April 2022 E-Newsletter

Thank You Volunteers | Webinars | Training Opportunity | Welcome New Staff

April 2022

E-Newsletter

Resources, information, and other parents who understand what you are going through.

Thank You Parent Volunteers

We are sending a big shout out and immense gratitude to all of our Volunteer Support Parents who have very little time to spare but very big hearts to share. Your strength carries us.

Welcome New Staff!

Parent Support Navigator, Ayaan Musa is parent to two wonderful daughters, ages 15 and 13, who have Autism. While they are both on the Autism spectrum, their needs are very different from each other. They have many co-conditions including sleep disorders and feeding issues (two very prevalent conditions for those on the Autism spectrum).

Ayaan knows the challenges of caring for needs that are on either end of the spectrum and has been able to connect with families with a wide range of challenges because of her experiences. She has worked as a volunteer advocate for ten plus years, mainly in the East African communities which are underserved. She has served on several advisory committees. Ayaan has experience helping families access MA/Waivers/County services and therapies. She has advocated in the school systems and in clinics and healthcare systems.

Upcoming Webinars for Families

Everyone Can Learn To Read: Teaching Literacy to Our Students with Disabilities

Wednesday, April 27th

12:00 – 1:00 PM

Everyone can learn to read, if they are taught. Literacy advocate and homeschool parent, Sarah Carlson-Wallrath seeks to erase the common misconception that students with intellectual disabilities cannot learn to read.

While reading is complex, science-based, explicit instruction is highly effective. Learn what structured literacy instruction looks like and how to use it at home.

Get suggestions on advocating in school for high expectations and effective reading instruction for your student.

Parents’ Perspectives on Choosing Autism Services in the Early Years

Friday, May 27th

12:00 – 1:30 PM

Join us for a 90-minute parent panel on paths to autism intervention in the early years.

You’ll hear from five parents who chose different routes in supporting their children with autism during the birth to 5 period.

This retrospective discussion aims to help parents new to developmental delay and/or autism to better understand their options so that they can make informed choices on behalf of their children.

We are proud to provide this webinar in collaboration with fellow community organizations, Communities Engaging Autism and Multicultural Autism Action Network.

New Training Opportunity: Are you seeking new tools and strategies to help yourself and others cope with Covid-related stress?

What: Skills for Psychological Recovery Training:

MDH is offering an evidence-based train-the-trainer opportunity to bring practical tools and skills back to your community whether it is your co-workers, families, or individuals you work with.

You will learn and apply the skills and then you will share those skills with others.

Who: This set of trainings will focus on the experiences and concerns of children with special health needs and individuals with disabilities and the people who care for them (professionals and caregivers). All are welcome!

When: Lunch and Learn with us for 7 Wednesday sessions starting May 18, 2022, and ending on June 29 (12:00 pm-1:30 pm)

Where: Virtual – via Zoom