Our July Toolkit focuses on focuses on strengthening family bonds, inclusive summer activities, and back-to-school prep; additionally, we’ll continue emphasizing COVID-19 vaccination information and general COVID-19 support. Our policy resources review schools reopening and rights for students with 504s and IEPs, the Keeping All Students Safe Act, long-term care serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, and the State Advocacy Toolkit to advocate for COVID-19 funding for targeted programs.

Strengthening Family Bonds

• The Warner Family Story
• Autism & The Family Dynamics Facebook Live episode
• Building Sibling Relationship Panel
• 8 Ways to Build a Strong, Loving Bond With Your Autistic Child

Inclusive Summer Activities

• 30 Summer Fun Activities
• Lessons from the Autism Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• What to Look for In a Summer Camp During COVID-19

Back-To-School Prep

• Back to School: A Global Discussion
• Helping Students with Autism Navigate Back-to-School Time
• Is The Pandemic A Chance To Reimagine Special Education?
• Tips for Transitioning Kids on the Autism Spectrum Back to School During the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 Resources

• Returning to Life with Autism in a Post-Pandemic World
• Children With Autism Need a Post-Covid Boost
• Autism Society of America Encourages Autism Community to Vaccinate Eligible Adolescents as the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Receives EUA

Policy Resources

• The Office for Civil Rights, under the Department of Education, recently published updated guidance regarding reopening and rights for students with 504s and IEPs.
• The Keeping All Students Safe Act (KASSA) will make it illegal for any school that receives federal funds to seclude a child or use dangerous restraint practices that restrict breathing.
• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a rule that will ensure long-term care serving clients with intellectual disabilities.
• Check out this State Advocacy Toolkit to advocate for COVID-19 funding for target programs.

The Autism Society’s National Contact Center staff are here to support you and provide you with the resources you need. Our Information & Referral Specialists are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Eastern Time) at 800-3-AUTISM (800-328-8476) or info@autism-society.org.

The Autism Society is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all affected by autism. $50 allows the Autism Society to provide an hour of support to our affiliate network to create localized education resources, support, and advocacy to individuals and families affected by autism. If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting our efforts through a donation, every bit helps. Donate here!