March Newsletter
Dear Families, The DESE/DDS Program is a collaboration between the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for DDS-eligible students who are at risk of a future residential placement. The program provides students and their families: The chance to have in-home supports including senior level therapists and skills trainers A dedicated navigator agency to identify and hire staff Life-long skills development Opportunities to practice skills in their home setting and community This Open Interest period is offered to refresh the list of interested students and families. The DESE/DDS Program is near capacity; however, there are students who leave the program because they turn 22 or for other reasons throughout the year. New participants are added from the Interest List as spaces become available. All interests forms must be postmarked between March 1, 2022 and March 31, 2022.
Featured March Recreation Programs* 
After School Club, March Edition Tuesday March 1st through March 29th 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m This weekly club is facilitated by educators from the Southwick's Zoo and showcases many animals you may have never seen before at the zoo! Email Allison Daigle to register for any or all weeks. We will send you the link for the program and be ready to learn some really fun facts about the animals that live at the Southwick Zoo. All ages, levels, and siblings are invited to participate. 
Glee Club Saturday March 12 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Virtual Glee Club is one of our most popular programs. Glee club is facilitated by music teacher, Mr. William Lynch, and co-lead by Sophie McLaughlin, expressive movement therapist. The group meets monthly and is for ages 18+. The program is a mixture of singing songs, and dance. Click on the link register.
Autism Alliance received a 2022 Signature Grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism to fund this year’s after school programs, glee club, and other special events and mini grants throughout the year. A special thank you to the foundation for their support. SNEAK PEAK ~ APRIL Exclusive Autism Alliance Family EVENING Event* Don't miss out on this virtual event which includes a "meet and greet" with Lindsay 
Autism Alliance Exclusive Virtual Concert Event with Lindsay Munroe Thursday April 21st 6:00 p.m. Join us for a virtual concert with Lindsay Munroe including an exclusive post concert "meet and greet" where attendees can talk to Lindsay, share their favorite song and ask her questions. Lindsay is an award-winning children’s musician signed to Raffi’s label Troubadour Music. With a lovely and engaging voice, Lindsay’s music uplifts and delights kids, parents, and educators. As a mother of three autistic children, she writes music for neurodiverse kids and their families and for the teachers who embrace inclusion in their classrooms. Her positive songs will also appeal to those working to promote self-regulation and kindness. Lindsay believes that music is a wonderful, unique tool in teaching social emotional learning. Guest Speaker* 
Cathy Boyle Autism Housing Pathways Housing 101 Tuesday March 15th 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. In this FREE virtual workshop, Cathy Boyle from Autism Housing Pathways, will introduce families to the range of public funds available to pay for housing and supportive services (including for those without DDS supports). Some examples are given of how these can be combined with private funds to create housing. No registration necessary. APRIL Adult Recreation Program* 
Zoom Zumba April 9th 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Join us for our Zoom Zumba Series! Licensed Zumba® Fitness instructor, Andria DeSimone will lead an hour-long Zumba class. Advocates Fun, Friends, & Family events are open to individuals with disabilities who are 16 and older, staff who support them, their families, and friends. We welcome members of the Advocates community, as well as those interested in learning more about us. Autism Alliance MONTHLY Support Groups* 
Support Program for SIBLINGS Our Autism Alliance Sibshop is a program for typically developing brothers and sisters, ages 7-12, who have a sibling with autism. It is a relaxed environment that gives the siblings a place to
AUTISM ADVOCACY DAY 
Sensory Friendly Events 
Sensory Friendly Afternoon Tuesday, March 1, 2022 1:30pm to 4:30pm Free with pre-registration Registration Required: Register Now Come explore the accessible Discovery Museum, Discovery Woods, and our giant treehouse! Sensory-Friendly Afternoons are all about inclusion. During these events, the Museum is open to the general public, but group visits and birthday parties are not scheduled, to avoid crowding and support access to exhibits.
Autism-Friendly Evening Saturday, March 19, 5:00 - 8:00pm Registration Required: Register Now Join us for this special evening event for families with members on the autism spectrum. Play, explore, experiment, and imagine together, while we are closed to the general public and headcount is limited. ASL interpretation may be available upon request. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided.
Sunday March 6, 2022 Sensory Friendly hour is the first Sunday of the month, one hour prior to opening. 
Sensory Friendly Films on the Big Screen Enjoy the magic of the movies every month in an environment that’s a little quieter and a little brighter. Getting up to dance, walk, shout and sing is all part of the experience at an AMC Sensory Friendly Film. To Learn More 
Healthy Happenings Emails 
In case you missed one, or want to check back in, our Healthy Heroes is now Healthy Happenings emails which are published weekly for up-to-date Autism Alliance programming and community resources designed to keep you connected and supported. You can find these archived on our website along with our current and past monthly newsletters.
*Please submit requests for accommodations, including ASL interpreters, at least 2 weeks prior to the event date to AutismAlliance@Advocates.org or (508) 652-9900 Connect With Us
www.AutismAlliance.org | (508) 652-9900 | AutismAlliance@Advocates.org Our Contact Information 
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