Lunenburg PAC SAL

09/21/2021

05/09/2021

LEARN ABOUT:
Supplemental Security Income
Social Security Disability Insurance
Auxiliary Benefits for Children
MassHealth, Medicare and the
Appeal process..and much more!
CPLAN and
Social Security
Administration
REGISTER NOW!!!
For questions please contact
Ivelisse Caraballo at
icaraballo@cplanma.org
May 25
5:30pm - 7:00pm

Please complete this form to receive the Zoom link for the event

05/09/2021

New for 2021: Register Today
/PANDAS

PANS/PANDAS Webinar:
When Strep Causes OCD, Anxiety and More

Monday, May 17, 2021, 6:30-8:00 p.m.






The Dearborn Academy Speaker Series is bringing together experts to share information on the little-known but disabling PANS/PANDAS syndromes.

The diseases can occur when strep, other infections or environmental factors cause a misdirected immune response resulting in inflammation on a child’s brain. This response, in turn, can trigger the sudden onset of ADHD, OCD, disabling anxiety, a decline in math and reading skills, and more.

While researchers are only beginning to study and understand the PANS/PANDAS syndromes, our panel will provide the latest information on causes and treatment.


/PANDAS

Register Now



Forward this message to others who will benefit from attending the event.

Event Cosponsor

New England PANS/PANDAS Association

05/09/2021

Advanced Leadership Fellowship Opportunity ~ Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disabilities (LEND) Program

September 2021 to June 2022

$12,000 stipend available



The LEND Program at the E.K. Shriver Center/UMass Medical School in Worcester, MA prepares professionals, persons with disabilities, and family members to influence policy and clinical practice on behalf of children with developmental disabilities and their families.



We are looking for applicants who:

have relevant experience in the disability field and leadership potential
have professional degrees in health and/or clinical disciplines, disability studies, or policy. Other professional qualifications may be appropriate are
individuals with disabilities, self-advocates, or family members of people with disabilities interested in pursuing careers in disability policy/systems change


LEND coursework can be credited towards a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Suffolk University at reduced tuition.



The LEND program involves a minimum commitment of 1 day/week

For additional program information and application forms, visit our website at: https://tinyurl.com/ShriverLENDApplication

Deadline for applications is June 1, 2021



For questions or more information contact:

Carol Curtin, PhD, Program Director: carol.curtin@umassmed.edu

Donna Caira, Administrative Assistant: donna.caira@umassmed.edu

05/09/2021

The CDC Foundation is seeking participants for a focus group with parents of students with special education needs scheduled for Wednesday, May 26th from 7:00pm to 8:30pm ET.



The goal of the focus group is to help the CDC Foundation learn about the experience of students with special education needs and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations for consideration for engaging in school activities for the upcoming 2021-2022 academic year.



The discussions will take no more than 1.5 hours and will be recorded only to make sure our notes are correct. The recording will not be shared outside of this project. All participants' information will be combined and reported out without the use of names. Taking part in the focus group is optional. If you choose to participate, you may choose to skip questions during the discussion. Your name and school district name will not be associated with your comments.



The results will be used to find helpful ways for schools to better support students with disabilities and/or special needs for the upcoming school year.



Everyone who is selected to participate will receive a $125 Visa gift card for their time.



If you would like to join the focus group, please fill out this short survey by Monday, May 10th, 2021 at 12:00pm ET (9:00am PT). The survey link will close earlier if we reach capacity. Selected respondents will be notified May 11 to May 15.



Please note that there are a limited number of spots available and filling out the survey does not guarantee that you will be selected for participation.



If you have any questions, please contact Gizelle Gopez, ggopez@deloitte.com from Deloitte Consulting, LLC.

05/09/2021

All You Need To Know About The IEP



When
May 11, 2021

7:30-8:30pm EST
Add to Calendar





Where

This is an online event.

Dear IDA-MA

Dyslexia 101: Understanding Dyslexia



Would you like to learn more about dyslexia? Join us on Tues May 11th, from 7:30-8:30pm to learn about:







· What is dyslexia?

· What are the signs of dyslexia?

· What are characteristics of good Interventions for dyslexia?







This webinar is appropriate for parents and/or teachers.

Presenters:

Angela Ayre, Speech-Language Pathologist & Literacy Specialist



Dinan Messiqua, President IDA-MA





Get more information

Register Now!

I can't make it

We hope you're able to join us, and we look forward to seeing you online!

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ehx9rid9315341a2&oseq=&c=edfa1070-1da3-11e3-851d-d4ae527b895a&ch=ee3c70a0-1da3-11e3-8547-d4ae527b895a

05/09/2021

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U5oGsInWTqa25jARgTig0g

This year, college choices are more complicated than ever given the COVID-19 pandemic. Families lost income, the college landscape shifted drastically, and students are faced with uncertainty while making choices regarding their education. NCLD and the Seldin/Haring-Smith Foundation are both committ...

05/09/2021

Aspire Wire - May 2021



mghaspire@partners.org | 781.860.1900 | www.mghaspire.org



Headlines and Happenings



· Aspire fall session schedules have been posted online and we are accepting applications through August 1st. Early Bird applications, submitted by June 1st, will receive a $50 tuition discount.

· View fall program schedules: CHILD, TEEN & ADULT, ASPIRE WORKS, PARENT





Featured Article: "Supporting Healthy Identity Development"



By Emily Hartnett, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow, Aspire



At Aspire, we know that it is incredibly helpful for young people to explore their identity and find a way of describing themselves that feels right. Feeling like you ‘fit’ with a group identity is protective for mental health. To learn how to help your child, adolescent, or young adult explore their identity, click here.





Teen and Adult Special Events

Hiking and Painting

Saturday, May 22nd

Teen and adult participants are invited to join Aspire staff at Hale Reservation, in Westwood, for hiking and painting, in-person, special events. The details of each event are included on our website. These events are ideal for past participants and newcomers who are looking to try something new and eager to spend time outdoors with friends.





Child Summer Groups

Aspire's summer programming includes fun and engaging in-person groups at our Lexington location. Enrollment is open to children, ages 5-13, who are new, current and past participants. We still have a few spots open. View the summer schedule here. Applications will be accepted through June 7th. Questions? Call us at 781-860-1900.

05/09/2021

AANE May 2021 Newsletter: Emotional Regulation



Emotional Regulation

This month, we take a look at the complexity of emotional regulation through first-person perspectives and articles by AANE facilitators. Looking for upcoming events? Buttons in sections below link to listings for each group in our community. For weekly event emails, sign up here!

Grants Available!

AANE is pleased to provide financial assistance to families in New England who are in need. Learn More.

AANE Calendar

See what's happening this month and beyond in the AANE Calendar.

Facing Frustration



Frustration can infiltrate many aspects of life for individuals on the spectrum. Executive Director Dania Jekel takes a look at the underlying causes of frustration, its effects, and ways to reduce it.

Watch Dania's Message



Read Dania's Message (English) / Lee el mensaje de Dania en Español



Check out these helpful AANE resources!



Welcome to AANE!

Free Programming

Schedule a Free Consultation

On-Demand Webinars

Call for Research Participants





ANNE's Summer 2021 Virtual Conference

June 26, 2021



From scriptwriting to casting and directing, creating authentic autistic characters for television & film is a collaborative process both on and off screen. Hear from actors and professionals in the industry about their experiences and what it takes to create authentic autistic representation for television & film. This conference will be live streamed and a recording will be available for registrants to access through July 30.

Learn More and Register for the Summer 2021 Virtual Conference





Adults with Asperger/Autism Profiles



Emotional Regulation: Perspectives from Adults on the Spectrum

Ways to maintain or regain emotional regulation can be unique to each person on the spectrum. Several adults with Asperger/autism profiles share the techniques they discovered to help them achieve balance.

Read Article





Coming Up...

Click here for the current listing of events, support groups, and social activities for adults, including a webinar on building self-advocacy skills, a workshop on consumer fraud with PwC, and much more.

Events + Support: Adults



Here are some helpful links for adults in our community:



Diagnosis Info

Women

Couples/Partners

LGBTQIA+





Parents & Families of Individuals on the Spectrum



Emotional Regulation: Advice for Families

Just as autism traits can vary greatly between individuals, there can be many reasons why emotional regulation can be a challenge. Learn what emotional regulation is and discover concrete strategies to help support family members on the spectrum.

Read Article





Coming Up...

Learn more about upcoming events, workshops, and support groups for parents and families, including the workshop Asperger/Autism 101, closed support groups beginning in May, and more.

05/09/2021

Supplemental Security Income for Children with Disabilities

04/29/2021 03:00 PM EDT



During our careers, we’ve helped many people receive Social Security. We know the positive effects of receiving these crucial benefit payments. We’ve seen how Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments can help keep children and teenagers with disabilities out of poverty. Many eligible children under age 18 continue to benefit from SSI’s monthly payment, which can […

During our careers, we’ve helped many people receive Social Security. We know the positive effects of receiving these crucial benefit payments. We’ve seen how Supplemental Security Income (SSI)…

05/09/2021

Weekly Update
May 3, 2021
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Save the Date:
Our Voice on May 10th Monday Evening (8-9:3pm)

Help! Exploring meaningful supports.

Hear family stories, share your story, create change in your family’s life. What is available? Where do I look? Who do I ask? Learn what options are available, what to do when options aren’t an option, and how to access supports available to all families.
RSVP for the Call

Welcome aboard, Jaya!

Join us in congratulating Jaya Pandey as our Treasurer and newest member of the board ✨🙌🏽🎉🎇✨🙌🏽🎉🎇

View Jaya's bio on our board page
Esperamos que será parte de la sesión de verano de Campamento de Abogacia
(We hope you'll be part of the summer session of Advocacy Bootcamp)

La Región Noreste de MassFamilies está encantada de invitar a las familias que hablan español y que cuidan de niños que son elegibles y probablemente elegibles para los servicios de DDS a participar en este próximo entrenamiento.

Nos reuniremos por Zoom durante tres horas cada vez. Las sesiones serán interactivas y se llevarán a cabo en español.

Fechas:
EL 12 DE JUNIO
EL 3 DE JULIO
EL 17 DE JULIO
EL 31 DE JULIO

Aprende mas y solicitar aqui: https://massfamilies.org/training/advocacy-bootcamp/verano-de-2021-advocacy-bootcamp-formulario-de-inscripcion/
The Northeast region of MassFamilies is pleased to invite Spanish-speaking families caring for children eligible for services from DDS to participate in the next session of Advocacy Bootcamp.

We will meet via Zoom for three hour sessions on Saturdays. The sessions will be interactive and will take place in Spanish.

Dates:
June 12, 2021
July 3, 2021
July 17, 2021
July 31, 2021

Learn more and apply here: https://massfamilies.org/training/advocacy-bootcamp/verano-de-2021-advocacy-bootcamp-formulario-de-inscripcion/
Happening soon!
Learn how to develop a vision for a good life through community engagement, and belonging.
Belonging Through Community Inclusion: What it means, and how to make it happen

Join MassFamilies (formerly Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change) and Merge Consulting for a free interactive multi-session training designed to help families further develop a vision for a good life through community engagement, and belonging.

This 6-week series consists of 3 "lunch and learn" curriculum days, with the option of a mid-session drop-in to discuss the concept and strategize more individually.

DATES:
Wednesday, May 5 @ 12-1pm: Coping Strategies for ALL To Stay Socially Connected While Physically Distancing
Wednesday, May 12 @ 12-1pm: Mid-session drop-in
Wednesday, May 19 @ 12-1pm: Community Inclusion - What It Is (& Isn't)
Wednesday, May 26 @ 12-1pm: mid-session drop-in
Wednesday, June 2 @ 12-1pm: Supporting Persons with Disabilities to Access Community Inclusion
Wednesday, June 16 @ 12-1pm: FINAL mid-session drop-in *please note we skip a week

Together, we will explore key concepts, and best practices as we:
Learn HOW to engage, even during times of social distancing.
EXPLORE the history and purpose of inclusion, in the context of belonging.
LEARN HOW TO build connections to sustain a fun life, filled with friendships, and opportunity

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6SVk2EYF7f66C4M9OXcuulEijlDvgfflwlS5y4q4nN7EOOg/viewform
IMPLEMENTING THE VISION May 6, 2021 at 6:00pm
DATE: May 6, 2021
TIME: 6:00 PM

Listen and learn about strategies that can help negotiate large human service bureaucracies. Guest Speaker, Ed Wilson has worked for over thirty years in Human Services. He shares what is necessary for families to know, and what they can do to help support their son or daughter to achieve their vision.

This workshop is geared toward families within the Southeast Region of Massachusetts. However, the MAICEI program at BCC currently contracts with the Old Rochester, Somerset Berkley, Fall River, Dighton Rehoboth and Swansea school districts.

Questions?
Kathleen Amaral Kathleen@massfamilies.org
Ross Hooley MAICEI@bristolcc.edu

Registration Required:
https://massfamilies-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlcuqrqjIoHtz4ok7wFemixnE7QOkI5PPN

Recommended Resources
COVID-19 Vaccination Resource Guide

Links:
New DDS COVID-19 Vaccination Resource Guide, including vaccination options currently available, information about available accommodations and support, and tips for booking appointments
Overview of the process for requesting community appointments/vouchers/appointment blocks at MassVax sites
Updated version of the Homebound Vaccination Program Resource Guide

Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals Welcome to Attend.

Topics discussed will include:
DDS Children & Turning 22 Services
What is the Role of the DDS Area office?
What can Family Support Centers provide to my Family?
What Types of Traditional and Specialized Family Support Programs are Available?
What Support is Available to my Family Member with Autism?
What if my Family Member has Autism without an Intellectual Disability?
Adult Services Eligibility and Funding Availability – Adult Services and Special Education Entitlement are not the Same!
What are Self-Directed Services? How do they Differ from Traditional Services?
DDS COVID-19 Update

Please register via email to: scampbell@casecollaborative.org.

Zoom Link will be emailed to registered participants one hour before presentation begins.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE:
SURVEY OPPORTUNITY

The Department of Developmental Services wants your input about the experiences of individuals who participate in Community Based Day Support and/or Supported Employment services.

You may respond to the survey using this link https://tinyurl.com/w9wyarf4.
The survey will remain open until May 17th.

As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic required providers to change the way they have delivered Community Based Day Supports and Supported Employment services over the past year. While we expect services to return to community settings in the near future, we do want to learn more about how alternative approaches and the use of technology worked over this past year for your family member.

Learning about the experiences of individuals from the perspective of their family and/or guardian and your input will help us consider future approaches in how we provide community based day and employment services.

This survey is anonymous and will not affect any decision about services or funding your family member receives. The survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete. If you have more than one family member receiving these services, we ask that you complete the survey for each family member.
AUCD is Hiring!

AUCD is seeking a highly qualified, full-time, bilingual (English/Spanish) Program Manager to join our team. View the full job description attached. We would love to have someone knowledgeable about the DD Network and the disability community. I know that your networks are filled with passionate, qualified and diverse people. Perhaps some of them would be interested in working on national technical assistance. We would sincerely appreciate it if you could share this opportunity with your networks!

The online job posting can be found here: http://www.aucd.org/index.cfm/employment.
Youth Leadership Forum Application now available

Partners for Youth with Disabilities is proud to host the 2021 Massachusetts Youth Leadership Forum! The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a conference for youth and young adults with disabilities held annually in Massachusetts and other states across the country. YLF participants build leadership skills and leave better prepared for future employment, higher education, and independent living. This year's YLF will take place virtually from June 14th-June 28th, 2021. Below are links to the 2021 YLF information and flyer as well as the online 2021 YLF Application.


Please help us spread the word about this terrific opportunity to eligible youth with disabilities across the state! We want to be sure that all regions of Massachusetts are well represented at the Forum. The YLF application deadline is April 30th, 2021. (Note: Applications received after April 30th may be accepted on a space-available basis and any interested applicants should apply ASAP!) Please share this information with your networks, colleagues, families, students and youth who may be interested and eligible!

Link to Online YLF 2021 Application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YLFApplication2021

Link to YLF 2021 Flyer: https://www.pyd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/YLF-2021-flyer-final-3-5-21.pdf

Website: https://www.pyd.org/programs/youth-leadership-forum/

The YLF 2021 recommendation form can be found at this link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YLF2021re
REACH OUT
Get in touch with us at hello@massfamilies.org or join our Facebook Group to connect with your fellow Mass Families & Allies.

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