LAAN - Lakes Area Autism Network

08/18/2024

The Lakes Area Autism Network has donated some sensory kits to the Milford Public Library.

08/01/2024

Ivy Tech is looking for five students to enroll in its new inclusive post-secondary education program this fall.

08/01/2024

GONE!
As we are cleaning out our LAAN goods we found this gem. We have one outdoor communication board available for the first not-for-profit organization that responds to this post. It would be perfect for an indoor/outdoor playground. Tell us where you will place this board. Must be able to pick up.

07/17/2024

Just a couple of grants left! You can submit a photo of the application through Messenger as well!

Community LAAN Supporters,

It is with deep sadness that we have decided as a collective board to end our 13-year run as a nonprofit organization supporting our families with individuals on the autism spectrum. This was not an easy decision but we feel our group has run its course. As we come to a close, we feel that we leave our local autism community with more autism awareness and acceptance and more services and resources.

With the remaining funds in our nonprofit account, we will be giving out an additional 100 Sensory Bags to our local libraries, hospitals, and the K21 Building. These places see lots of families walk through their doors and small items such as a sensory bag could help individuals on the spectrum experience these places in a better way. We will also be opening up our grant cycle until August 2024 for families only to apply for needed items for their children in the amount of $300 each. This will be on a first come, first serve basis.

You can request an application by emailing: laan2011@yahoo.com

We have appreciated all of the support from our community over the past 13 years. You have embraced us and helped us grow over this time. Our hope for the future of our community is that everyone would step up and Educate and Advocate for our families who have individuals on the autism spectrum in their care. It takes all of us to make a difference in their lives. Thank you for this beautiful ride,

Amy Brown –President

Maria Demopoulos–Vice President

Vonnie Netzley–Secretary

Karen Carolus–Treasurer

Jon Eckhoff-Board Member

07/08/2024

We still have a few grants open! Apply today!

Community LAAN Supporters,

It is with deep sadness that we have decided as a collective board to end our 13-year run as a nonprofit organization supporting our families with individuals on the autism spectrum. This was not an easy decision but we feel our group has run its course. As we come to a close, we feel that we leave our local autism community with more autism awareness and acceptance and more services and resources.

With the remaining funds in our nonprofit account, we will be giving out an additional 100 Sensory Bags to our local libraries, hospitals, and the K21 Building. These places see lots of families walk through their doors and small items such as a sensory bag could help individuals on the spectrum experience these places in a better way. We will also be opening up our grant cycle until August 2024 for families only to apply for needed items for their children in the amount of $300 each. This will be on a first come, first serve basis.

You can request an application by emailing: laan2011@yahoo.com

We have appreciated all of the support from our community over the past 13 years. You have embraced us and helped us grow over this time. Our hope for the future of our community is that everyone would step up and Educate and Advocate for our families who have individuals on the autism spectrum in their care. It takes all of us to make a difference in their lives. Thank you for this beautiful ride,

Amy Brown –President

Maria Demopoulos–Vice President

Vonnie Netzley–Secretary

Karen Carolus–Treasurer

Jon Eckhoff-Board Member

06/18/2024

Community LAAN Supporters,

It is with deep sadness that we have decided as a collective board to end our 13-year run as a nonprofit organization supporting our families with individuals on the autism spectrum. This was not an easy decision but we feel our group has run its course. As we come to a close, we feel that we leave our local autism community with more autism awareness and acceptance and more services and resources.

With the remaining funds in our nonprofit account, we will be giving out an additional 100 Sensory Bags to our local libraries, hospitals, and the K21 Building. These places see lots of families walk through their doors and small items such as a sensory bag could help individuals on the spectrum experience these places in a better way. We will also be opening up our grant cycle until August 2024 for families only to apply for needed items for their children in the amount of $300 each. This will be on a first come, first serve basis.

You can request an application by emailing: laan2011@yahoo.com

We have appreciated all of the support from our community over the past 13 years. You have embraced us and helped us grow over this time. Our hope for the future of our community is that everyone would step up and Educate and Advocate for our families who have individuals on the autism spectrum in their care. It takes all of us to make a difference in their lives. Thank you for this beautiful ride,

Amy Brown –President

Maria Demopoulos–Vice President

Vonnie Netzley–Secretary

Karen Carolus–Treasurer

Jon Eckhoff-Board Member

05/23/2024

There will be a sensory-friendly option again this year!! Check with the ticket desk or concessions for theater number😊

🎬🎟With much anticipation and excitement we are proud to announce our 2024 Free Family Film Festival! Please help us spread the word! We are so grateful for the support that we receive from our great sponsors as well as the community! 🎟🎬

04/11/2024

Exciting news! Sensory Friendly Days are starting at Smiley Mishawaka! ⭐️ Initially, we had them scheduled Tuesday, April 16 and Tuesday, April 30 from 6-9pm. Based on the community's response, we have added Sunday, April 28th from 8-10am. If we have a good response, we will continue to tweak the offerings until we find an option that works best.

Your feedback matters to us! Share your stories and experiences at SMILEY to help us improve and make it accessible to all children.

Presale admission available on our website now.
Can't wait to meet your family during these special hours.

03/18/2024

03/18/2024

We're thrilled to announce our exciting collaboration with Lighthouse Autism Center! 🌟 Smiley is an amazing play space tailored for sensory seekers, featuring rice pits, ball pits, swinging and spinning and more to offer fantastic sensory experiences for children. However, we understand that the bustling atmosphere of a public space might be overwhelming at times. That's why we've teamed up with Lighthouse Autism Center to introduce a serene sensory room.

Our new sensory room will offer a cozy, private retreat for children with autism and their parents, providing a peaceful escape from the noise and vastness of Smiley. ✨

Stay tuned for more details about our new room and sensory-friendly hours, starting in April! 📆

03/14/2024

Calling all Northeast Indiana artists with disabilities!

Are you looking for somewhere to show and sell your work? Bring it to the Disabilities Expo on May 11! There is NO VENDOR FEE. You can find the artist submission form by going to the Disabilities Expo website. https://bit.ly/expo-artist-submission

Image Description:

A promotional graphic of mostly text and some photos with a green background. The upper left side features a photo of a woman looking at hanging artworks displayed on a grid wall. On the right side, the text that says "Call for Artists with Disabilities.” Below this, it reads "Sell your work at the Disabilities Expo.” Further down, there are details of the event that reads "May 11, 2024,10am - 3pm, Allen County Memorial Coliseum." In the lower right corner, on an orange paint splotch, text says "No Vendor Fee!" Next to that is a photo of a ceramic mask. In the bottom left corner, there is a white logo for the Disabilities Expo.

03/08/2024

02/22/2024

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is offering an adaptive museum experience for visitors with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities on Tuesday, March 12th from 4pm-7pm.

Registration is required.

➡️ https://shorturl.at/ijzAP

02/15/2024

02/08/2024

Join a special series of Ask The Arc webinars this February with our Waiver Webinars. Tonight, we'll have state officials here to answer your questions on the Proposed Changes to the Family Supports and CIH Waivers on Thursday, February 8th, at 6 pm EST. Next week, we'll have officials back on Monday, February 12th, at 2 EST to discuss Transitioning from the Aged & Disabled Waiver to the Health & Wellness Waiver.

If you're already registered for the Ask The Arc webinars, great! You don't need to do anything else. If you're not, head over to arcind.org/our-programs/videos-webinars/ and sign up today.

SPOTS ARE LIMITED, but we'll be doing two things to help:
1) All of these will be recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel as well as The Arc Academy.
2) We'll be taking questions submitted in advance; email thearc@arcind.org with the subject line "FSW / CIH Waiver Question" or "A&D Waiver Question." Even if you aren't registered for the webinar, you can still submit questions.

To ensure we get as many questions answered as possible, questions must be submitted in advance, so don't hesitate!



[ID: White square with orange and yellow rays bordering it. Text reads: "Waiver Webinar Schedule. 2/6, 6 - 7 EST, Be Heard: Submitting Public Comment and Sharing Your Story. 2/8, 6 - 7 EST Proposed Changes to the Family Supports and CIH Waivers. 2/12, 2 - 3 EST Transitioning from the Aged & Disabled Waiver to the Health & Wellness Waiver." Under the text is an orange oval with arcind.org/our-programs/videos-webinars/ inside. The Arc of Indiana logo is at the top center.]

01/31/2024

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