EAST ORANGE, NJ — The Nassan’s Place, a local autism awareness and family support nonprofit organization, is teaming up with Parents of Autistic Children to host “Hidden Dangers: Keeping Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities Safe in the Community, School and Home.” The workshop will be held at Mount Carmel Guild Academy in West Orange on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“POAC’s ‘Hidden Dangers’ program educates parents, family members and professionals working with children and adults with autism and other special needs and disabilities about issues relating to safety, emergency preparedness and crisis intervention,” Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr, Nassan’s Place founder and chairwoman, said Tuesday, Feb. 7.
“It is presented in a form that addresses a variety of special needs and levels of functioning across the lifespan. Specifically, the program will cover how to address wandering and what GPS and other tracking devices are available; emergency and disaster preparedness; fire and safety issues; sexual and personal safety; Internet safety; bullying; behavioral interventions including social stories, activity schedules, visual cues, etc.; school and transportation issues; resources for ongoing support and assistance; and physical modifications to the home and classroom.”
Wright-Arbubakrr said the program will offer concrete suggestions and strategies that can be applied immediately to increase safety and decrease risk at home, in the classroom and in the community.
“The information in this workshop could save your child’s life,” she said. “Lunch will be provided. Childcare will be available, but you must call to reserve.” To register for the free POAC workshop on Saturday, Feb. 20, visit www.poac.net or call 973-424-7781.
“All are encouraged to attend, from parents to family members, educators and those who want to learn,” Wright-Arbubakrr said. “Our motto is: We can’t stop the diagnosis, but we can help the families affected by it.”
She added that Nassan’s Place has other events lined up for the spring, including fundraisers in March and April.
“Our annual Comedy for a Cause with Talent and Friends will be an evening of food, fun, laughter, as we raise autism awareness and funds to help children and families affected by autism. I hope you will join Nassan’s Place and Orange Elks Lodge 135 for the event on March 31. I also hope you will come out to walk for a good cause on April 23, at the third annual Nassan 5K Walk for Autism in Elmwood Park.”
Registration for the 5K and tickets for Comedy for a Cause are available by calling 973-424-7781 or visiting the Nassan’s Place official website at www.nassansplace.org.
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