Link for vendor sign-ups:
https://forms.gle/CKJVHS83pEQY5N1U7
To ignite Autism Awareness and Acceptance, community members are organizing an event for special needs caregivers.The event will have local non-profits, education resources, employment support, therapy groups and more. All resources are available for parents at no charge to have meaningful discussions that can positively affect their neurodiverse family members of all ages.
Why would we coordinate such a necessary event in Gainesville? Because we know special needs parenting is not for the weak. We need help and resources for this dynamic life. A life that feels like training for a marathon that turns into an obstacle course with a cliff jump and freestyle swim all while being tethered to shore.
True, you are just as busy as every other parent being a chauffeur, cook, and housekeeper, but there’s even more. You also have to become an expert in “disorders” like vestibular processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder or auditory processing disorder. Then you become an expert in the differences between physical, occupational and speech therapies, with all education being completed in your “spare time.”
Next, you fight public school systems for the accommodations necessary for your child while citing your new non-certified degree in IDEA compliance. After losing a few battles, you consider homeschool (probably a no-go) or using School Choice SB10 for a private school. In today’s climate, however, both IDEA and school choice may be on the political chopping block- not a comfortable feeling for special needs parents.
Soon your child ages out of school. “So, the marathon is over?” you whisper. Not quite… because now your child gets to face an average of over 80% unemployment or battle to work part time and not lose necessary housing and healthcare benefits.
Honestly, what are overwhelmed parents supposed to do? Life-changing resources across counties and the state seem to be available in a vacuum or as some describe as “silos.” Without easier awareness and access to resources, school children, then teens and young adults are not getting to the resources they need to be successful up to their potential. Reaching maximum potential in personal growth allows employers and the community at large to experience the purity of spirit in these young individuals and utilize their aptitude for specific tasks or social positions within the organization.
Government support is not enough. Parents who have lived this life are the ones creating non-profits, therapy groups and work for non-glamourous support service groups with long hours. WE are bringing each other together to learn, grow and see where we can make an impact within our families and across Gainesville.
The event will help parents be seen and heard as well as bring resources to them. Further, we want to bring awareness to the Hall County community and local businesses that what we have in place is just the tip of an iceberg that is needed for our family members. The goal should always be ACCEPTANCE.
Parents, caregivers and businesses that want to experience this event are invited to attend. There is no charge for attendance, but any event support is appreciated. Connect to event planners at
YXV0aXNtcmVzb3VyY2VmYWlyIHwgZ21haWwgISBjb20= or
dmFsIHwgbmVnYWF1dGlzbSAhIG9yZw==.
We're looking forward to meeting you!
Also check out other Sports events in Gainesville, Workshops in Gainesville, Meetups in Gainesville.
