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Welcome to the Team......

The 2015 Walk Committee is hard at work organizing our 14th Annual Walk for Autism.  The committee is pleased to announce and welcome our 

2015 Walk Chair Family: Albert, Rebecca, Victoria, and Chloe Boorady

We are honored to be the Chair Family for the 2015 Walk for Autism.  It is through the Walk, that we were first introduced to the Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania.  Since both of our girls were diagnosed, we strived to learn as much as we can about autism and about our children.  It was that focus that brought us to the ASA-NWPA.
The ASA-NWPA welcomed us and invited our family to join them for many fun outings and sensory-friendly events.  Through their website, they keep us informed about news directly related to autism and notify us about local classes and workshops to increase our understanding of autism.  We appreciate that the ASA-NWPA provides opportunities for those with autism and their families to participate in the Erie community.
When our family participated in our first Walk, we came to know an organization that is helping us on our journey to better understand and support those on the spectrum.  Our hope is that this Walk does the same for you.  Thank you for your support,  Albert, Rebecca, Victoria and Chloe Boorady

14th Annual Walk for Autism     

MORE INFORMATION

Saturday, April 25, 2015
Registration:  9:30 am to 10:45 am
Pre-walk announcements: 10:45am
Walk:  11:00 am

Want to Help the Walk?

The 2014 Walk for Autism brought in over 2,000 walkers, 70 teams, and 100 volunteers...are you ready to make 2015 even  BETTER?

WALK REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN - Register today online

Donate a themed basket....all baskets should be valued at least $25 and be delivered to the Autism Society NWPA office (1062 Brown Avenue Erie PA) no later than MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015.

Sponsor of the Walk...we distributed over 1,800 commemorative t-shirts for the 2014 Walk which are seen throughout the local community.  Sponsor the Walk at the Bronze level or above and be included on the 14th Annual Walk for Autism commemorative t-shirt. We also offer sponsorship recognition for in-kind donations, i.e. donation of cases of water.  Please contact the ASA-NWPA office for more information on in-kind donations (814) 455-3540. Sponsorship forms.  Deadline for sponsorship is MARCH 31, 2015.  

Vendors....the Walk is a perfect time to bring various agencies/organizations together to highlight their services as related to autism, we offer vendor space at the Walk to promote and raise awareness of agencies and organizations available to our families. Click here for more information about vendor tables at the Walk or to register online.

Volunteer at the Walk...our organization depends on our volunteers to make the annual Walk a huge success.  We utilize approximately 100 volunteers to set-up, run, and clean-up after the Walk.  Deadline for volunteer registration is APRIL 1, 2015.  REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER

Create a team...a Walk is always more fun with friends and family!  Now creating and fundraising for your team is a whole lot easier.  Click here more information about creating a team or helpful fundraiser tips. 

Family Sensory & Social Opportunities


Afternoon of Swimming

WHEN:  Saturday, March 7, 2015

TIME:   3:00 to 5:30 PM

WHERE:  McDowell Intermediate School - 3320 Caughey Rd Erie

Let's escape the winter blues for an afternoon!  Join us for a warm afternoon at the MIHS indoor pool.  Lifeguards will be on duty.  Bring the kiddos and teens to come splash around. Make it a family swim day!

MEMBERS:  FREE

NON-MEMBERS:  $2.00 per person

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUESTED in advance to ensure we have enouogh lifeguards on staff.  Please make your reservations by Wednesday, March 4.

During APRIL - AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH, Autism Society NWPA sponsors events in honor of Autism Awareness.  These events are open and FREE to families and individuals of all ages living with an autism spectrum disorder.

ANNUAL LUNCH & BOWL - NEW DAY!

WHEN:  SATURDAY, March 28, 2015

TIME:  2:00 to 4:00 PM

WHERE:  Rolling Meadow Lanes - 3304 Zuck Road Erie PA

Includes 2 games of bowling, shoe rental, and pizza lunch.  RESERVATIONS REQUIRED by March 23

ROLLER SKATING - Sensory Friendly

WHEN:  Sunday, April 12, 2015

TIME:   5:00 to 7:00 PM

WHERE:  Presque Isle Skating & Event Center - 3162 West Lake Rd Erie PA

Join us for an evening of roller skating in a sensory friendly environment with lights on, strobe lights turned off, and music turned down. Parents are welcome to walk around (without skates) to help their children and teens learn to skate.  RESERVATIONS REQUESTED by April 8
Annual Household Membership

Children are special gifts. Many of us search for that perfect toy car, doll, video game, or gift card to give a child for birthdays and holidays. At the Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania, we have a great gift idea for the growing number of families and professionals helping those with Autism…an annual membership. 

This membership is a gift to include the sensory and social family outings for free or at reduced cost to many local sites and events in Erie.  We also offer member-only and member appreciation events. 

The cost for the membership is only $25 per household. 

In addition to the events and great support from other families and children, the benefits of community resources are abundant.  

Don't forget the grandparents!  A perfect way to include grandparents all year long.

Contact the office at (814) 455-3540 if you would like to gift a membership for a family.

Not a member and would like to join?  click JOIN NOW

If you would like to make a donation to the Autism Society - Northwestern Pennsylvania click on the button to donate online or mail a check to ASA-NWPA P.O. Box 3923, Erie, PA 16508 

MARCH 2015

Alphabet Soup

Welcome to our corner of tidbits

 What is Equine Assisted Learning/Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Human-horse interaction can facilitate personal exploration of feelings, powers of intuition, and understanding of self, nature, relationships and communication. Furthermore, horses can help develop emotional growth, sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem, knowledge and well-being, as well as improve the quality of life for people. Equine Assisted Learning provides opportunities to enhance self-awareness and re-pattern maladaptive behaviors, feelings, and attitudes. The focus of EAL is not riding or horsemanship. In fact 90% of EAL takes place purely on the ground. Objectives of equine assisted learning include arranging activities involving horses, which will require the individual to  develop and apply certain skills such as verbal and non-verbal communication, assertiveness, problem-solving, leadership, creative thinking, responsibility, confidence, teamwork relationships, and attitude.

Goals for individuals are typically focused on development of social skills, group participation, speech and language enhancement, organizing abilities, problem solving, resolution of inner conflicts, and improvement in levels of self-esteem. The person-horse bond can develop the following qualities: mutual trust, respect, affection, empathy, unconditional acceptance, confidence, personal success, responsibility, assertiveness, communication skills, and self-control.

-Taken from “International Journal of Clinical and HealthPsychology”

Blended Spirits Ranch and Autism Society NWPA have teamed up to offer 
Equine Assisted Learning/Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Program for youth and young adults on the autism spectrum

Equine Assisted Learning for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum is a pilot program to help teens and young adults (age 11—22) with autism spectrum disorders build their self-esteem and give them the tools to overcome bullying at their school and places of employment. Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania is collaborating with Blended Spirits Ranch in order to offer this pilot program.  The program will meet once a week for 8-weeks:

WHEN:  Thursdays –
April 9 – May 28, 2015
TIME:  4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
WHERE:  Blended Spirits Ranch 

You may have heard by now that the roof of the indoor riding arena for Blended Spirits Ranch caved in on Saturday, February 14, 2015.  Thankfully no one was hurt and all horses are safe. Blended Spirits Ranch is resilient and this set back will not change their drive to support youth and adults in our community.  The pilot program will continue as planned.  

The tuition is $320 per person for the 8-week session.  Autism Society NWPA is sponsoring 50% of the tuition.  Participants will be  responsible for $160 per person for the 8-week session, which is due with registration.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

REGISTER ONLINE

Are you a TEAM CAPTAIN?

or thinking about starting a team?

This year, being a team leader will be even more exciting as we are offering several tools for teams.

Team Packet & Information Guide

How to Create Your Team Page

(PLEASE NOTE:  You must create your team page to register your team name before your team members can register to walk)

Once your team page is set up, you can share page on Facebook and email family and friends.

Please contact the office if you have any questions (814) 455-3540 or email:  autismsociety@nwpaasa.org

We are pleased to announce...



Pieces for Hope Autism campaign will take place April 13 - 19, 2015 with 100% of Puzzle Piece Shortbread Cookie proceeds benefiting Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania!

Mark your calendars to get your cookies!

Sensory Friendly School House Rock Live
Sponsored by Autism Society NWPA

WHEN:  Saturday, March 14, 2015

TIME:  2:00 PM (approximately 1 hour performance)

WHERE:  McDowell Intermediate High School

We are pleased to announce McDowell Intermediate Theater Department will be offering a sensory friendly performance.

Accommodations: A “Quiet Room” for children who need a break (the lobby), and an option of noise blocking headphones (a limited number of these will be available at the ticket table).

How will the performance be Sensory Friendly?  House lights will be at 50%, and light transitions will be minimal and not overly abrupt.  Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing – in other words, the typical “silence” policy will not be enforced and audience participation will be expected as part of the play.  Being able to relax and enjoy quality family time without worrying if someone will complain or be disturbed by noise of movement!

Autism Society NWPA MEMBERS – Members of the Autism Society NWPA will receive complimentary admission with preregistration ONLY.  You MUST bring your reservation confirmation email in order to receive this benefit. MEMBER RESERVATIONS
CLICK HERE

  General Admission – $5.00 – Non-members and extended family may purchase tickets at the door.
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Autism Society - Northwestern Pennsylvania exists to improve the quality of life
 across the lifespan of persons on the Autism Spectrum and their families
in Erie, Crawford, Venango, and Mercer Counties through:
▪ Advocacy     ▪ Education     ▪ Service     ▪ Support     ▪ Research 

1062 Brown Avenue Erie PA 16502 - P.O. Box 3923 Erie PA  16508 - (814) 455-3540
autismsociety@nwpaasa.org - www.nwpaasa.org
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