Autistry Newsletter – April 25, 2014
Janet Lawson, MFT | April 25, 2014
April – Autism Acceptance Month is winding down but, oddly, we’re all still here – gloriously ASD!
On Saturday, April 26th at 4pm (PST) Dan and Janet will be speaking at the Autism College Web Conference. Our topic: Autistry Studios – building a working ASD community. Join us – we would love to hear your questions and your comments. We have an hour and half to talk about why we created Autistry, how we created it, and where it’s all going. There are several other very cool speakers too. Log in and register – it’s free.
THANK YOU!! Our Autistry network of supporters has nearly met the April matching grant challenge. In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, the Jonathan and Kathleen Altman Foundation will match all contributions to Autistry in April, up to $20,000!! We have raised $18,225 toward the $20,000 matching challenge. Just need another $1,775 to reach our goal! Thank you all so much. These funds will help us expand our programming. There is still one week left in April so if the spirit moves you please donate online.
Summertime! Registration for the very cool Autistry Summer Camps is open until April 30th. So, if you haven’t sent in your registration forms do so now. The camps are small, fun, and packed with creative potential. There are nine 4-day camps to choose from. Each camp was designed by an Autistry member and will be staffed by our fabulous mentors. Check them out and get your registration forms in!
Also this month: Janet Miller asked the Mill Valley City Council to proclaim April as Autism Awareness Month. She highlighted the crises now facing the ASD community – employment and housing for our ASD young adults. Janet was eloquent in her appeal to the business community to partner with Autistry and other Marin organizations. Janet Lawson also spoke adding her support and her commitment to finding solutions.
Following Janet Miller’s lead, Barbara Waite addressed the San Rafael City Council and they too proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month. And, in a passionate plea to the Council and to local business leaders Barbara and Janet Lawson asked the council to help ASD families form lasting partnerships with the business community. Mayor Gary Phillips agreed and invited them to address the next meeting of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. The door has been opened and it is time for us to walk through and begin to make the connections and form the relationships that will create successful opportunities for our ASD children.
It takes a village: Barbara Waite and Mary Anne McCarthy have launched the Autistry Support Network (ASN). The ASN will be our booster group and will coordinate auxiliary activities such as field trips, fundraisers, social get-togethers, and more. If you are the parent or guardian of an Autistry student, congratulations–you are automatically a member of the ASN! For more information on ASN please contact Barbara Waite.
