
Neurodiverse Community Day
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Resources for Families
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Resources for First Responders
- About the 2025 Event
Resources for Families
Below is a list of various resources that may be useful to you or your loved ones.
Emergency Services- related sites:
While designed to help First Responders, the last page lists resources for neurodivergent families/individuals including deescalation tips, communication visuals, and wander prevention tips.
A new communication tool for those on the Autism Spectrum who drive.
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/BlueEnvelope
Education-related:
These sites include knowing your rights, understanding IEP vs. 504 plans and needs, and determining eligibility.
https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/34778/638053397023170000
https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/34774/638053394022030000
https://peatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/504s-vs-IEPs.pdf
https://peatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Eligibility-Fact-Sheet-.pdf
https://www.dlcv.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IEP-manual.pdf
The following relate to employment.
https://www.dars.virginia.gov/
https://www.imdetermined.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/One-Pager_Tool_IMD.pdf
https://www.chrisscoffeeandcustard.com/
These are miscellaneous.
Faith-based website with various resources for both families and churches.
https://www.specialneedsministryresources.com/
Therapy animals.
Resources for First Responders
Visual communication cards for emergency and medical:
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https://disabilities.temple.edu/sites/disabilities/files/AAC-EprepPictureAid_EngSpan2018_8-5x11.pdf
https://widgit-health.com/download-files/paramedic-board/EMS-symbol-board-US-ES-Letter.pdf
Tips for first responders:
Registration
Registration is closed as the event has concluded. We hope you can join us for church or another upcoming event. Please contact us if you'd like to talk about and possible accommodations that would make your visit better.
About the 2025 Event
Thanks for considering coming to our Neurodiverse Community Day! We are a smaller church who is trying to better reach the needs of all including the neurodivergent. If you plan to attend this event, please fill out the form below so we can best prepare for your needs.
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What: We are hosting a day of Community Helpers (Fire, Rescue, and Police) to share what they do and to give you a chance to ask questions you may have and provide an opportunity to more closely familiarize yourself with their equipment (vehicle, uniform, etc.). We will also have a Fun Station with various activities (craft, short video, sidewalk chalk, games) and a Quiet Zone indoors if you need a calming space.
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When: Saturday, August 23 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. At 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, and 11:30am, each station will begin. Community Helpers will talk for about 10 minutes then have about 15 minutes to answer questions. *It is ok to walk in and out of each station as you need.*
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*At 11:45, each Community Helper Station will run their sounds/lights, one at a time, for those who would like to hear/see them. If that will be overstimulating, please plan to come earlier for activities and give yourself time to leave before 11:45am.
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Where: First Church of God (650 Canaan Road, Christiansburg, VA 24073)
