and Autism Connections are programs of Pathlight.