Metairie, LA – The Autism Society of Greater New Orleans is committed to creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it. As part of ASGNO’s participation in the Autism Society of America Vaccine Education Initiative, and in partnership with the Jefferson Parish Recreation Department they are connecting families in the Greater New Orleans area with the resources they need to have a safe and successful 2022 school year by hosting TWO simultaneous Vaccine and School Supply distribution events on Saturday, July 23rd from 11:00-2:00.  The Westbank location is the Terrytown Playground Gym at 641 Heritage Ave. in Terrytown, and the Eastbank Location is the Ree-Alario Special Needs Center at 6900 Saints Dr. in Metairie.

The Autism Society of Greater New Orleans will be distributing mesh backpacks filled with school supplies, and will also have COVID-19 Vaccines available for all ages 6 months and up including boosters.  The Louisiana Department of Health recommends boosters for all children ages 5 and up.  There will be a limited number of vaccines for the youngest age group available due to ordering constraints; to guarantee a dose for a child between 6 months and 4 years old please sign up by July 15th.  Families must sign up for a time slot ahead of the event to attend.  The sign up link is https://asgno.org/back-to-school/

The  vaccine distribution will be a compassionate and adaptive experience and ASGNO is committed to making the experience a positive one.  There will be a number of adaptive and supportive materials available including picture communication boards, fidget toys, weighted lap pads, Noise canceling headphones, and pain reducing items such as shot blockers and buzzy bees.  The vaccine provider has also been provided training materials on how to communicate effectively with Autistic individuals and how to make this experience as pain-free and inclusive for EVERYONE as possible.  When families sign up, they are also given the opportunity to provide personalized information on how they or their family members can be best supported to receive their vaccinations.   

For information about the COVID-19 Vaccine and Autism click here.

 

About Autism Society of Greater New Orleans

The Autism Society of Greater New Orleans’ mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.  ASGNO is part of the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society. The Autism Society and its 70+ local affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and support and services throughout the lifespan. For more information, go to www.asgno.org,  Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter