Giving Tuesday, (#GivingTuesday) began in 2012 in response to the commercialization of the holiday season. It is a powerful reminder that the true essence of the season is about giving. This global day of generosity encourages people to contribute to charitable organizations, volunteer their time, and lend a helping hand to others.
Autism Connection of Pennsylvania: A Lifeline and Hub for Families and Adults
Autism affects millions of families worldwide. Autism Connection of PA is a non-profit dedicated to supporting autistic people and their families in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1996, Autism Connection has been at the forefront of the autism community, offering support, information, and advocacy.
The Impact of Giving Tuesday: Autism Connection of PA’s Key Initiatives
Get Involved
As Giving Tuesday approaches, Autism Connection of Pennsylvania relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and communities to continue our vital work. Donations on this special day can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by autism. Involvement doesn’t always translate into monetary donations. Sharing your experience, connecting with others, offering help, or simply spreading the word about our work can have a huge impact.
You Can Make a Difference
On Giving Tuesday, let’s rally support Autism Connection of Pennsylvania and the community we serve. By donating, volunteering, and spreading the word, we can contribute to a brighter and more inclusive future. Together, we can make a difference and embody the true spirit of the holiday season – the spirit of giving.
SNAP, officially known as the Spreading Neurodiversity Acceptance Project for Social Engagement, was conceived by Zachary A. Miller. This project was born out of a heartfelt mission: to establish an inclusive platform where neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals could stand together on equal ground, fostering a sense of unity and acceptance.
At its core, SNAP is all about community engagement through a diverse array of events and activities. They extend warm invitations to people of all backgrounds, embracing the rich tapestry of human experiences. From crafting a captivating mural that celebrates neurodiversity to organizing engaging egg hunts and immersive camp days, SNAP consistently delivers on its promise of inclusive joy.
Crucially, the magic of SNAP doesn’t stop at its events; it begins right at the heart of their organization. The dedicated leadership team, led by individuals like Lydia, plays a pivotal role in shaping the project’s vision and executing its mission. Lydia exemplifies the spirit of SNAP, where inclusivity, understanding, and creativity intersect.
Lydia’s Perspective
I’m an autistic adult who has spent my whole life in the Pittsburgh area. I have been involved in autism advocacy work since 2009, speaking at conferences, writing for a wide variety of publications, and working with organizations to develop courses, training programs and other resources. I’ve made incredible, lifelong friends through this work. But none of them live close enough to see in person more than once or twice a year at best. As involved as I am with the autism/autistic community, I still lack many local connections and social opportunities.
I heard about SNAP through an ad in the Autism Connection weekly newsletter in early 2023. It was about painting a mural celebrating neurodiversity that would hang in Benedum Hall. I love all kinds of arts and crafts and creative expression, so it sounded like something I’d enjoy. But I was nervous — I didn’t know who would be there or where Benedum Hall was, and I’ve never painted in any formal capacity. I wouldn’t have pursued the opportunity if my mom hadn’t also seen the ad and nudged me. I reached out to Zach by email to ask some questions that made me feel less anxious, as it helps if I know what to expect.
Lydia Wayman
He responded quickly and with his typical friendly tone that makes everyone feel welcome and accepted. Come to a SNAP event and meet him, and you’ll see exactly what I mean!
We worked on the mural over several weekends, and I loved every minute of it. The artist who led us was a perfect fit for the project. The group had a wide range of ages and support needs, and she gave everyone jobs to do and presumed competence while still providing instruction and individual support. I liked that we were all helping and not just being handed the fun parts. It made it a true group effort, and the final product looks incredible.
After the mural, Zach asked if I wanted to join the SNAP leadership team. I readily accepted his offer and have served in the role of an autistic co-liaison since last spring, attending SNAP leadership meetings and help to plan and run events.
What Makes SNAP Distinct?
There are a few things that make SNAP different – why it’s a group I want to be a part of. A big reason for me is the inclusive nature of everything we do. Our events are designed to be as inclusive as possible, and we invite all ages, parents and siblings included. Everyone just gets treated like an individual. I’ve connected with all sorts of people at our events, and despite the leadership team being half of my age, they are fantastic people to work with and have fun with.
I’ve tried to make local connections with the disability community through activity-based groups in the past, but often, I felt forced to choose a side – either I had to be a participant with a disability, or I could be an organizer. Because I get overwhelmed easily, participating in groups can be hard, so I often prefer to help out. I think part of it is just that I know what’s going on, but I also have some unique skills to offer. But choosing to get involved as an organizer usually meant working with a team of people who aren’t used to making accommodations or allowing for support needs. Also, it meant not getting to enjoy the fun parts of the event.
With SNAP, I don’t have to explain what I can and can’t do, why I do or don’t need something. I don’t have to choose a side – I can just be myself, use my skills to help others, and have fun.
Join the fun!
Do you want to be a part of the fun? Many of our events are free to everyone! For more information throughout the year, sign up for our email list at the link HERE. We hope to see you in the future!
Virtual support group meeting for adults diagnosed on the autism spectrum later in life. This meeting is open to people who believe they are autistic, and don’t know where to turn for help.
Students with disabilities are not excluded from discipline at school, but there is a process that must be followed. From 6:30 to 7:30 Micheal Connolly will discuss school suspension and expulsions.
What is a restraint? Is a “calm down” space seclusion? If you have questions about restraints and seclusion at school, please join from 7:30pm to 8:30pm as Keith Focht shares information and regulations.
Michael J. Connolly is a Supervising Partner at McAndrews, Mehalick, Connolly, Hulse and Ryan P.C. in Berwyn, PA. Michael provides legal representation to students and families in all major areas of education advocacy, with a focus on special education and enforcing the education rights of the most vulnerable students.
Keith Focht is the Pennsylvania Department of Education Special Advisor and Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education RISC Advisor.
Volunteering provides opportunities to give back to our communities, and it helps us to feel involved with those in our communities. However, how do you know which volunteer opportunities work best for you? This question can pose significant difficulty for some individuals with disabilities as organizations may not feel equipped to work with people with special needs in a volunteer capacity. However, Aktion Club creates a safe space with opportunities for service where people with disabilities make the decisions and lead the club.
Taking leadership roles, making decisions, building autonomy
Three Rivers Community Care has been working with the Kiwanis Club of Sheraden to start an Aktion Club for anyone who is interested. This blog post will provide some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the club and we also hope that you’ll join us for an information session about Aktion Club on August 22 at 7 pm at the 3RCC Community Center in Carnegie.
Aktion Club is a service leadership program through Kiwanis International. It is the ONLY service organization of its kind in the world. Our club will be sponsored/supported by the Kiwanis Club of Sheraden. Aktion Club provides adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate in and choose service projects/volunteer projects with their peers/other group members.
Who runs Aktion Club?
Aktion Club will be supported by a member of the Kiwanis Club of Sheraden and a staff member of 3RCC. However, members will make up the leadership roles including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, etc. of the club. Members will also make all decisions regarding club projects and activities.
Do members have to have a support person attend meetings with them?
This depends on the individual, requirements of their Individual Service Plan (ISP), and their comfort level in community situations. While a site facilitator and Kiwanis representative will always be present, each member and their caregivers should consider what is best for them.
When/how often/where will meetings be held?
Meetings are held monthly and will take place at the3RCC Community Centerin Carnegie, PA. Dates and times will be determined once we have enough members for the charter and will be based completely around their availability. We hope to have our first meeting in September/October.
Connecting with others through shared interests
What kind of service projects/volunteer projects will members participate in?
Members will decide what service projects and volunteer activitiesthey wish to participate in. They can range from making cards for veterans at the VA hospital, to food drives, to volunteering time at the Salvation Army or cleaning up litter in our communities. The possibilities are endless and the site facilitator and Kiwanis representative will work to ensure that all members interested in participating have the opportunity.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no fee unless the members decide to charge a membership dues that would be used to help cover costs for materials or for fun activities for the club such as a summer ice cream party or a holiday party in December.
What are the benefits of Aktion Club membership?
Aktion Club members achieve a wealth of benefits including leadership and decision making opportunities. Members run the club and vote for president, vice president, and other leadership roles among their peers. Through service projects, volunteer projects, and club meetings members gain valuable social and community interactions to help increase their feelings of confidence in the community and feelings of self worth.
We hope this answers some of your questions about Aktion Club and that you consider joining us on August 22 at 7 pm to learn even more.
If you want to join Aktion Club you can email your information toMolly.You can learn more about Aktion Clubhere .
While waiting for the coffee to finish brewing in the office kitchenette, my eyes fixated on the stream of coffee entering the carafe and the tranquil sounds it made in anticipation of the final surge of steam as the brewing finished. This concentrated focus drowned out a number of elements that flooded the surroundings, flickering lights, multiple distant voices, phones ringing, and the general energy of movement within the maze of cubicles.
During the reverie, I saw a peripheral figure approaching to my left, and a soft, clear voice flowed into my ears, “Good morning! How are you?” and at that moment, I straightened and turned my entire torso toward the person asking the question, stopping like a machine that produced speech. I heard my own voice say, “I am bereft of coffee.” And all memory of the moments following would never gel in my mind because I could only fixate on my social ineptitude.
Bereft of coffee. Who says that? Did you even make eye contact?
Bereft
Bereft is not a word used often in everyday conversation. It’s a complex, haunting word that comes from bereave, a term of loss and mourning that communicates that something is lacking.
Yes. I looked up the use of the word “bereft” over time. It really took a dip in the 1940s and I’ll probably try to find out why.
In the morning kitchenette interaction, the thing that was lacking was coffee, and the choice of the word bereft in this specific case seems a bit dramatic. The word may also communicate on some level that I really want to interact on your terms, but I just don’t know how. It takes a great deal of concentration and sometimes the words just pour out and I wish I could collect them and rearrange them into something, well, “normal.”
The coworker who kindly asked the question was likely to think, “Well, that was an unusual response,” and the moment would vanish along with the multiple mundane things that occur in a nondescript workday. But for me, this common office interaction became a source of shame that lingered for months. This wave of embarrassment was probably unnecessary but it is something that people on the autism spectrum face when they are aware of basic communication differences that can sometimes lead to misunderstanding.
Full Cup
When we have people who truly understand communication differences, we find that they often see these types of interactions insightful, and sometimes endearing. While lamenting to a trusted coworker about my perceived social awkwardness, she said how lovely it was that I was able to express such a deep love for coffee, and in turn, a deep appreciation for words. Bereft is a beautiful word that can express longing for acceptance, and even longing for something comforting, like a cup of coffee.
