Special Needs Trusts
Join us on Thursday, May 9th via Zoom as we learn more about the different types of Special Needs Trust and how to protect your loved one’s future.
My Autism Ally is happy to host Gordon Homes CFA from Mass Mutual for this informative presentation. Gordon is also a parent of a child with special needs so he speaks from experience! This event is via Zoom only. Please RSVP here.
Northeast Indiana Disabilities EXPO
My Autism Ally is excited to be a sponsor and provide the Sensory Calming Area at this year’s Northeast Indiana Disabilities EXPO. The Spectrum Sisters will be back to provide facepainting as well.
Find out everything you need to know about this year’s event at their website https://disabilitiesexpoindiana.org/
FREE ADMISSION to the event and FREE PARKING (just tell the parking attendant you’re there for the Disabilities Expo)
Our Children, Our Future Resource Fair and Family Fun Night
The Resource Fair is from 1-3pm and Family Fun Night will be from 4-7pm at the Renaissance Point YMCA - 2323 Bowser Ave. Fort Wayne.
BuskerFest 2024
My Autism Ally is excited to participate in BuskerFest 2024. This event is Saturday, May 18th from 3-9pm in downtown Fort Wayne. We will be providing a sensory calming area for this event. Be watching our social media as we are still working on details for this event. This year’s circus-themed event will be held again at the intersection of Wayne and Calhoun Streets. To find out more about Buskerfest, go to their website https://downtownfortwayne.com/buskerfest/
Street parking will be free on Saturday. For more parking information, check out the Downtown Public Parking map or text PARK to 46862.
Transition to Adult Services Information Fair
What programs and services are available for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities post high school? If you have a child 14 or older, regardless where your child attends school, we invite you to come and get information to prepare for the transition from school to adult services.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Tuesday, April 23rd - 6:30-8pm - In-person and Zoom
Park Community Church - 617 South Bennett Street - Bluffton, IN
Join us on Tuesday, April 23rd as we learn more about AAC devices from Nicole Smith, M.A., CCC-SLP. This presentation will be and explanation of AAC, an overview of PRC-Saltillo’s products and services, funding information, what your consultant can do for you. Your RSVP is appreciated. Child care available upon request.
Spring Into Reading with Dr. Seuss
We are once again partnering with Purdue Fort Wayne School of Education to host our annual sensory friendly Dr. Seuss Party and you are invited to be part of the fun! The focus of the event is to celebrate reading, have fun with crafts and games and get valuable information about resources in our community. This event is FREE. Join us on Saturday, April 13th at the Walb Student Union Classic Ballroom on the PFW campus - 2101 East Coliseum Boulevard Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Here is a campus map to help you. https://www.pfw.edu/campus-map
Questions? Email us at info@myautismally.org
Light It Up RED
The Light it up RED campaign allows everyone to show their support for autistics in our community. Whether you light up a room in your home, your front porch, your business or a bridge we invite everyone in our community to participate during April- Autism Acceptance Month. You can join us for a day, week or whole month. We’d love to share your photos so tag us on social media with #LightItUpRedMAA
You can find out more on our webpage
If you are a local business interested in participtating in our Light it up RED campaign, we would like to add your logo on the webpage . If you have questions, contact Samantha Drudge at sdrudge@myautismally.org
Navigating the SSI Process
Join us via Zoom on Thursday, March 21st from 6:30-8pm when we host Karly Poulter, Executive Director of the ARC Advocacy Network. Karly will be presenting on the topic, Navigating the SSI Process. Karly will explain Social Security disability programs, the process Social Security uses to make a disability determination, and steps families can take to make this process easier.
Click here to RSVP for this informative training!
Questions? Email us at info@myautismally.org
Glow In the Dark Egg Hunt
PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTING RSVP'S. PLEASE WATCH FOR MORE AUSOME PLAYDATE OPPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Join us on Saturday, March 2nd for our first AUSOME PLAYDATE of the year! What are Ausome Playdates you ask? They are small gatherings where the whole family is invited to come. These are great opportunities for your child to socialize and for you to connect with other caregivers. Some of the outings will be free, others will have additional cost. The event has limited space available and RSVP's are REQUIRED. Please fill out this form. Due to limited space, we are asking that each child be accompanied by ONE ADULT. For example, if you have two children, you can have two adults attending, but not more than two. Thank you for helping us serve as many families/children as possible.
Combat Ops will be closed to the general public during our event. Light refreshments are available for purchase from Combat Ops, but outside snacks are allowed for our kiddos that have food sensitivities. Combat Ops will have most of their games available- we're going to take a pass on the axe throwing...
For more information about the games and associated costs to play, please visit their website https://combatops.com/fort-wayne/ The egg hunt is free. There will be a sensory calming space available. Please email us at info@myautismally.org if you have additional questions.
Communicating with Schools: Collaborative Strategies for Positive Outcomes
Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, February 27th from 6:30-8pm as Samantha Drudge, Special Education Liaison for INSOURCE presents, Communicating With Schools: Collaborative Strategies For Positive Outcomes.
Federal and state special education law provides structure for positive working relationships between parents and schools. The use of effective communication techniques can enhance collaborative relationships and minimize conflict. This presentation will provide ideas to build positive relationships between parents and schools through verbal and nonverbal communication.
Click here to RSVP for this informative training!
Questions? Email us at info@myautismally.org
INvestABLE - Planning for your child’s financial future- ZOOM EVENT
Amy Corbin will be speaking about INvestABLE Indiana. This program allows those with disabilities the ability to save money, while preserving their SSI and Medicaid.
Wine Tasting to benefit My Autism Ally
An evening of wine by Vino Indiana with well known Sommelier Roberto Splendore. Delicious food provided by one of Fort Wayne favorite locally owned restaurants, Oley's Pizza, Pasta Pub and a commemorative wine glass. You must be 21 year of age or older to participate
Possibilities Northeast Sensory Inclusive Trunk or Treat
My Autism Ally is excited to be a part of Possibilities Northeast 4th annual Sensory Inclusive Trunk or Treat. Come out and experience a safe, sensory inclusive trick or treat experience for your autistic child.
NE Indiana Guardianship Forum
My Autism Ally is proud to be a part of the Northeast Indiana/Allen County Guardianship Council and will be hosting the virtual/Zoom portion of this event. Check back for additional details as the event gets closer! Be My Autism Ally is proud to be a part of the Northeast Indiana/Allen County Guardianship Council and will be hosting the virtual/Zoom portion of this event. If you want to attend this event via Zoom, register here.
The Northeast Indiana/Allen County Guardianship Council is excited to host it's 13th annual Guardianship Forum at the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center- Cole Auditorium on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 6:00-8:00pm. This event is FREE. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the guardianship process and alternatives to guardianship available in NE Indiana.
Our panel will consist of the following presenters:
Magistrate Phillip E. Houk
Kristin L. Steckbeck
Nick Parker
Karly Sciortino-Poulter
Victoria Fox
Be sure to like their Facebook page to see additional information!
2023 Autism Acceptance Walk
Create a team and join us on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at the Allen County Fairgrounds 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46748 from noon-3:30pm. It’s an afternoon of activities and resources for the whole family- including supports for those of all ages on the autism spectrum. It’s free to park and attend so come out for the fun. Activities included:
food
indoor vendor fair
crafts
games
music play
pony rides
sensory exploration
cosplay- princesses and superheroes
local team mascots
touch a truck - including first responder vehicles
This year’s unity walk will start at 3pm. The event will end after the walk is completed.
The Autism Acceptance Walk is our largest event and fundraiser. Once again we are asking team captains to download the information packet and reach out to friends, families, co-workers, neighbors, anyone and everyone you know and raise funds for this year’s Autism Acceptance Walk to help individuals and families affected by autism in our community. My Autism Ally is a 501 c 3 and unlike other autism organizations, all donations stay and serve individuals, families in Indiana.
We are offering incentive prizes to team captains for teams raising over $250. Prize details are in the team captain information packet. You can register and download forms at https://www.myautismally.org/autism-acceptance-walk
SafeinHome Training
SafeinHome empowers people to live independently in their own homes and communities using a remote supports staff and assistive technologies. We make daily living safer while respecting the dignity of choice. Paula LeMaster, regional consultant for SafeinHome, will be presenting on Tuesday, August 22nd from 6:30-8pm during the Adams/Wells Autism Support Group meeting. You can find out more about SafeinHome at their website https://www.safeinhome.com/
This meeting is held at Park Community Church, 617 South Bennett Street, Bluffton, IN 46714.
You can attend this meeting either virtually or in person- child care is available only by request. Please RSVP here.
Education Scholarship Accounts and Supported Pathways Learning Center
What is an Indiana Education Scholarship Account?
How can it help my disabled child with their education goals?
What is the Supported Pathways Learning Center?
Join us on Thursday, August 10th at the Allen County Autism Support Group for TWO presentations! You can attend this meeting either via Zoom or in person at Partners In Autism - 601 Noble Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46825. The number of in person spaces are limited. Please RSVP here indicating your attendance preference.
My Autism Ally is happy to host PJ Vaught from the Indiana Education Scholarship Program to speak and answer your questions regarding this new education opportunity in the state of Indiana. The Indiana Education Scholarship Account Program will provide students with disabilities throughout the state of Indiana access to the educational environment that best meets their learning needs. Parents of eligible students, or emancipated eligible students, will have the opportunity to spend dedicated scholarship money on approved educational programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees, and other expenses related to the student’s education. Please explore the rest of our website to learn more about ESA and to see if you qualify as a student or a provider https://www.in.gov/tos/inesa/
After learning about the Indiana Education Scholarship Program, you can learn more about a local option for utilizing that scholarship. Courtnie Dunker from Partners In Autism will be presenting information about their Supported Pathways Learning Center. This is a unique environment where children have access to meaningful accommodations and structured supports which allow them to be academically successful. For more information about the program go to their website https://www.partnersinautism.com/supportedpathwayslearningcenter.html
RSVP for both of these event here
Sensory Play Day
My Autism Ally is excited to be a part of this year’s Sensory Play day at First Assembly Church of God. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2265918663612762
Fort Wayne Pride Festival- Sensory Calming Area
Did you know that individuals with autism are 3x more likely to identify LGBTQIA+?
To support local autistics, My Autism Ally is proud to be a part of this year’s Fort Wayne Pride Festival by providing a sensory calming area. You can find us by entering through the main entrance of Headwaters Park and immediately turn left- following the signs! We will have a tent set up in the northwest corner of the fenced pavilion area. We will have calming items, chairs and water available. Our sensory area will be available 7pm-midnight on Friday and noon- midnight on Saturday.
For more information about the Fort Wayne Pride Festival, go to their website https://www.fwpride.org/
The Lutheran Foundation: Annual Resource Fair and Family Fun Night
My Autism Ally is excited to be a part of the 7th Annual Our Children Our Future in partnership with the Lutheran Foundation Resource Fair & Family Fun Night on Thursday, May 18th. We will be providing a sensory play area as well as face painting during Family Fun Night!
The Resource Fair is scheduled from 1:00-3:00 PM and is geared towards family case managers, school staff, therapists, social workers and direct care workers in the community. Providers from throughout the community will be available to answer questions and provide information.
The Family Fun Night follows from 4:00-7:00 PM including a free meal, giveaways, raffles, games for kids. The Resource Fair will also be available during the Family Fun Night portion of this event.
Disabilities EXPO
My Autism Ally is excited to be a sponsor and attending the 2023 Disabilities EXPO. This is a great, free, indoor event with more 116 exhibitors to make this event a one-stop resource for all types of disability services and products.
To find out more about this year’s event go to https://disabilitiesexpoindiana.org/
Sensory Eggstravaganza
My Autism Ally is excited to be a part of this year’s Sensory Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 15th from noon-3pm. Activities include:
Free activities in foyer area.
Pictures with Easter bunny $5/ child
Free Admission to the gym for Easter egg hunt,
Vendors, candy, and Bounce House
For more information, check out their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SensoryFunPlayroom
TRAINING: Understanding Behaviors and Sensory Challenges.
Join us at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center as we speak about Behavior as Communication and how recognizing sensory challenges can help decrease behaviors and help autistic individuals thrive. While you’re there, check out the new Sensory Room that’s geared for adults at the Community Center.
Sensory Friendly Dr. Seuss Party
As we all know, winter gets soooo... long - so we're planning a bit of fun to look forward to. You also know that My Autism Ally likes to do events that are unique and FUN! So to celebrate Reading across America and Dr. Seuss's birthday, we are once again partnering with Purdue Fort Wayne School of Education to put together a sensory friendly Dr. Seuss Party and you are invited to be part of the fun! This event is FREE. Join us on Sunday, March 19th at the Walb Ballroom on the PFW campus - 2101 East Coliseum Boulevard Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Here is a campus map to help you. https://www.pfw.edu/campus-map
The focus of the event is to celebrate reading, and have some fun with crafts and games as well as get valuable information about resources in our community.
TRAINING: It's Your Autism Journey, Let Us Help You Soar!
Join us at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center as we speak about My Autism Ally and how we can help you on your autism journey. Check out the new Sensory Room that’s geared for adults at the Community Center while you're there!
Special Needs Trusts
My Autism Ally is happy to host another training with Gordon Homes, Financial Planner from MassMutual via Zoom on Thursday, February 23rd from 6:30-8pm and we will be addressing Special Needs Trusts. Gordon's presentations are always very informative and well worth your time. The presentation will last about 45 minutes with plenty of time afterwards for questions.
"My passion to serve is born out of my personal journey as a parent of a child with special needs. As a Special Needs Financial Planner, I help families who have children or other dependents with special needs address the serious questions concerning their future well-being. I work together with parents or caregivers to help ensure lifetime care and quality of life.”
No matter what the age or disability, families face many questions about how to prepare for their dependent's future. This workshop will address critical issues such as
Taking steps now will help your loved one's well being today and for tomorrow.
If you have questions about this workshop or wish to RSVP, contact us at info@myautismally.org or call at 260-207-4686. Your RSVP will guarantee your spot in the workshop and we will send the Zoom link to the email provided.
If you missed our 2022 events, watch them on our YouTube channel! HERE
AWETISM Group
The AWETISM Group is for anyone ages 18 and older. The goal? Support one another and form friendships.
Relax and Revel in our Neurodiversity on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6-7pm. Simultaneous In person and Zoom meetings are at
Indiana ABA Institute
2270 Lake Ave #101,
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
If you prefer to join us virtually, email us at info@myautismally.org for the Zoom link.
Spectrum Sisters Support Group
PLEASE NOTE- SPECTRUM SISTERS WILL MEET VIA ZOOM ONLY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. BE WATCHING FOR THE RETURN OF SIMULTANEOUS IN PERSON and VIRTUAL MEETINGS IN THE SPRING.
Email us at info@myautismally.org for the Zoom link.
Allen County Autism Support Group
The Allen County Autism Support Group is the longest continuously running autism support group in Northeast Indiana and is open to anyone who wants help with local resources, or advice from other autism parents and caregivers who have “been there and done that”. Regardless of age, diagnosis or functioning level of your loved one on the spectrum, this group can help.
This group meets simultaneously in-person and via Zoom. Email info@myautismally.org for the Zoom link.
WHEN: SECOND Thursday of the month
WHERE: Partners In Autism, 601 Noble Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
TIME: 6:30-8:00pm
QUESTIONS: info@myautismally.org or 260-207-4686
Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/eeeautismspectrum
AWETISM Group
The AWETISM Group is for anyone ages 18 and older. The goal? Support one another and form friendships.
Relax and Revel in our Neurodiversity on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6-7pm. Simultaneous In person and Zoom meetings are at
Indiana ABA Institute
2270 Lake Ave #101,
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
If you prefer to join us virtually, email us at info@myautismally.org for the Zoom link.
Spectrum Sisters Support Group
PLEASE NOTE- SPECTRUM SISTERS WILL MEET VIA ZOOM ONLY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. BE WATCHING FOR THE RETURN OF SIMULTANEOUS IN PERSON and VIRTUAL MEETINGS IN THE SPRING.
Email us at info@myautismally.org for the Zoom link.
AWETISM Group
The AWETISM Group is for anyone ages 18 and older. The goal? Support one another and form friendships.
Relax and Revel in our Neurodiversity on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6-7pm
Simultaneous In person and Zoom meetings are at
Indiana ABA Institute
2270 Lake Ave #101,
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
If you prefer to join us virtually, email us at info@myautismally.org for the Zoom link.
Allen County Autism Support Group
The Allen County Autism Support Group is the longest continuously running autism support group in Northeast Indiana and is open to anyone who wants help with local resources, or advice from other autism parents and caregivers who have “been there and done that”. Regardless of age, diagnosis or functioning level of your loved one on the spectrum, this group can help.
This group meets simultaneously in-person and via Zoom. Email info@myautismally.org for the Zoom link.
WHEN: SECOND Thursday of the month
WHERE: Partners In Autism, 601 Noble Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
TIME: 6:30-8:00pm
QUESTIONS: info@myautismally.org or 260-207-4686
Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/eeeautismspectrum