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| April 2024 Resource Newsletter | |
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Decrease the disparity and increase the Access for
Black/African American families experiencing developmental delay & disabilities
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Resources Featured in This Issue:
- Ardena's Favorite Autism-Related Resources
- Access Nonprofit Center - Upcoming Programs
- Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
- San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SGPRC)
- Parents' Place Family Resource & Empowerment Center (PPFRC)
- Inland Regional Center (IRC)
- Early Start Family Resource Network & Empowerment Center (ESFRN)
- The Arc
- Black-Serving Community Focused Resources
- Culturally Competent Vendors
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Executive Director’s Share:
Ardena Bartlett, MPA
Parent, Founder, Executive Director
Hello Beautiful People, it’s your girl Ardena, mom to a Beautiful Black Boy on the Autism spectrum. It’s Autism Acceptance month, whaaaattt they changed it from Awareness?
I asked my Parent LEADership group about the new title promoting Autism Acceptance and not Awareness as much. Overwhelmingly, the parents agreed that in our community both awareness and acceptance are needed. We deal with the double situation of the intersection of RACE & DISABILITY. Being Black has its own challenges, and Autism has its own challenges, but being Black with Autism can compound the challenges that we face in getting access to services and programs to support our families.
As a Black momma, just to be real about it, I often think, did they not give me all the information because I am Black, did they not respond to me in a certain way because I’m Black, or did they not accept my kid into their program because of his challenges related to Autism? Yes, it is exhausting sometimes. NONETHELESS! We are STRONG, RESILIENT, and PROUD of our African diaspora heritage as well as the beautiful diversity of abilities that come along with our families who are experiencing Autism.
Yes, Autism Awareness is important because our children are still being mis and delayed diagnosis. Acceptance is important for families and communities to see a diagnosis as an opportunity to obtain the appropriate intervention that will prepare our children to live their best lives. If not for our great state of California and the Lanterman Act, my son would not have access to the amazing interventions that include social skills which have improved his social interaction; swimming has taught him water safety, and music lessons that helped with his anxiety and depression.
Autism Awareness & Acceptance is important but so is Cultural Humility & Competence. Please review the resources that are provided in this newsletter and sign up for alerts from the different agencies listed.
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Why do Black children with autism get diagnosed late?
Please read the article by Child Mind Institute below to learn more:
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The Color of Autism Foundation and Autism in Black provide helpful information and support for the families of Black children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Please click the buttons below for more information.
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More Autism Support Agencies & Groups
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Autism Society Inland Empire is a non-profit 501c3 corporation serving people in the I.E. area affected by autism by connecting people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, support, information and referral, and community programming.
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Autism Society Los Angeles is a non-profit 501c3 corporation serving millions of people in the L.A. area affected by autism by connecting people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, support, information and referral, and community programming.
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Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan through advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families.
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Parenting Black Children
Parent/Caregiver Support Group
April 24, 2024
10AM-11:30AM
Online Event:
http://us02web.zoom.us/j/82355041757
Meeting ID: 823 5504 1757
OR
Call In!
1-669-900-9128
ID: 823 5504 1757
Click the Button Below for Zoom
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Parenting Black Children
Virtual Drop In Hours
Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 10am -1pm
Parents and Caregivers can ask questions, discuss available resources, concerns about services related to Regional Center, and special education services.
Call in: 1-669-900-9128
ID: 823 5504 1757
Zoom in: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82355041757
Meeting ID: 823 5504 1757
Please visit our Linktree for more information and updates at https://linktr.ee/accessnonprofit
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Click the button below to find local resources and upcoming community events in our new online Public Resource Folder: | |
ABOUT DDS:
The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) works to ensure Californians with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to make choices and lead independent, productive lives as members of their communities in the least restrictive setting possible.
Click Here for Autism-Related Resources
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DDS Wellness Toolkit!
The DDS Wellness Toolkit is a new section of the DDS website focused on providing information and tools related to health and safety for self-advocates, direct support professionals, and vendors or providers. New topics, tools, and information will be added on an ongoing basis.
Learn more
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The Early Start program is California's early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Early Start services are available statewide and are provided in a coordinated, family-centered system.
Early Start Website
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ABOUT SGPRC:
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center works in partnership with individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, service providers, and the community, to promote choice, empowerment, independence, and full inclusion into community life.
If you are a parent or caregiver with questions about SGPRC client services, please contact:
Josie Martinez
Community Outreach Specialists
jmartinez@sgprc.org
(909) 710-8817
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Sirens of Silence
April 13, 2024
9am-12pm
75 Rancho Camino Dr.,
Pomona CA, 91766
Meet with first responders in a sensory-friendly space:
- Touch-a-Truck
- Interact & engage with first responders, & share how to best approach your loved one with special needs!
- Meet LACoFD support dogs!
- Sensory stations, interactive displays, & more!
More Information
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2024 Virtual Training for Parents - Development of a Supportive IEP
April 29, 2024
11am-12pm
Access Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 941 540 067
Password: 123456
More Information
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Parents' Place Family Resource Center (PPFRC):
Serving the San Gabriel and Pomona valleys, we are committed to supporting and enhancing family focused services in a parent driven atmosphere for families who have children with special needs, 0-22 years of age.
For more information, please contact:
Tavia Lawson
(626) 919-1091
empower@parentsplacefrc.com
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Annual Information Fair & Festival
April 28, 2024
1pm-4pm
Cortez Park
2441 E Cortez Avenue,
West Covina, CA 91791
For children, teens, young adults with special needs, their families, and professionals who work with them. EVERYTHING IS FREE!
Learn More Here
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Parents' Place is open two Saturdays a Month! | |
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Inland Regional Center (IRC) - is great resource for individuals with developmental disabilities in the Inland Empire. It is a non-profit agency that provides support to people with intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. IRC Service Coordinators work together with individual consumers to help create service plans that helps with independence, empowerment and inclusion.
If you are a parent or caregiver with questions about IRC client services, please contact:
Mari Rodriguez
Cultural Specialist
mrodriguez@inlandrc.org
909-890-4781
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IRC Monthly Access Newsletter
In this 11th issue of IRC Access! you will find Clients and families sharing their experiences as well as additional resources and information about upcoming events, tips for parents on how to advocate for your loved ones, emergency services, and more!
Learn More Here
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Sex Education for Adults and Teens
April 15, 2024
5PM-7PM
IRC Conference Center
1425 S. Waterman Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92408
For Adult and Teen IRC Clients Ages 13+. Topics include
- Human Anatomy
- Sex and Sexuality
- Setting Boundaries
- Healthy Relationships
- Appropriate Behavior
Learn More Here
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The Early Start Family Resource Network provides a coordinated network of parent-to-parent support throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties in California. The ESFRN provides supportive services which include education, resources, and training to families with children who are at risk for or are experiencing delays or disabilities.
For more information, please contact:
TeiYana Muse
Parent Representative
tmuse@inlandrc.org
(909) 743-4278
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The Enchanted Garden Annual Special Needs and Inclusion Conference
Virtual: April 26, 2024 from 6:30pm-8;:30pm
In-Person: April 27, 2024 from 8am-3:30pm
701 South Mount Vernon Ave,
San Bernardino, CA 92410
Learn More Here
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The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and serving them and their families. The Arc works to upholds this respect through policy and advocacy change, as well as initiatives in education, health, technology, employment, and more.
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Online Parent/Caregiver Classes
These FREE virtual classes are to help caregivers prepare for the future care of their family member, and take care for themselves.
Learn More Here
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Caring Conversations: Ways to find belonging and avoid burnout and isolation
Apr 16, 2024 10:00 AM
via Zoom
Join parent-educator Felisa Strickland and special guest Jessica Patay, Founder/Executive Director of We Are Brave Together, for a Zoom conversation about how to find your parent/caregiver community, how to make time to connect, and how it will benefit you and those you care for.
Learn More Here
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Black-Serving Community Focused Resources | |
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IE Black Maternal Health Week Family Fest 2024
9:30am-3pm
San Bernardino Valley College
701 South Mount Vernon Avenue,
San Bernardino, CA 92410
Celebrating Black prenatal & postpartum wellness in the IE! Free Food! Kids Activities! Games! Prizes! Music! Kona Ice & More!
Click Here for More Information
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National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Know Your Rights—Discrimination in Housing” Training session
Wednesday, April 10th, 2024
4pm
via Zoom
This webinar will provide a foundation on what you need to know about fair housing laws, how to navigate discriminatory practices, and report them. This webinar will also explore housing barriers that impact young adults and what can be done to change housing discrimination for the next generation of renters and buyers.
RSVP Here
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Help Me Grow (HMG)
Help Me Grow is statewide and national, to support all families in promoting young children's development and lifelong success by connecting them to developmental services and supports that promote their child's well-being.
They believe, "All children and their families should have the resources and opportunities needed for their best health and well-being. We are working to improve racial, social, economic, and environmental fairness by helping families and caregivers get quality resources to support their child's development."
Learn more about HMG Los Angeles Here
Learn more about HMG Inland Empire Here
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Riverside Black Infant Health: Babies and Families Book Club
April 10, 2024 at 5pm
April 17, 2024 at 5pm
April 26, 2024 at 6pm
Zoom Meeting Link Here
You can find additional information here
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2024 Autism Acceptance Walk
April 20, 2024
12pm-3pm
The Southern California Railway Museum
2201 S A St,
Perris, CA 92570
Learn More Here
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IEP Prep Guide
Learn More Here
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Annual STEAM Conference for Middle/High School African American Women
Saturday, April 13
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Harvey Mudd College
301 Platt Boulevard Claremont, CA 91711
Sacred Sistahs will hold its 12th Annual STEAM Conference themed Our Climate: We are the future. The 2024 conference will host featured speakers, workshops; and a college panel for parents. The conference provides opportunities for peer support and engagement, ideas and road maps for academic success in addition to mentor development.
Sign Up Here
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Culturally Competent Vendors | |
Behavior Genius
Narrowing the gap in access to quality behavioral healthcare
- ABA Services
- Social Skills Group
- Parent Coaching
- BG kids Club - Sibshops
More information
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Thank You to Our Equity Partners | |
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