FOR LEARNING EVENTS GO TO THE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TAB
August 2014 - changes to DDS
The Omnibus Autism Bill unanimously passed both the House and Senate. The legislation:
• DDS will now be directed to include in its eligibility guidelines the federal definition of developmental disability for people on the autism spectrum and those with Prader-Willi. This is a significant change as it will assist many whose functional needs are not reflected by their IQ score and had not previously received DDS services.
To read the Massachusetts Autism Commission report click here <<<
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Did you know...1 in 88 children; 1 in 54 boys, will have these disorders which are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Click below for further information
Autism Resource Center - Central Mass <<< click here for website
Community Autism Resources - SE Mass <<< click here for website
Autism and Communication
Autism and Communication Part 2 - continues the discussion from part 1 above
DID YOU KNOW THAT...
AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.
In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Metro Region
Advocates, Inc./ Autism Alliance of Metrowest
Address: 1881 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01701
Phone: (508) 652-9900
Contact: Pam McKillop and Allison Daigle
Email: pmckillop@advocates.org & adaigle@advocates.org
Website: www.autismalliance.org
Serving: Metrowest
TILL/Autism Support Center
Address: 20 Eastbrook Road, Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 302-4835
Contact: Joshua Lyons, Autism Services Coordinator
Email: Joshua.lyons@tillinc.org
Website: www.tillinc.org
Serving: Greater Boston including but not limited to: Cambridge, Chelsea, East Boston, Malden, Revere, Somerville, Waltham, Watertown, and Winthrop
The Arc of South Norfolk/The Family Autism Center
Address: 789 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood, MA 02090
Phone: (781) 762-4001
Contact: Brian Clark, Director
Email: bclark@arcsouthnorfolk.org
Website: http://www.arcsouthnorfolk.org/family-autism-cneter.html
Serving: Norfolk County Area
Central/West Region
Central
HMEA: Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts
Address: 71 Sterling Street, West Boylston, MA 01583
Phone: (508) 835-4278
Contact: Sue Loring
Email: autism@hmea.org; sloring@hmea.org
Website: www.autismresourcecentral.org
West
The Association for Community Living/ Community Resources for People with Autism
Address: 116 Pleasant Street – Suite 366, Easthampton, MA 01027
Phone: (413) 529-2428, ext.111 or (800) 892-7003 (toll free)
Contact: Jan Doody
Email: jan.doody@theassociationinc.org
Berkshire Office:
Address: 100 North St. Suite 322, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Contact: Erica Donovan
Phone: (413) 443-4780, ext.19
Email: Erica.donovan@theassociationinc.org
Website: www.communityresourcesforautism.org
Southeast Region
Community Autism Resources
Address: 33 James Reynolds Road, Unit C, Swansea, MA 02777
Phone: (508) 379-0371/ (800) 588-9239
Contact: Barbara Domingue
Email: Barbaradomingue@community-autism-resources.com
Website: www.community-autism-resources.org or
Northeast Region
Northeast Arc/The Autism Support Center
Address: 6 Southside Road, Danvers, MA 01923
Phone: (978) 777-9135
Contact: Gloria Ricardi Castillo and Susan Gilroy
Email: asc@ne-arc.org