September 2021 | ISSUE 169
Enter the Annual Family Photo Contest

It's that time of year again! All families are invited to enter our Annual Family Photo Contest to show off your pride & joy and maybe even win a prize! Simply send us your favorite high resolution photos along with a caption that matches this year's theme. Photos are featured in our annual Family Photo Slideshow during our community awareness luncheon event, as well as other communication materials.
 
This year's theme is, "I can do it!" We all struggle with something, and our children work so hard to make progress and break down barriers. Help us showcase their individual achievements this year! 
 
Choose your favorite picture of your child doing something that makes you proud and include a short caption to explain what they have achieved. See the photo below for an example. Creativity is encouraged! 
 
Please submit your photos this month by September 30th.

How to enter:
  • You may submit up to 2 photos.
  • Send us the largest file size you have for best quality.
  • Include one or two sentences about each picture as you upload your photos.

Upload your photos using this form:
How to Become a Paid Provider for your Child

DDD Now Allows Parents to Be One of Their Child's Habilitators

It’s hard to think of an aspect of life that hasn't changed dramatically since the pandemic started. These changes can be especially grueling for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, as many services and supports have been harder to access.

Fortunately, the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) now offers a new way to support families. Last year, DDD announced that parents of minors can become Temporary Direct Care Workers for their children. The purpose of this option was to give parents (or guardians) another way to ensure that their child receives Habilitation or Attendant Care services without having outside providers come into the home. Since parents cannot work another job while providing these services for their child, DDD allows parents/guardians to be paid for providing these services as a TDCW.

Continue reading by clicking the button below and learn how to take advantage of this opportunity.
New Job Opportunities with Team AZA

Fundraising & Event Specialist
We are in search of a knowledgeable and experienced fundraiser to join our Development team to assist with donor acquisition & retention, and event coordination related activities. The perfect candidate is an individual that is collaborative, creative, detail-oriented, and an exceptional communicator. Click here to apply.
 
Clinical Technician (Direct Support Provider/Behavior Coach)
We are seeking compassionate Clinical Technicians to administer a variety of behavioral intervention and skill-teaching strategies to support high needs children and adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral disorders. Individuals with experience supporting teens or adults are excellent candidates for this position! Click here to apply.

Habilitation Field Trainer
We are searching for a new Habilitation Field Trainer to support our in-home Habilitation and Respite Providers and our client families enrolled in this program. This is a full-time (30-40 hours a week) position with a comprehensive benefit package. Part-time applicants will also be considered (with a limited benefit package). Click here to apply.

Behavior Technician
We are hiring experienced and passionate Behavior Technicians to work under under the direction of a Licensed Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in our ABA Treatment Services team. This is typically a part-time role but could fill up to 40 hours week. Experience with ABA is a plus but not required. Click here to apply.

New Blog: Benefits of Speech Therapy

Speech & language therapy offers key benefits for children on the autism spectrum. The ability to communicate effectively is possibly the most essential life skill. It’s what enables us to share and understand information. Humans communicate in multiple ways, including but not limited to vocally, visually, and through body language.

It can be scary when your child doesn’t reach expected speech and language milestones as a parent. For example, your daughter may grunt instead of using words, or your son doesn’t make eye contact or talk at all. However, an official diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can often be a relief to parents because it allows them to seek appropriate treatments, such as speech therapy for children with ASD.

Continue reading by clicking the button below and learn about AZA United's speech therapy program.
Announcements
Our Grupo de Apoyo Unidos en Bienestar (Therapeutic Support Group in Spanish for parents), will meet again on Thursday, September 23rd and Friday, October 8th. Click here for information & registration in Spanish.
Upcoming Events

Join us on Saturday, October 9th from 10 to 11 AM for our next Sibshops events for siblings. Registration is FREE and required to obtain the login information. Email or call us at Sibshops@AZAunited.org - 602-773-5773.
Link of the Month

AZA United clinical staff will be delivering presentations at the upcoming 2021 Autism & I/DD Conference on Saturday, October 23rd at the Desert Willow Conference Center. Register now!