https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spectrum-of-care-autism-town-hall-resource-fair-tickets-42209064448?aff=es2

Presented by the National African American Autism Community Network

* All are invited to attend. Volunteer ABA Technicians will be on staff to support attendees with autism. If you have a loved one who will need assistance, please select “Care Registration” as your ticket option below.

* The Notes For Life Arts & Technology organization will host a hands-on computer lab for families raising children with autism. The lab allows children to create music at their own pace. Space is limited to the first 20 who register. Select “Blue Lab” as your ticket option below to attend.

Moderator: Camille Proctor, The Color of Autism Foundation

Panelist: Tisa M. Johnson, MD Henry Ford Health System (Developmental Pediatrician)

Panelist: Nicole Anthony, Ph.D. Elijah’s Place Advocacy (Advocate)

Panelist: Pamela Dixon-Thomas, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist

Panelist: Aretha Bradley, SLP

Panelist: Tonia Ferguson Esquire (Special Needs Lobbyist)

Panelist: Carla Frazier, Special Education Teacher

12:05 p.m.: Opening Remarks

12:10 p.m.: Panel discussion on diagnosis and early intervention with panelists: Tisa Johnson, Aretha Bradley, and Pamela Dixon.

Q & A: 12:40 to 12:50

12:50 p.m.: Panel Discussion education and advocacy with panelist: Nicole Anthony and Carla Frazier.

Q & A: 1:20 to 1:30

1:30 p.m.: Panel discussion prison to school pipeline and safety with panelist: Nicole Anthony, Camille Proctor, and Tonia Ferguson.

2 p.m.- 4 p.m.: Resource Fair

Volunteer ABA Technicians will be on staff to support attendees with autism.

RESOURCE FAIR VENDORS

*The resource fair will begin after the town hall. Vendor booths will be closed during town hall.

• Autism Speaks
• Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority
• The Children’s Center
• University Partners
• Henry Ford Health Systems
• MSU Community Music School–Detroit
• Michigan Science Center
• Detroit Parent Network
• Special Olympics Michigan
• Special Education Behavioral Connections
• Therapeutic Riding Inc.
• Michigan Adaptive Sports
• Team GUTS
• Secretary of State Mobile Unit (Parents can get their children state ID cards)

TOWN HALL OUTCOMES

Caregiver Development – Will provide ABA-based essential training that will provide the parents and caregivers support tools for their loved ones. Working with parents and caregivers to lessen their anxiety and isolation can improve autism awareness in their neighborhoods, churches, schools, and community. Parents and caregivers who participate in the leadership program will have access to:

• A network of powerful parents
• Monthly caregiver development
• Support Groups
• The opportunity to make a difference for their families, other parents, and the community
• How to advocate for community and change

Parent Group Development – We believe that parents are stronger when they are united. Since most parent groups are volunteer-based, we understand that these groups are difficult to sustain. The Color of Autism Foundation will work as a facilitator to keep these groups together, and make them stronger so that they can benefit more families by:

• Offering customized workshops and training sessions to the group’s membership
• Providing technical assistance, expertise and the experience of our staff and other parent groups that can be used to build the parent organization
• Connecting groups to resources to the organizations that help them achieve their mission such as meeting space, copying, computer equipment, phone extensions and small grants.

Personal Development – We believe parents are better parents when they are able to strengthen themselves personally:

• Reducing stress in your life and home
• Understanding the IEP and 504 Plan
• Improving communication with caregivers, teachers, and therapists
• Preparing children for school and therapy programs

Autism Leadership Training (ALT) – A seven-week series of training designed to provide the tools and skills to become a leader and autism advocate for your children in your neighborhood, community, and school district.

Community Development – Community training designed to create an inclusive and sensory-friendly environment for persons on the autism spectrum. Offering business assessments and solutions for inclusion.

First Responder Training – Train First Responders how to effectively interact with individuals with autism. The specialized training will educate Firefighters, EMT’s, Paramedics, Police Officers and Emergency Room Personal how to recognize people with autism. The training will give students the tools needed to effectively communicate with autistic individuals, as well as help reduce or eliminate dangerous behaviors.

Connecting Friends – Connects children to one another by connecting typical children with their autistic peers. Educating typical children about autism, which we hope will instill a better sense of understanding for their autistic peers. In the end, the goal is to forge meaningful and long-lasting relationships between the two.