Azulblue United by Autism

08/20/2026

💙 Grant a Gift Autism Foundation Ackerman Center invites you to join us for International FASD Awareness Day! 💙

On September 9, come learn more about Thriving Together: Resilient Pathways Forward, an innovative, evidence-informed therapy approach created to better support youth living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) / Prenatal Substance Exposure (PSE) and their caregivers.

Presented by Dr. Julie Beasley, Child Neuropsychologist, and Dr. Holly Summers, Licensed Psychologist, this special event will share program insights, family feedback, and real-world outcomes while giving attendees the opportunity to connect with others supporting youth and families in our community.

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 PDS Health | 2460 Paseo Verde Parkway, Ste. 145, Henderson
🎟️ No cost to attend

Join Grant a Gift Autism Foundation as we come together to learn, connect, and help build stronger, more resilient pathways forward for families. 💙

🔗 Register today: www.grantagift.com/fasd-awareness-day


💙 Grant a Gift Autism Foundation Ackerman Center te invita a conmemorar el Día Internacional de Concientización sobre el FASD! 💙

Este 9 de septiembre, acompáñanos para conocer más sobre Thriving Together: Resilient Pathways Forward (Prosperando Juntos: Caminos Resilientes Hacia el Futuro), un enfoque terapéutico innovador y basado en evidencia, creado para brindar mayor apoyo a jóvenes que viven con Trastornos del Espectro Alcohólico Fetal (FASD) / Exposición Prenatal a Sustancias (PSE) y a sus cuidadores.

Presentado por la Dra. Julie Beasley, Neuropsicóloga Infantil, y la Dra. Holly Summers, Psicóloga Licenciada, este evento especial compartirá información sobre el programa, experiencias de familias y resultados obtenidos en situaciones reales. También será una excelente oportunidad para aprender, conectar y crear redes de apoyo con otras personas comprometidas con nuestros jóvenes y familias.

📅 Miércoles, 9 de septiembre
⏰ 11:30 a. m. – 1:30 p. m.
📍 PDS Health | 2460 Paseo Verde Parkway, Ste. 145, Henderson
🎟️ Evento GRATUITO!

💙 Acompaña a Grant a Gift Autism Foundation mientras nos unimos para aprender, crear conexiones y continuar construyendo caminos más fuertes y resilientes para nuestros jóvenes y sus familias.

🔗 Regístrate hoy:www.grantagift.com/fasd-awareness-day

In recognition of International FASD Awareness Day, join us on September 9th for Thriving Together: Resilient Pathways Forward, an innovative, evidence-informed therapy intervention developed to address a significant gap in services for youth living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)/Prenatal Substance Exposure (PSE) and their caregivers.

Presented by Dr. Julie Beasley, Child Neuropsychologist, and Dr. Holly Summers, Licensed Psychologist, this special event will offer an inside look at what we’re learning through Thriving Together, including program data, family feedback, and real-world outcomes.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect and network with others working to support youth and families in our community.

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 PDS Health | 2460 Paseo Verde Parkway, Ste. 145, Henderson
🎟️ No cost to attend

Be among the first to learn more about this NEW approach and the resilient pathways we can build together.

Register today at www.grantagift.com/fasd-awareness-day

*This program is supported in part by Fund for a Resilient Nevada.

08/19/2026

08/19/2026

📢 Lunch & Learn 2026: Alternatives to Guardianship — Understanding Nevada SB 346

The Nevada Governor's Council On Developmental Disabilities (NGCDD) is providing this FREE virtual Lunch & Learn to help families, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, educators, healthcare professionals, advocates, and community members better understand Nevada SB 346 and alternatives to guardianship.

📅 August 19, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST
💻 Via Zoom
🎤 Presenter: Kathleen McCloskey, M.A., C.P.M., Statutory and Family Support Unit Program Manager

This session will explain what SB 346 changes, why it matters, and how less restrictive alternatives to guardianship can be considered before guardianship decisions are made. Attendees will also learn about the Nevada Guardianship Decision Tool, a free resource designed to help families and professionals identify concerns, explore alternatives, and document those options.

💙 This educational opportunity is provided by the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Registration:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo0rToWSXE4WJhHlo4vkniQk8R_MdO65luPXwiInxGKmfTEw/viewform?usp=header

📧For questions, contact Marisol Rivas, Projects Manager, Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities at [email protected].

📢 Lunch & Learn 2026: Alternativas a la Tutela — Comprendiendo la Ley SB 346 de Nevada

El Consejo del Gobernador de Nevada sobre Discapacidades del Desarrollo (NGCDD) está ofreciendo este Lunch & Learn virtual y GRATUITO para ayudar a familias, personas con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo, educadores, profesionales de la salud, defensores y miembros de la comunidad a comprender mejor la Ley SB 346 de Nevada y las alternativas a la tutela.

📅 19 de agosto de 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST
💻 Vía Zoom
🎤 Presentadora: Kathleen McCloskey, M.A., C.P.M., Gerente del Programa de Apoyo Estatutario y Familiar

Esta sesión explicará qué cambios establece la SB 346, por qué son importantes y cómo se pueden considerar alternativas menos restrictivas antes de tomar una decisión sobre la tutela.

Los participantes también conocerán la Herramienta de Decisión sobre Tutela de Nevada, un recurso gratuito diseñado para ayudar a las familias y profesionales a identificar áreas de preocupación, explorar alternativas y documentar las opciones consideradas.

💙 Esta oportunidad educativa es proporcionada por el Consejo del Gobernador de Nevada sobre Discapacidades del Desarrollo.
🔗 Registro:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo0rToWSXE4WJhHlo4vkniQk8R_MdO65luPXwiInxGKmfTEw/viewform?usp=header

📧 Para preguntas, comuníquese con Marisol Rivas, Gerente de Proyectos del Consejo del Gobernador de Nevada sobre Discapacidades del Desarrollo, al correo: [email protected].

The Nevada Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is hosting a series of Lunch and Learn opportunities to discuss various topics that surround the disability community in Nevada in 2026. Registration is required for each series to provide information on any accommodations you may need, thi...

08/19/2026

08/19/2026

What does this mean for our families?!

CCSD is asking Nevada lawmakers for more funding for special education because the district is required by federal law to provide every service listed in a student’s IEP — even when state and federal funding do not fully cover the cost.

Right now, CCSD says it has to move about $176 million from its general fund into special education just to meet those legal requirements. The district is now looking to request more than $480 million over two years to better fund services such as:
• One-to-one aides
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Assistive technology
• Other supports required by a student’s IEP

Why does this matter? Because when special education is underfunded, CCSD still has to provide those services. That means money has to come from somewhere else — often the district’s general fund, which also pays for teachers, classrooms, programs, and other school needs.
CCSD is also asking lawmakers to change the way school funding is calculated. Currently, funding can change during the school year based on enrollment numbers, which can lead to unexpected staffing and program cuts. The district wants a more stable system so schools can better plan their budgets without major disruptions.

The main message is simple: Special education services are not optional. If a service is written into a child’s IEP, the school district is legally required to provide it. CCSD is asking the State of Nevada to provide enough funding to properly meet those obligations instead of forcing schools to pull hundreds of millions of dollars from other educational needs.

According to the information presented, Nevada also ranks 47th in the nation in per-student education funding and spends about $5,000 less per student than the national average.
Ultimately, this funding request is about making sure students with disabilities receive the services and support they are legally entitled to while also protecting resources for classrooms and students throughout the district.

Qué significa esto para nuestras familias?!

CCSD está solicitando a los legisladores de Nevada más fondos para la educación especial, ya que el distrito está obligado por ley federal a proporcionar todos los servicios incluidos en el IEP de cada estudiante, aun cuando los fondos estatales y federales no cubran completamente esos costos.
Actualmente, CCSD informa que tiene que transferir aproximadamente $176 millones de dólares de su fondo general a educación especial para poder cumplir con esas obligaciones legales. Ahora, el distrito busca solicitar más de $480 millones de dólares durante un período de dos años para ayudar a cubrir servicios como:
• Asistentes individuales de uno a uno
• Terapia del habla
• Terapia ocupacional
• Tecnología de asistencia
• Otros apoyos establecidos en el IEP de cada estudiante

Por qué es importante esto? Porque cuando la educación especial no recibe suficientes fondos, CCSD de todos modos está obligado a proporcionar esos servicios. Eso significa que el dinero tiene que salir de otras áreas del presupuesto general, el cual también cubre maestros, salones de clases, programas y otras necesidades escolares.

CCSD también está pidiendo cambios en la manera en que se calcula el financiamiento escolar. Actualmente, los fondos pueden cambiar durante el año escolar dependiendo de la matrícula estudiantil, lo que puede provocar recortes inesperados de personal y programas. El distrito busca un sistema más estable para que las escuelas puedan planificar mejor sus presupuestos y evitar interrupciones durante el año.

El mensaje principal es sencillo: Los servicios de educación especial no son opcionales. Si un servicio está escrito en el IEP de un estudiante, el distrito escolar tiene la obligación legal de proporcionarlo. CCSD está pidiendo al Estado de Nevada que proporcione los fondos necesarios para cumplir adecuadamente con esas responsabilidades, en lugar de tener que retirar cientos de millones de dólares de otras áreas de la educación.

Según la información presentada, Nevada también ocupa el puesto 47 a nivel nacional en financiamiento por estudiante y gasta aproximadamente $5,000 dólares menos por estudiante que el promedio nacional.
En resumen, esta solicitud de fondos busca garantizar que los estudiantes con discapacidades reciban los servicios y apoyos que legalmente les corresponden, mientras también se protegen los recursos destinados a los salones de clases y a todos los estudiantes del distrito.

08/14/2026

💙 With Gratitude — 2026 Silver State Self-Advocacy Conference 💙

Azulblue United by Autism would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Nevada Governor's Council On Developmental Disabilities (NGCDD) for an incredible 2026 Silver State Self-Advocacy Conference filled with inspiring speakers, meaningful conversations, valuable resources, and unforgettable moments.

We are especially grateful for NGCDD’s continued commitment to making our community visible, listening to the voices of individuals and families, and acknowledging the needs, concerns, and experiences that matter to them. Creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered is an important part of building a more inclusive Nevada.
It was truly an honor for Azulblue United by Autism to participate as a vendor and have the opportunity to connect with families, advocates, self-advocates, professionals, and community partners. Being able to share vital information and resources with those attending means so much to us. Even more meaningful were the new friendships, connections, and memories we were able to make along the way.

We are also incredibly humbled and grateful for the recognitions and awards presented to members of our Azulblue team. These honors remind us that advocacy is never the work of just one person—it is the collective effort of individuals, families, advocates, organizations, and community leaders who continue showing up and using their voices to make a difference.
And a very special congratulations to the 2026 Policy Making Graduates! 🎓👏 May you continue using the knowledge, confidence, and tools you have gained to advocate, lead, create change, and ensure that the voices of our community are represented where decisions are made.

To NGCDD, the speakers, organizers, advocates, families, self-advocates, and everyone who helped make this conference so meaningful: thank you for allowing us to be part of something so special.
We leave this year's conference with full hearts, new friendships, beautiful memories, and an even stronger commitment to continue advocating alongside our community.

💙 When we come together, listen to one another, and ensure every voice has a place at the table, we don't just create awareness—we create change.
With immense gratitude,
Azulblue United by Autism 💙

08/11/2026

💙NEVADA FAMILIES: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

Did you know that GUARDIANSHIP is not always the only option when supporting a person with an intellectual or developmental disability?

Join NGCDD for this important Lunch & Learn 2026: “Alternatives to Guardianship: Understanding Nevada SB 346,” presented by the Nevada Governor's Council On Developmental Disabilities.

📅 August 19, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST
💻 Via Zoom
🎤 Presenter: Kathleen McCloskey, M.A., C.P.M.

This session will help families understand what SB 346 changes, why considering less restrictive alternatives to guardianship matters, and what tools are available to help families make informed decisions while protecting the independence, rights, choices, and voice of individuals with disabilities.

💙 As families and advocates, it is important that we understand the laws that may impact the future of our loved ones. Being informed empowers us to make better decisions, ask the right questions, and stand up for their rights.

📝 Register today!

🔗 Registration: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo0rToWSXE4WJhHlo4vkniQk8R_MdO65luPXwiInxGKmfTEw/viewform?usp=header](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo0rToWSXE4WJhHlo4vkniQk8R_MdO65luPXwiInxGKmfTEw/viewform?usp=header)

💙 Azulblue United by Autism — United to inform, empower, and advocate for our families.





💙FAMILIAS DE NEVADA: CONOCER SUS OPCIONES ES PODER!

Sabías que la TUTELA no siempre es la única opción para apoyar a una persona con discapacidad intelectual o del desarrollo?

Acompáñe a NGCDD en este importante Lunch & Learn 2026: “Alternativas a la Tutela: Entendiendo la Ley SB 346 de Nevada”, presentado por el Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.

📅 19 de agosto de 2026
⏰ 12:00 p. m. – 1:00 p. m. (PST)
💻 Vía Zoom
🎤 Presentadora: Kathleen McCloskey, M.A., C.P.M.

Esta sesión ayudará a las familias a comprender qué cambia con la SB 346, por qué es importante considerar alternativas menos restrictivas a la tutela y qué herramientas existen para tomar decisiones informadas, respetando al máximo la independencia, los derechos y la voz de las personas con discapacidad.

💙Como familias y defensores, debemos conocer las leyes que pueden impactar el futuro de nuestros seres queridos. Informarnos nos ayuda a tomar mejores decisiones, hacer las preguntas correctas y defender sus derechos.

📝Regístrate!

🔗 Registro: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo0rToWSXE4WJhHlo4vkniQk8R_MdO65luPXwiInxGKmfTEw/viewform?usp=header](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo0rToWSXE4WJhHlo4vkniQk8R_MdO65luPXwiInxGKmfTEw/viewform?usp=header)

💙Azulblue United by Autism — Unidos para informar, empoderar y defender a nuestras familias.

08/11/2026

Did you participate in the 2026 Silver State Self-Defense Conference? We invite you to complete your survey. The Nevada Governor's Council On Developmental Disabilities is eager to receive feedback on their expertise and identify areas for improvement at future conferences. The survey is accessible through this link:

Participaste en la Conferencia de Autodefensa del Estado de Plata 2026? Le invitamos a completar su encuesta. El Consejo del Gobernador de Nevada sobre Discapacidades del Desarrollo está ansioso por recibir sus comentarios sobre su experiencia e identificar áreas de mejora en futuras conferencias. La encuesta es accesible a través de este enlace:

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