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March 2017
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March News

Show Your Support for Autism Society of Texas!
Are you wondering why you haven’t heard from us about Amplify Austin 2017?  “I Live Here, I Give Here” is a message we whole-heartedly agree with but we have several reasons why this just isn’t the right option for us this year. Between staff time, percentage fees, and a date that falls between the Austin Marathon & our own Texas Autism Bike Ride & Fun Run, it’s just not a good fit for us.

Do we still need donations? Yes! We do! We rely entirely on donations to fund all of our work for the autism community. We encourage you to give directly to the Autism Society of Texas and feel confident your gift will be used to provide information and resource referrals, programs for all ages and stages of autism, employment services, support groups, life skills trainings, recreation events, advocacy at local, state and national levels, and education on autism.
 
Please consider making a donation.  Thank you.
Texas Autism Bike Ride & Fun Run: April 2nd!
We're just one month away from our Texas Autism Bike Ride & Fun Run! This is a fun, family-friendly event, with a 9, 24, 42, or 68 mile bike ride, or 5K Fun Run (or walk) that starts and ends at Georgetown High School on 4/2/17, World Autism Awareness Day. We'll have food, kids activities, and a Resource Fair. We'd love to see lots of our supporters! All funds raised at the event will stay here to provide information and referrals, education, advocacy, recreation and community inclusion for all affected by autism. Details about volunteering & registration here. Planning meeting on March 7th.
Volunteer of the Month: Susan Maxwell
Volunteers play an essential role at Autism Society of Texas, working with program staff members to support our mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism. We would like to highlight the contributions of our dedicated volunteers. Each month, we will select a Volunteer of the Month from our volunteers that are performing above and beyond for our community.
This month we would like to celebrate Susan Maxwell. Susan has been a longtime supporter of the Autism Society of Texas. She is the volunteer leader of the Parents of Adults with Disabilities support group. She also connects families affected by autism with resources via a listserv.  Thank you, Susan, for your dedication to our program and the support you offer to our community.
 
Hunter Hinze Fund: Accepting Applications
The Hunter Hinze Fund, our adult scholarship program, is accepting grant applications for adults 18 & up, from March 1 - March 15th. These grants are for up to $500 and can be used for:
  • services and supports that would provide autonomy, skill development; or
  • a sense of purpose that promotes self-sufficiency and fosters independence.
This scholarship fund was started by the family of Hunter Hinze to honor his memory. Read more about the fund or apply.
 
"Give Me a Place to Stand" Photo and Video Contest!
The 2017 "Give Me a Place to Stand" Autism Society of Texas Photo and Video Contest begins today and ends March 20th. We are looking for original, striking images and videos of the impact of the Autism Society in the lives of those affected by Autism. These images may reflect a range of topics and subjects but should embrace the Archimedes quote: “Give me a place to stand and I can move earth”. Details here. 

Ask an Adult with Autism
 
We recently created the Adults with Autism Panel. Have a question for an adult on the spectrum? Ask our Adults with Autism Panel by submitting a question here. Interested in learning more about the panel? Email Caroline.

Advocacy Updates
 
State Advocacy: We are continuing to monitor bills, testify, or submit testimony on issues affecting adults and children with autism.  We're also working closely with our disability partners and stakeholders on issues affecting all individuals with disabilities. You can see our legislative priorities here.

National Advocacy: Read about Jacquie's trip to Washington D.C. at the Autism Society of America's "Day on the Hill" Conference. Key priorities were Medicaid, keeping Affordable Care Act provisions that protect individuals with autism during potential repeal or replacement, and Special Education.

Please join our advocacy list to be informed about events at the Capitol or legislation that we need assistance on as well as advocacy training opportunities.
Upcoming Events & Information
Check the calendar for recreation events, free support groups & education events! Also check out the sensory friendly movie listings for kids and adults!  

Crossfit for All: March 4th
Destination Life Regional Transition Fair: March 4th
Access-Austin Adult Vocational Information Meeting (Morning): March 8th
Access-Austin Adult Vocational Information Meeting (Evening): March 8th
Brown Bag Learning Lunch -IEP & 504/Sped Advocacy: March 8th
Variety’s Peaceable Kingdom: Special Needs Family Event: March 13th
North Austin Support Group: March 14th
Texas Autism Bike Ride & Fun Run: April 2nd

Support & Social Groups:  We have many support groups including meetings for caregivers, support & recreation for adults with autism, adult siblings of people on the spectrum, and parents of adults with disabilities. If you'd like to find a group or start one, please contact our Program Specialist Caroline Turner.


RIDE Austin: Get A Safe Ride Home!
 
Did you know RIDE Austin has selected us as a charity? RIDE Austin is a ride share/car service company that supports non-profits. Download the app & select "Autism Society of Central Texas" as your charity if you need a ride somewhere!
Shop For A Cause With Amazon Smile
If you shop on Amazon please choose us as your charity in the Amazon Smile program.  We are listed as "Autism Society of Central Texas". Thank you!
 
About Autism Society of Texas

If you missed our announcement about becoming the Autism Society of Texas in January, you can read the press release here.
We've moved!
Autism Society of Texas • 300 E. Highland Mall, Suite 205, Austin, TX 78752 
(512) 479-4199 • info@texasautismsociety.org

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