On Sunday June 11th we are hosting a first responder safety event at Walnut Creek Park in Austin. Kids and adults with autism, and their families, can get up close to first responder vehicles, meet and hear from first responders, and learn about what to do in emergency situations or other situations where they may encounter First Responders. We’ll have a few snacks and drinks on hand and there is a playground at the park too! Please join us for this free community event! Details & RSVP here.
Access-Austin: Adult Employment Program Meeting
Do you know of an adult 18 & up that could benefit from employment help? The Autism Society of Texas created an employment program thanks to a grant from Austin/Travis County Health & Human Services Department. We are offering volunteer opportunities with local organizations and providing job coaching and training based on individual needs and skills. There is an interest meeting on June 15th. Please plan to attend or email Zak for more information. You can also sign up on the interest list and learn more here.
Become an Autism Friendly Business!
Autism Friendly Business (AFB) is a new program developed by the Autism Society of Texas to encourage and celebrate community inclusion. Recognition of an AFB allows all affected by autism to know of a businesses considered a welcoming place in the community. Recognized businesses actively work to include individuals with autism through sensory friendly events, partnering with the Autism Society of Texas, hiring individuals with autism, providing services to those with autism, or providing other types of supports or services to our autism community. Check out the businesses that have taken these steps already, or nominate a business here.
Featured Provider Highlight: Behavioral Innovations
Behavioral Innovations has been a pioneer in the field of Autism Services since 2000. Their teams offer collaborative care to give clients the best comprehensive services available through ABA, Speech, and Occupational therapy. Behavioral Innovations implements scientifically proven methods to provide lifelong meaningful change for their clients and caregivers. Over the years, they have grown to serve communities throughout Texas and Oklahoma City. Behavioral Innovations in the Austin area has a stellar team of professionals that focus on providing services for clients of all ages including early childhood and school age children. They offer In Home and Center based services to match the needs of the client. The Austin teams are based in Cedar Park and Westlake, two convenient locations to serve the Austin community. Behavioral Innovations has the resources of a large provider with local community roots. Visit them at StartABA.com today.
Advocacy Alerts: Action Needed!
The Texas Legislative session has come to an end, however, there is much to be done at the federal level! We continue to work closely with the Autism Society of America on national policy issues and serve on their Public Policy Advocacy Committee. In the coming months we will need all hands on deck to protect the needs of children and adults with autism. We will send alerts about federal policy concerns that need action, such as cuts to Medicaid, or other issues that could negatively impact individuals with autism and their families.If you would like to receive advocacy alert emails from us, please registerhere. Current issues include preventing catastrophic cuts to Medicaid and monitoring the American Healthcare Act.
We're excited to continue our partnership with KidsActing Foundation. They are offering free Summer camps for individuals with autism at their location in East Austin. The camp size will be limited and spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Details: Week 1 (July 17-21st) or Week 2 (July 24th-28th).
Rowing Camp: Camp Kayak
We've partnered with Texas Rowing for All for Camp Kayak again the Summer! The camp is from June 19th-23rd. Details here.
What's Happening in June?
There are many great events in June! Fridays in Motion at the YMCA, which includes an open gym & swim (you do not have to be a member), our adults with autism support group is at the end of the month, and multiple support groups are happening including a new group for girls with autism & their caregivers! We're having our first Film Festival Planning Meeting too! Please also plan to join us on June 11th for our First Responder Morning for children and adults! Check the links below for details!
New! Run Club starting soon!
Volunteer runners & participants needed! We are excited to be starting our very own run club for individuals with autism, thanks to William Greer, avid marathoner from Coalition of Texans with Disabilities. The group is for all ages, but recommended for middle school age & up as we hope to work towards running a 5K (or more!). Read here for more details.
Summer Camps & Kids Activities: Check our calendar for area providers that have camps for kids with autism, as well as special needs hours at Catch Air & Mount Playmore! We also have a great summer camp guide!
As things slow down over the Summer, we'll be sending out the newsletter at the beginning of the month only. With the end of the Texas legislative session, our last Advocacy newsletter will come out in mid-June, but we will continue with advocacy updates in the regular monthly newsletter. We'll return in September with newsletters every two weeks.
Support Us Through Our Partners!
Greater Goods Roasting
Did you know we have our own Autism Society coffee? Greater Goods Coffee Roasters has been our partner for over a year now. Not only do they donate a portion of every bag sold, they attend our bike ride & fun run and provide staff, volunteers and participants with coffee! Check the coffees out & purchase hereor at Whole Foods and other locations!
RIDE Austin
Did you know we are one of RIDE Austin'scharities? RIDE Austin is a ride share/car service company that supports non-profits. Download the app & select "Autism Society of Central Texas" as your charity if you need a ride somewhere!
Amazon Smile
If you shop on Amazon please choose us as your charity in the Amazon Smile program. We are listed as "Autism Society of Central Texas". Thank you!
About Autism Society of Texas
If you missed our announcement about becoming the Autism Society of Texas in January, you can read the press release here. Would you like to start a support group or social group in your area of Texas? Please email Caroline!
