profile

Rochester Area Autism Association

Does your Child Receive EIDBI Services and Special Ed? đź“š

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Hello Reader!

We hope you are enjoying summer and finding some creative ways to stay cool! We have a an opportunity for parents to share feedback on school experiences as well as some fun summer events coming up!

Does your child receive EIDBI services (ABA) and Special Education Services?

We Need Your Voice!

The Office of the Legislative Auditor has reached out looking for parents and caregivers of students with autism who are willing to share their experiences. Your feedback helps shape services and supports for autistic students and their families. You can read more below.

The Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA)is currently undertaking an evaluation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services in public schools. OLA is a nonpartisan office within the Minnesota Legislative Branch. We conduct evaluations of state programs and make recommendations to state agencies and the Legislature on how to improve those programs.

As a part of our evaluation, OLA is interested in speaking with parents of children with ASD who currently receive special education services in Minnesota public schools. We are particularly interested in hearing from parents of students with ASD whose children have received both special education and Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI)services.

During group conversations, members of our evaluation team will ask questions to learn more about your experiences with special education and/or EIDBI services for your child. Insights we gather from speaking with parents will help us to make recommendations to state agencies and the Legislature on how the state could improve its approach to ASD services around the state. We will not use your name or include other identifying information in our final report.

We plan to begin holding group conversations in July and conclude all conversations by mid-August.

If you are a parent or guardian of a student with ASD and are interested in participating, please contact Becca Chalit Hernandez(Becca.Hernandez@state.mn.usor 651-201-2062)by July 20. Please also reach out to Becca if you have any questions or concerns.

Upcoming Events

Safe City Nights

Join Rochester Area Autism Association at the upcoming Safe City Nights-July 28th (Bishop Elementary School) and August 11th (Franklin Elementary School) from 6- 8pm each night.

Miracle League

Join us on Tuesdays at 6pm through August 11th at Miracle Field: 1000 Essex Parkway North, Watson Sports Complex to watch the RAAA team face off in baseball. Kids 9-13 play at 7pm.

C.A.R.E.S.

Our next C.A.R.E.S. session will be starting in the fall of 2026. If you are interested in being a part of our next cohort you can learn more below.

Take Care,

Elizabeth Walby

Executive Director

1130 1/2 7th St NW, Suite 208, Rochester , MN 55901
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

Rochester Area Autism Association

Rochester Area Autism Association is a 501[c][3] Non-Profit Organization that empower autistic individuals, supports their families and works to strengthen the Rochester area community.

Read more from Rochester Area Autism Association

Dear Reader, As parents, we know that raising a child with autism can come with a lot of different emotions. There can be relief when you finally have some answers, but also worry, confusion, frustration, or just the feeling of, “Okay…now what?” There really isn’t a right or wrong way to feel, and there definitely isn’t a perfect roadmap for figuring everything out. That’s one of the reasons I love the C.A.R.E.S. parent support group. It’s a chance to sit down with other parents who...

about 10 hours ago • 1 min read

Dear Reader, Change can be hard for any child. But for our children with autism, big changes can feel enormous. A new school year often brings unfamiliar routines, new teachers, different expectations, and changes that can create stress for the entire family. At the Rochester Area Autism Association, we know that back-to-school season can be both exciting and challenging. That's why we don't want you to face it alone. We invite you to join us for an evening dedicated to supporting parents and...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read

Dear Reader, Receiving an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming for parents. Questions, worries, and uncertainty about what comes next are all very common. Join us for a parent panel discussion and hear from past CARES parent participants about what their journey has led them, find support, and move forward with hope. You can read more about CARES here. 📅 Date: June 2nd⏰ Time: 7-8:30 pm📍 Location: Northgate Center, Conference Room 217- 1312 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 We hope to see you...

4 months ago • 1 min read