Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence

New Happenings

Tabletop Role Playing Therapy Now Hiring!

Therapeutic Tabletop Role Playing Group (TTRPG) is a therapeutic group that uses tabletop role playing games to help treat behavioral and mental health issues. Through interaction with other members of the group and the collaborative story, players can be exposed to a wide variety of situations that aid inexposure to, creation and rehearsal of strategies to manage situations.

Members of the Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence (ACCE) team up with The Bodhana Group, a non-profit based in York, Pennsylvania, to implement TTRPG throughout the region. Qualified applicants will have either clinical or extensive experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

40 HOURS OF PAID TRAINING

• ROLE PLAYING GAMES
• CLINICAL APPROACHES
• MODALITIES
• FACILITATING FOR THERAPEUTIC BENEFIT
• THERAPEUTIC PRACTICUM

Contact: Ariel Reiff areiff@e-csc.org to learn more or check out our flyer.

Art Classes In partnership with S.A.F.E.

Art sessions with Jeannine on Thursdays 7PM-8PM.

In person only.

Starting January 20th 2022

Sign up today!

Community Happenings

From ASERT: Are you working in the ASD Community and wish you can tell people what you need training on?

To better support professionals assisting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, we want to learn more about the training needs of professionals related to the implementation of positive behavior supports. 👩‍🏫

Take the survey today!

The data collected will be used to inform trainings to reflect the needs of provider and professional organizations throughout Pennsylvania. Please complete by February 11th! 💻

Questions? Contact info@paautism.org.

Compensatory Education vs. COVID Compensatory Services

WHEN: Wednesday, February 9, 2022

TIME: 6:30 - 8:00PM EST

WHERE: Zoom Webinar

Register Today!

Guest Presenter: Jacqueline Lembeck, Esquire with McAndrews, Mehalick, Connolly, Hulse & Ryan, P.C.

This webinar will cover:

• What are COVID Compensatory Services (CCS)?
• What factors are used to determine if a student receives CCS?
• How does CCS differ from Compensatory Education?

 Questions? Contact Kodi Berry at kberry@arcoflehighnorthampton.org

 A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Father's Autism Support Group

 The AJ Drexel Autism Institute is excited to offer a support group for fathers with children on the autism spectrum in partnership with Dr. Robert Naseef, clinical psychologist at Alternative Choices, and Dr. Michael Hannon, Associate Professor of Counseling at Montclair State University.

The next meeting will be held at 11AM EST via Zoom on Saturday Feb 19.
Email: AutismInstitute@drexel.edu for further information.

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Dragon Tales Reading and Art Program

Parenting Autism United

Storytime run by dragons, superheroes and monsters.

Engaging and vibrant readers host a book reading with a matching craft for your class, group, or location.

Crafts and art projects will be part of each Dragon Tales event.

Volunteer can always be helpful in readings, crafts, and setup/cleanup.

This program is designed for families with a child on the Autism Spectrum but is inclusive to help our community learn about awareness, acceptance, inclusion and education!

Register to today to schedule an event or to volunteer

Questions contact parentingautismunited@gmail.com 

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Be Mindful and Stress Less

*Disclaimer- This research project does not substitute any current health treatment plans you may be on. Participants who may experience distress should contact their primary health professional for further support if needed

Looking for adult primary caregivers living with and caring for a child under the age of 18, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, to participate in research that seeks to help caregivers with stress management

The goal of this research is to help caregivers with stress management.

Benefits of Joining the Program:

• You will have access to various free resources
  that can help reduce daily stress.
• You get to be part of research that can help
  benefit you and others.
• All participants who COMPLETE the
  study, will be entered in a drawing to win
  a $50 gift card to Amazon!!

This research is being conducted by Rebecca Woodring, MSN, CRNP, FNP-c, a DNP student at Misericordia University and in conjunction The Autism Center at Misericordia University.

If you qualify, you will be provided FREE mindfulness resources through a mobile app that can be easily accessed at any time of day, through your mobile device.

You ARE eligible to participate if:

• you are an adult caregiver of a child under the age of 18 who has autism spectrum disorder
• you are concerned about the amount of stress you are taking on in your daily life
• you are able to read, speak and understand English
  you own a mobile device with internet access

You are NOT eligible to participate if:

• you are caring for someone 18 years or older with autism
• do not care for and live with a child under the age of 18 who has autism spectrum disorder
• are unable to read, speak and understand English
• Do not have access or own a mobile device with text messaging and internet access that you can use 5 days a week for 5-10 minutes over a timeframe of 6 weeks

Please reach out to the Principal Investigator Rebecca Woodring woodrinr@misericordia.edu or 570-578-6199

NEPA Autism Awareness: Calling Artists for Art Auction

Information on the submission process

• Art and submission forms can be submitted until January 31st
• One Entry per person/group
• Most mediums accepted
• Pieces larger than 36 inches need prior approval
• Art on loose paper NEEDS to be Framed
• No age limits

Bidding Information

• Will happen through a mobile app
• Bidding dates Feb 22-26

Questions visit our website or email autismawareness.nepa@gmail.com 

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Share Housing in Carbon County

What is Share?

Affordable housings choice that brings together homeowners who want to share homes with homeseekers who are looking for housing in exchange for

• rent
• help around the house
• or a combination of both

Who is eligible?

• Older Adults
• Persons with disabilities
• Veterans
• Working professionals
• College students
• Single parents
• People wanting to share their lives/homes with others
• 18 or older and one of the individuals in the match must be 60 or older

Questions contact Kellie Cummings SHARE housing counselor/Carbon County

• Phone 570-249-1159
• Email: kcummingssharecoordinator@ptd.net 

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• Feb 9
• Feb 16
• Feb 23
• March 2

More information coming soon

Brought to you by the PA Inclusion Collective and Montgomery County Intermediate Unit  Sponsored by PEAL and The Radnor Educational Foundation

Part 1: Inclusion in Action Basics and Best Practices Feb 17 @7:30ET

In this 2-Part Series in Session #1, attendees will learn:

• the fundamentals of inclusion and inclusive practice
• understand what true inclusion is and isn't
• ways for parents, teachers, and schools to support inclusion.

Our speaker, Nicole Eredics is a Board-Certified Inclusive Education Specialist who has spent over two decades supporting students with disabilities in the general education classroom. After years of teaching in fully inclusive, general education classrooms, she now draws upon her experience to write, speak, and consult to various local and national organizations on the topic of inclusion. She is creator of The Inclusive Class blog and author of a guidebook for teachers and parents called, Inclusion in Action: Practical Strategies to Modify Your Curriculum. For more information about Nicole and her work.

Registration

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Resource Corner

Yellow Dot Program

In the event of a crash, the Yellow Dot sticker alerts first responders to check your glove compartment for information about medical conditions, allergies and emergency contacts. To order for your vehicle visit www.yellowdot.pa.gov 

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Advocating for your Community Autism Training for First Responders

Meredith Tekin, President of International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards Advocating for Your Community - Autism Training for First Responders Many law enforcement and first responders do not receive sufficient training in how to approach and communicate with individuals with autism, sensory needs, or other neuro-differences. This session will review Who What Why How of autism training for first responders in your community - who can or should participate, what options are available, why this is important, and how it can help a multitude of community members. The goal is to educate and empower individuals and community members to start a movement locally and encourage local departments to fund and complete additional training in these areas

Ongoing ACCE Happenings

Free Respite Care Parent's Day Out is BACK!!!!

Saturdays Dates:

• March 19th
• April 9th
• May 7th

4 and up (Adults included too!) 

Arts and craft activities

Bounce Houses

Dance parties

Lunch and snack provided

COVID-19 protocols in place including basic health screening at Check-in

Register today. Space is limited!

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New Dates for the COMPASS Lab

MyCIL’s Transitional Skills Center (TSC) is pleased to announce the
opening of The Compass Lab, a new program for individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ages 14 – 21. Jan 18th-March 31, 2022 Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-4:30p.m.

What is the Compass Lab?

The Compass Lab is a computer workshop, featuring a curriculum for young adults with ASD
and other disabilities. Focusing on transitional, functional and vocational
skills-building, The Compass Lab is designed for different ages and
levels of functioning. This Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
curriculum is research and evidence-based.

What Pre-ETS Skills are taught?

• Exploring Personal Care / Daily Living Skills /
Transitional Skills
• Exploring your Community / Self-Advocacy /
Self-Determination
• Vocational Skills / Soft Skills / Functional Skills

What kind technology and daily living skills will be targeted?

The program will increase their awareness, knowledge
and behavior in regards to self-advocacy and
daily living skills.

Email Sue Sileo ssileo@mycil.org or Danii Cortes dcortes@mycil.org for more information or call 570-201-9101 ext 906

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Brighter Jouneys Going the Extra Mile

Check out this amazing program to help families obtain items out of reach and not covered by insurance!

Application and additional Information

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ESU Autism Education Center

We are excited to offer the SPRING 2022 VIRTUAL SOCIO-EMOTIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM in collaboration with the ESU Special Education Department.  These 1:1 sessions will provide a learning opportunity for both those with Autism and ESU students studying for careers in special education.  For more information and to register, please visit the following link: VIRTUAL ESU Autism Education Center Socio-Emotional Learning Program 1:1 Session Signup Spring 2022 Don't delay!  Registration will be capped at 20 participants!

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ACCE Executive Hub

The University of Scranton has amazing programs. Want to learn more about them, check out our video!

 

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Caregiver Support Group Spring Dates Available

Six week series offered two times in the fall semester. 

Through the use of the “Caring for You, Caring for Me” curriculum from the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, these sessions are designed to create a place for caregivers to:

• learn new coping skills
• learn about available resources locally, regionally, and nationally
• work cooperatively with others to build productive relationships
• learn additional self-care strategies
• identify ways to prevent and solve problems

Session Dates and Information: Tuesdays 6:30-7:30PM via Zoom platform. Zoom Meeting Information will be sent after submitting an informed consent form.

The Caregiver Support Group will be offered twice. Participants are welcome to attend one or both sessions. 

Session 1

• February 1
• February 8
• February 15
• February 22
• March 1
• March 8

Session 2

• March 22
• March 29
• April 5
• April 12
• April 19
• April 26

Register and Learn More 

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Parent/Caregiver Support Group 

Come Join Us! Next Session December 30th!

 

What is it?

A group where parents and caregivers can meet to share ideas, interests, and meet new people.

When do you meet?

We meet on Zoom every Thursday from 6:30-7:30PM Eastern time except holidays.

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Therapeutic Tabletop Role Playing Group (TTRPG) Join now!

TTRPG uses role playing game as therapeutic and clinical practice to benefit

• personal growth
• social development
• self-advocacy skills

Free, grant-funded groups available virtually and in-person group (Hazleton)

10 to adult with autism and/or related soical or communication impairments

Call 570-861-8311 or email autismhub@e-csc.org 

 Learn about the TTRPG program

Watch a Video about our TTRPG Program

 Check out the brochure!

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Geisinger ADMI Professional Training Program--ACT 48 Credits Now AVAILABLE

To see information full size please select the image

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University of Scranton Applied Behavior Analysis, MS

• Select the image to see it full size and access links.

Are you or someone you love with autism interested in a service dog?

• We are in the beginning stages of the process. This is NOT a binding contract simply an interest form.
  • Paws for a Cause is a 501c3 under the SAFE organization. There are strict guidelines that we must follow. If interested please email the safeoffice@autismsafe.org 
• SAFE Members only
  • Filling out the form does not guarantee the placement of a therapy, service or companion dog

  Adult Testing Available at CSC!

Have you had problems with:

•     social interactions?
•     employment?
•    organizing daily activities?
•    sensory sensitivities?
•    obsessive interests?

 The Hazleton Autism Family Support Hub now offers neurodevelopmental/Psychological testing for adults evaluating for

• autism
• ADHD
• other neurodiversities.

Accepting a variety of insurances with appointments offered at our Hazleton Office: 

20 North Laurel Street, Suite 2E,  Hazleton, PA 18201

Call 570-861-8311 or e-mail autismhub@e-csc.org for more information.

• What is Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation in the classroom
• Incorporating Play-Based Communication and Social Skills
• Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Supports
• Visual Learning Supports and Other Strategies to Support learning
• Authentic Assessment and Data Collection
• Collaboration with Caregivers and Community Resources
• Optional Director Training and Technical Assistance Sessions

Greater Carbondale YMCA 

Autism Swim Nights and Outings  

• 82 N. Street Carbondale, PA 18407
• Call 570-282-2210 for details! 

SAFE Piano Lessons

Piano Lessons! Lessons are available in the Wilkes-Barre Area

Members Only!

Call (570)822-7259

Ongoing Community Happenings

These are ongoing events in the community provided for informational purposes

 Monday's Support @ 7 Pm and Tuesdays at 10am PA Parent and Family Alliance