Teamwork
Helping Today, Building Tomorrow
July 2016 - Issue #107
AZA logo
In this issue...
Sibshops
ABLE Act
Training for Schools
Speech Therapy


AZA Online

Link of the Month


 
United Healthcare has announced that it will soon offer ABA benefits in all  group plans nationwide.
 
     
    CLICK HERE 
 
      
Siblings Have Fun Together at Sibshops
For the past few months, AZA United has been piloting a new program called Sibshops , and with great success! Now, staring in August, we will be opening this opportunity up to all siblings of children with autism and other special needs in the valley.
 
These fun and energetic events acknowledge the life-long concerns of siblings and facilitate connections among participants in a relaxed and recreational setting. During these sessions, triumphs and concerns are discussed providing attendees the tools to handle challenging situations that are usually experienced by siblings.
 
These events are led by our Sibshops certified clinical staff.  We typically also offer an optional activity for the parents at the same time, such as a support group or a training session. 

Watch your inbox for an announcement about the next Sibshops session, including how to register.  We hope you can join the fun!    
 
For more information, contact familyoutreach@azaunited.org.
 

Arizona Governor Signs the ABLE Act
On May 12th, House Bill 2388 was signed by the Governor of Arizona to authorize the development of a state program that will better allow individuals with disabilities in Arizona to save for their future. This bill, also known as the ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Act, will allow families of persons with physical or mental disabilities to save for their child's future through an account, similar to a college savings plan. To learn more about ABLE accounts visit: http://www.ablenrc.org/about/what-are-able-accounts.
Free Autism Awareness Training for Classrooms
School is about to begin and it is time to schedule a visit from AZA United's Autism Awareness Trainer ! This program helps elementary, middle and high school students and staff become more aware of the challenges that students with autism can face. The goal of our Autism Awareness Training is to encourage students and staff to accept, include and support children with autism in school and in after-school activities.  This awareness training gives students the opportunity to learn about autism and encourages inclusive relationships among all students. It is designed to support and complement anti-bullying programs that might already be in place.
Autism Awareness Training is being offered to schools in Maricopa County at NO cost , thanks to generous grant support from Cox Charities, Phoenix Suns Charities, Safeway Foundation and Walmart. We thank you for your support of families in AZ!
 
For more information, school staff or parents may contact AZA's Autism Awareness Trainer at Linda.Kraynak@AZAunited.org.
AZA's Speech Therapy Team Keeps Growing
AZA United's dynamite team for Speech & Language Services is growing!  This summer we welcomed aboard three new outstanding speech therapists, and are now helping more kids every day than ever before.  Following a long implementation process last year, AZA United is now fully up and running with accepting DDD as well as several private insurance plans for individual speech therapy treatment, both in-home and at our clinic.  Additionally, we are proud to partner with the Arizona Autism Charter School and Gateway Academy to provide high quality speech therapy services for their students with autism.  As an organization, this team furthers our goal of transdisciplinary care by enhancing opportunities for our teams to integrate two of the most important treatments children with autism receive - ABA & speech therapy.  Our clinical directors are very committed to this goal and promote collaboration at every opportunity to improve outcomes for children and families.  Contact us to learn more about our services!

 
Picture of the Month

 

Fun times at the AZ Rattlers game!   

 

"We had an amazing time... It's so rare to be able enjoy something together!  Thank you AZA."

 

Got a great picture?  Share the love!   

 

Email us at info@AZAunited.org