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  The Resource Connection 
Weekly Update September 12, 2019
 
     
This week finds us in our second week of Hip Hop dance class.  Last week we had some very energetic kids who were happy to dance.  It was great to see some of the parents join in to dance and the smiles on everyone's face at the end of the night.  We have a few spots open so feel free to register online or call the center to register.  

Our Fall edition of the Resource Connection newsletter is out.  We get to hear from Kelly, one of our parents and board members on Transition and how her son went to college.  Be sure to read it and also look at the different groups, clinics, workshops and activities lined up for the next few months.
Hip Hop Dance Group
Join the Hip Hop dance group and have some fun.  This group will run every Thursday for 6 weeks to be followed by another session for 6 weeks.  
You are welcome to bring your child's support staff with you.
Click here to register and remember siblings are welcome.


 
Learning About Housing

Autism Housing Pathways will be offering "Learning about housing" on Saturday, Sept. 28th here at the center, 712 Plantation Street, Worcester, 01605. This is a day long workshop in which families are guided in working through a housing manual that will help them determine what housing options might be appropriate for their family member. Topics include public funding streams, level of support needed, living skills development, assessment of personal resources, housing models, person-centered planning, and service providers.
 
Tickets must be bought in advance. Hardship scholarships are available; please contact Autism Housing Pathways at 617-893-8217 or [email protected].

Get your ticket at:  
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learning-about-housing-worcester-tickets-69887422161 
Autism Waiver Program Oct. 17-31

The Autism Division of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) runs an Autism Waiver Program that provides one-to-one interventions to help children with autism who exhibit severe behavior, social and communication problems through a service called Expanded Habilitation, Education (intensive in-home services and supports).  The waiver also provides related support services such as community integration activities and respite.  At the conclusion of three years of intensive services, a child may access supplemental services that meet the child's needs and help with the transition out of the intensive Autism Waiver Program until the child's 9th birthday.  
The Autism Division open request period runs from October 17 - October 31.  Please be sure to MAIL or EMAIL the application between October 17 and October 31.  They will discard submissions outside of the this time frame.  If you submitted an application during the last open request application period in 2018, YOU MUST RESUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR 2019
Eligibility: the following requirements are necessary for participation in this program.
  1. The child must have a  confirmed diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder, subject to verification by DDS.
  2. The child has not yet reached his/her 9th birthday.  Children birth through age 8 may participate
  3. The child is a resident of Massachusetts.
  4. The child meets the level of care required for services in an Intermediate Care Facility for persons with an Intellectual Disability (ICF/ID) as assessed by DDS.
  5. The family chooses to have the child receive services in the home and community.
  6. The child must be able to be safely served in the community.
  7. The child must have a legally responsible representative able to direct the services and supports of the Waiver.
  8. The child must be founded by the MassHealth agency to be eligible for MassHealth Standard coverage, based on family income. 
    For families who have not yet applied for MassHealth, this must be done at the time of the filing of the Waiver Program Eligibility Request Form. 
Click below for Autism Waiver Program application form.
 
 Calendar of Events

 Register for Events on our website registration page  or by calling the Center at 
508-298-1609 or  508-298-1610
 Fees for Events are as stated on web site  
  1. Hip Hop Dance classes Thursdays Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10 $15 per child siblings welcome.
  2. Sibshop Saturday Sept. 21 10am-1:30pm $10 per child $15 per family
  3. Apple Picking Sunday Sept. 22 1pm Brookfield Orchards, 12 Linclon Road, North Brookfield, MA $7 per family 
  4. Autism Acceptance Day at Great Wolf Lodge sponsored by BCI.  Sunday Sept. 29 2pm-7pm (sold out)
  5. Adaptive Excercise with David Crowly Mondays Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 7, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 18, 25 6pm-7pm $15pp
  6. Autism 101 Tuesdays Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 22, Nov. 4, 18, 25 10am-12pm
 
 

 
As part of our mission we try to keep you informed of relevant meetings, hearings, recreational opportunities in our community.

Check out the Bulletin Board this week for information about upcoming activities in the community.

The Bulletin Board is a place to have events that would be of interest to the families of HMEA's Autism Resource Central posted. Sped PAC meetings with speakers, recreational opportunities, classes and more. 

To have an event considered for posting please send information to  [email protected] .

Sincerely, 
                                                                                                                   
 

Kris Cariglia -Assistant Director 
HMEA's Autism Resource Central 
508-298-1606                                                                                   
 
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