Connections for Autism and Other Disabilities

09/03/2026

Calling all families and caregivers of young children with autism. Check out this free webinar from our colleagues at Autism Navigator. This webinar is for families of children 1 to 8 years of age who are concerned about their child's social communication development, challenging behavior, or possible autism, or anyone interested in learning more about autism. Be sure to request your FREE code to the How-To Guide course after attending the webinar.

Scan the QR code or click here to learn more and register: https://autismnavigator.com/masterclass-autism-navigator-how-to-guide-for-families/

09/02/2026

The Emerging Advocates Youth ASAP program, developed by the Nisonger Center in collaboration with the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council through the Emerging Advocate Grant, provides tools and resources to help young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build confidence, understand their rights, strengthen leadership skills, and take an active role in their IEP and 504 meetings.
Designed for students ages 11–22, ASAP is a culturally responsive, strengths-based, and neurodiversity-affirming curriculum that empowers youth to advocate for themselves and actively participate in planning for their future.
Access the free curriculum, activities, and family resources: https://go.osu.edu/emerging_advocate?utm_campaign=med_marketing-activity_fy27&utm_content=1788278990&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

08/31/2026

A Student Snapshot is a tool to introduce your child/youth to school staff that provides a lot of important information quickly and concisely.

When you include your child/youth in creating a Snapshot, they get to observe you modeling advocacy skills. At first, they might only contribute to sharing their likes and current interests. As time goes on, they can contribute more and develop their own self-advocacy skills.

You can find the resources shared during last week's Return to School webinar for making your own Student Snapshot on our website. Join us again this Wednesday at noon for another Return to School Webinar.

https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/rts-2026/

08/30/2026

🎉 There’s a lot happening at Connections for Autism and Other Disabilities this fall! 💙

💙 2026 GRANTS – Applications Due September 11!

We are offering three grant opportunities:
• Family Grant – direct support for families;
• Provider Expansion Grant – helping expand services in our rural communities; and
• Creative Expression Grant in honor of Archer Niese– supporting children and teens.

Our grants serve Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert & Williams Counties. 💙 Grant Information & Applications:
https://www.connectionsforautismnwohio.org/grants

🎟️ 3rd Annual Fundraiser – October 24, 2026
Tickets are $50 and include dinner, snacks, and beverages, plus raffles, a silent auction, games, DJ entertainment, and more!

👉 Follow our Facebook event for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/share/17NAkPt5b1/

Every ticket purchased and every dollar raised helps us provide resources and grants directly to families and providers in Northwest Ohio.

🎟️ Fundraiser Tickets & Information:
https://www.connectionsforautismnwohio.org/2026-events-and-sponsors

Please share and help us spread the word! 💙

Grant OpportunitiesConnections for Autism and Other Disabilities is committed to supporting individuals with developmental and learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who serve them throughout Northwest Ohio. Our grant programs are designed to expand access to needed services an...

08/30/2026

📣 Registration is now open for the Fall 2026 Autism Basics Webinar Series!

Join the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) for this free four-part virtual series with Jillian Reiher, PhD.

Topics include:
🔹 What is Autism?
🔹 Therapy Options
🔹 Treating Dangerous Behavior
🔹 School Programming

📅 Wednesdays in October
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM
💻 Virtual and free to attend

Everyone is welcome! You may attend all four sessions or select the sessions that are most helpful to you. Sessions will also be recorded, and live sessions are approved for foster parent training credit.

🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/Autismbasics

08/27/2026

🇺🇸 Calling all local students! 🇺🇸

New Bavaria VFW Post 8847 is excited to offer two great opportunities for students to share their voices, show their patriotism, and compete for local awards and national scholarships!

✏️ PATRIOT’S PEN
Open to students in grades 6–8

🎙️ VOICE OF DEMOCRACY
Open to students in grades 9–12

🏆 LOCAL AWARDS FROM NEW BAVARIA VFW POST 8847

🥇 1st Place — $250
🥈 2nd Place — $175
🥉 3rd Place — $125

And the opportunity doesn’t stop there! Winning entries can advance from the local Post level to District, State, and National competition, with additional scholarships and awards available along the way.

At the national level, first place can win:
✏️ Patriot’s Pen — $5,000
🎙️ Voice of Democracy — $35,000 scholarship

🇺🇸 2026–2027 Theme:
“What a Veteran Taught Me About America”

📅 Entry Deadline: October 31, 2026

For complete rules, requirements, and entry information:

Patriot’s Pen (Grades 6–8):
https://vfwfoundation.org/programs/youth-education/patriots-pen/

Voice of Democracy (Grades 9–12):
https://vfwfoundation.org/programs/youth-education/voice-of-democracy/

You can also scan the QR codes on the flyers for additional information.

📞 Questions or need help getting started?
Contact Chelsie Niese at 419-905-7201.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this with local students, parents, grandparents, teachers, and schools! ❤️🤍💙

We would love to see our local students represented as they compete for the opportunity to advance! 🇺🇸

08/27/2026

04/16/2026

📣Job Posting

Full-Time Early Intervention Developmental Specialist

🔗Link: https://www.henrydd.org/contact-hope.../job-opportunities/

04/16/2026

Registration is now open for The Collaborative IEP Experience, an in-person conference in Greater Cincinnati this June.

If you’ve ever walked out of an IEP meeting thinking, “What just happened?”… this is for you.

Most people were never taught how this process actually works—how decisions are made, how to respond, and how to stay grounded in the moment.

That’s what this experience is built to change.

This is not a typical conference. It’s two days focused on real-world strategy, practical application of the law, and meaningful collaboration.

Featuring Pete Wright of Wrightslaw and a full day on The Collaborative IEP approach.

You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and a plan for what to do next.
Early Bird Registration is open now.

03/31/2026

Join us Monday, April 20th for our next Free Legal Clinic- When Waivers Are Denied: Your Options and Rights.

You can learn more and register to attend at lawyers4students.com/legalclinic