Autism

9/17/2018

MNLEND Fellow Develops Sensory Friendly Sunday at Museum

Fellows from the Minnesota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (MNLEND) at the Institute on Community Integration (MN UCEDD) have been instrumental in creating Sensory Friendly Sunday, a free monthly event at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis for children, teenagers, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder or sensory sensitivities, and their families. This first-of-its-kind program in a Twin Cities museum, Sensory Friendly Sunday, which launched in May, offers the opportunity for families to make art together, explore galleries, watch a short film, or just relax in a setting with accommodations that make it more comfortable.

9/10/2018

MN UCEDD Partners with MN DHS to Produce Multi-Cultural Films on Autism

The Institute on Community Integration (ICI) at the University of Minnesota (MN UCEDD), in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), has produced, "On the Autism Spectrum: Families Find Help and Hope," a series of five short films that raise awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and of services available to Minnesota families within the African American, Hmong, Latino, Native American, and Somali communities. The new films were created for and are distributed by DHS to provide support, encouragement, and direction for families in diverse communities who experience ASD, inspiring them to use available resources.

9/4/2018

Va-LEND Welcomes New FME Coordinator

Kathryn "Kate" Flinn is the new Family Mentorship Experience Coordinator (FME) at Va-LEND. Although she became the new FME Coordinator this past July, Kate's connection with Va-LEND began four years ago. According to Kate, in September of 2014 she worked with Va-LEND Trainees on an autism fitness program where she coordinated at the YMCA in Richmond, for teens with Asperger's/High Functioning Autism. Kate has a son who is on the Autism Disability Spectrum (ASD).