This month’s newsletter covers the newly enacted Seclusion and Restraint bills that were passed at the end of 2016. AAoM is so proud to have supported and advocated for this important legislation from the beginning. We hear from families and teachers on a regular basis who need more support and training for a child with challenging behaviors, who are subject to practices of seclusion and restraint that should be reserved for emergent situations.
News
Autism Alliance of Michigan Navigates Employment with Ford
Autism Alliance of Michigan and Ford were featured on NBC Nightly News for their new initiative Ford Inclusive Works. Take a look at one of our success stories from the pilot program. Ford plans to expand this program to include 24 more individuals on the spectrum in 2017.
University of Michigan Fraternities and Sororities Raise over $200,000 over 3 Years for Michigan Families Living With Autism
Thirty-two University of Michigan fraternities and sororities came together last weekend to raise funds to support the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM).
Happy Holidays Autism Community!
As another year passes, we know that many parents are consumed with overwhelming concerns about their child’s well-being once they are gone. Financial planning becomes critical and information about MiAble and Special Needs Trusts can be empowering in this regard. We hope the information in this issue is valuable to you and the families you serve.
Holiday Tips From An Autism Parent
While sometimes the mixture of autism and the holidays can produce stale fruit bread (instead of spiced eggnog), it doesn’t make the holiday season any less special. Christmas, for our family, is honestly one of the best times for the year, but it doesn’t come easy. It requires planning, a positive attitude and the willingness to be flexible.
Important Legislation Regarding Restraint and Seclusion is Heading to a Vote
The Restraint and Seclusion Legislation has passed Committee in the State House and will now be voted on in the Michigan House of Representatives. Afterwards, the legislation will need to go through the same voting process in the Senate. Your voice can be heard loud and clear by contacting your State Representatives and State Senators. To find out who your Reps are, use this handy tool and consider giving them a call or writing to ask for their vote in support of HBs 5409-5418 and SBs 835-838.
AAoM & DWMHA Hold Two Free Trainings
Once again AAoM is happy to partner with DWMHA to offer training for community families and providers, working together to help keep individuals with autism safe, and prevent crises. Please join us!
Temple Quotes to Move You
Over 700 Michiganders enjoyed a fired up lecture from Temple Grandin today in Lansing at the New Horizon’s Autism and Asperger Syndrome Conference. Temple Grandin is a world-renowned woman on the spectrum who is a professor, engineer, author, and sometimes controversial speaker. If you haven’t had the opportunity to hear her speak, read her books, or see her biography, here are some of her ‘gems’ from today:
Sensory Friendly Holiday events
Holidays can be stressful and overwhelming for Special Needs families, individuals with different sensory processing abilities can become easily overstimulated given larger crowds, lights, music, and the temptation of toys. Retail and organizations across our state are becoming increasingly aware of the struggles facing families, as a result more Sensory Friendly activities and events are available.
Who’s In Your Corner?
Autism is a fight. It’s a lifetime of twelve rounds on repeat. With each set of rounds, a different opponent emerges. You’re gonna get knocked down, you’re gonna get bruised, and you’re gonna want to throw in the towel. Battling alone, failure is almost certain. This is why it’s essential to have a strong team in your corner.
Welcome To The MiNavigator Newsletter!
All of us at AAoM are so pleased to bring you this first newsletter which we plan to distribute monthly. Given the many statewide initiatives and reform efforts which we have collectively navigated over the past several years, combined with new, innovative projects, community events, and other developments, we felt a more regular means of communication was essential to keeping you informed. We are also hoping this communication will serve as an effective tool for service providers, as well, in keeping the autism community informed of your own developments, program offerings, and events, as a way to better reach our families across the state.
