Image of courthouse with text Call to Action

We Need Your Help!!

From The Provider Alliance

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

The final negotiations for the Pennsylvania budget continue. Our legislators are now determining whether to invest in DSP wages or place these funds as part of a $5 billion allocation to the Rainy Day Fund. We still need your help as we fight for DSP wages!

We ask that you keep sending messages to your Senators and Representatives and tell them to actively support $65 million in DSP wages. We have consistently requested a total investment of $541 million for our DSP workforce. The Governor has already proposed $405 million in funding and we need the $65 million additional state dollars, matched by $71 million in federal funds, to accomplish this goal.

Please click the link below and revisit our Action Center TODAY and urge your Senator and Representative to support DSP wages. Please share this link widely across your organizations and stakeholder communities.

Thank you for your advocacy.

Call To Action Click here the House and Senate are finalizing the budget

Thank you to our 2022 e-news underwriter:

There is Support: Coming Together to Recognize Abuse and Support People with Disabilities

Still shot of a video clip of a woman talking about recognizing abuse

Media

Department Of Human Services Highlights Innovation And Best Practices In Supporting Adults With Autism

Handwriting

and the Autism Spectrum

Medicare Enrollment Period Extended

Research

Broad Spectrum of Autism Depends on Spectrum of Genetic Factors

Visual System Brain Development Implicated in Infants Who Develop Autism

Workshops and Webinars

Integrating Social Skills into Criminal Justice Interactions: Case Studies

This webinar will provide a detailed breakdown of several cases of the integration of social skills instruction into daily interactions of justice professionals with their clients and colleagues.

Date/Time by Time Zone

Thu, Jul 14th, 2022 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM ET

Thu, Jul 14th, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM CT

Thu, Jul 14th, 2022 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM MT

Thu, Jul 14th, 2022 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM PT

More information here

Recorded Webinar: Toilet Training

Toilet Training Without Tears

Toilet training is different for every child. Some children are ready to toilet train around the same time as their peers, and others are not. For some children with autism, the process will be fairly quick – they will just “get it.” For others, it will be a journey that might include long pauses and resets.

Toilet training can be challenging for many caregivers and professionals, but it should never be stressful or upsetting for the child. It’s important to honor the child’s pace to encourage their long-term independence and self-advocacy.

The Autism Society of North Carolina’s Clinical Department has prepared several resources to aid in the process:

Image of mother holding a toddler on her lap both smiling and snuggling

COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS OFFICER SAFETY

Officer Survival for Probation and Parole Officers

Online course for officers and those who work in criminal justice

Enrollment and Pricing Information Here

Events and Activities

Sensory Friendly Family Fest Saturday June 18 Free and open to the community

Free Registration Here

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Sensory Friendly Afternoons

Three year old child painting with bright colors in an art studio with two adults painting alongside

Sensory Friendly afternoons take place on the second Tuesday of every month from 1-5pm

Children and families with autism spectrum disorders and sensory sensitivities can enjoy a fun, friendly experience in a comfortable and accepting environment.

Lights and sounds in spaces throughout the museum are adjusted
Designated Quiet Areas offer spaces to take a break
Sensory Kits with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, an assortment of fidgets, and other items are available.

Regular admission rates apply.

Please contact accessibility@pittsburghkids.org for more information.

Visit the Children's Museum Website for More Information

Interested in advertising your event, program, research study or employment opportunities here?

Details HERE

Quarterly Newsletter advertising also available

Upcoming Support Group

ACHIEVA'S EMPOWERED VOICES LEADERSHIP GROUP

Achieva’s Empowered Voices Leadership Group is comprised of self-advocates from around the Pittsburgh area. Driven by the voices and interests of the members, participants meet for opportunities to learn new things, have fun, and meet new people.

Former topics covered during group meetings include Able Accounts, Grief and Loss, and Public Speaking.

Empowered Voices meet virtually on the first and third Thursday of each month from 6 - 8 p.m.

Meeting Link

Or dial: (US) 1 617-675-4444

and enter PIN: 955 107 492 6951#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/iuu-miaf-wio?pin=9551074926951

Please contact Melissa Skiffen, Achieva Advocacy and Family Supports, at mskiffen@achieva.info or 724-837-8159 x 114 with any questions.

Participants Needed

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY AUTISM SOCIAL SKILLS INTERVENTION

PSU Lab of Developmental Neuroscience

Participate in a computer game intervention designed to alleviate social symptoms and foster more independence in autistic adolescents (10-18 years). Families come to Penn State Univ. 3 times over 6 months to play computer games, answer survey questions, and have eye movements observed. Adolescents play a computer game at home 3 times/week for 3 of the months.

Families are paid for lab visits and game play time and reimbursed for travel costs. Scheduling is flexible. For more information go to http://sagaintervention.com or email: psu.asd.gameintervention@gmail.com

NEW RESEARCH STUDY: DEVELOPING A MEASURE OF ADULT FUNCTIONING IN ASD

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry are seeking volunteers aged 18 and older diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or caregivers of adults with ASD to participate in a study. The purpose of this study is to create a reliable and valid measure of adult functioning in adults with ASD.

Online surveys
Complete on your own time
$80 compensation provided

If you are interested, please contact 412-260-6593 or AFSstudy@upmc.edu

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Autism Connection of PA disclaims and does not endorse or support any individual or entity included in this publication, makes no representations, warranties, guarantees or promises on behalf of or for those listed, and assumes no liability nor responsibility for any service or product provided or advertised. We strongly recommend that readers of this e-blast and related publications such as newsletters, exercise their own best judgment when making the decision to use the services, products, interventions or advice from any entity listed herein.