Virtual Self-Advocacy Group
2025-05-15 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-19 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-21 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-18 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-16 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Learn how to be an effective self-advocate! Self-Advocacy is speaking up for yourself to make choices about what is important to you. Join the Self-Advocacy Group at Aspire to:

• Meet new people and have fun.
• Learn about your rights and responsibilities.
• Learn to speak up for yourself.
• Get support from other people.
• Become more active in your community.

Meetings take place each month on the 3rd Thursday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Join the monthly virtual meeting via Zoom at zoom.us/j/97792997983

Executive Functioning Group for Rising Middle Schoolers
2025-07-23 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-30 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-06 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-13 15:00 - 16:00 | 100 Hinman Street, Cheshire, CT, 100 Hinman Street, Cheshire, CT, 06410, United States
Middle school brings big changes! New routines, greater independence, and more responsibility. This 4-week group supports students with autism or neurodevelopmental differences as they develop the skills needed to navigate the transition with confidence. In a small-group setting, students will build executive functioning skills through guided practice, peer connection, and real-life strategies they can use right away.
What Students Will Focus On:

Organizing materials
Planning long-term assignments
Managing time effectively
Practicing self-advocacy with teachers

Help your student build confidence and independence before middle school. This four-week executive functioning group supports emotional regulation, independence, and self-esteem as students prepare for the transition to a new school environment. Sessions meet weekly on Wednesdays — July 23, 30, August 6, and 13 — and cost $200 for the full series.
Space is limited. Register by July 16, 2025. To sign up or learn more, contact Courtney Cotter, Senior Director of Children’s Mental Health, at (203) 527-0083 or ccotter@allinc.org.

October 2025 Interview Day
2025-10-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Aspire Living & Learning Bel Air Office, 2109 Laurel Bush Road, Bel Air, MD, 21015
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Whether you’re seeking new opportunities, exploring career changes, or looking to start your professional journey, we’d love to meet you and talk about how your talent can make an impact at Aspire Living & Learning! From Direct Support Professionals to Senior Behavior Therapist, we’re seeking passionate people like you to join the Aspire team. Join us to discover what sets Aspire apart as an employer and explore exciting opportunities in Aspire’s adult services.
Event highlights include:

On-the-Spot Interviews
Tours of the Aspire Day Program
Discussions with Leadership
Overview of Aspire’s Supportive Benefits and Professional Development Opportunities

Though walk-ins are welcome, RSVP today to save your spot!

Ribbon Cutting & Community Open House
2025-10-17 10:30 - 18:00 | 484 Lancaster Street, Leominster, Massachusetts, 484 Lancaster Street, Leominster, Massachusetts, 04153
Join Aspire Living & Learning as we celebrate a milestone in expanding opportunities for neurodiverse people in the community.
We’re proud to open our second office site in Leominster, home to our newest Community-Based Day Supports program and the future site of Aspire’s Children’s Behavioral Health services. You’re invited to be part of this exciting celebration.

Ribbon Cutting at 10:30 AM
Start the day with local officials, community partners, and the Aspire team as we cut the ribbon and officially open our second program location in Leominster.
Community Open House from 2:00 to 6:00 PM
Stop in during the afternoon for a closer look at the program. Take your time exploring the new 10,000-square-foot space, talk with Aspire staff, and learn more about the supports that will be offered.

We’re thrilled to be growing in Leominster and look forward to building strong connections with you and the community. If you plan on joining us for the celebrations, please RSVP here!
✨ Programming at this new location begins in September. If you’re interested in services or making a referral, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us.

Self-Advocacy Group at Aspire (February Meeting)
2026-02-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Learn how to be an effective self-advocate! Self-Advocacy is speaking up for yourself to make choices about what is important to you. Join the Self-Advocacy Group at Aspire to:

Meet new people and have fun.
Learn about your rights and responsibilities.
Learn to speak up for yourself.
Get support from other people.
Become more active in your community.

Meetings take place each month on the 3rd Thursday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Join the monthly virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams at https://bit.ly/Aspire-Self-Advocacy.

2026 6th Annual - disABILITY Summit
2026-03-14 10:00 - 15:00 | 201 Rainmaker Dr., Mashantucket, CT, 201 Rainmaker Dr., Mashantucket, CT, United States
Join the Aspire Living & Learning team at 6th annual disABILITY Summit on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Great Wolf Lodge Conference Center in Mashantucket, CT!
This is a free, family-friendly event bringing together families, caregivers, educators, and community members who support children and youth with disabilities.
The Summit connects attendees with local service providers, community organizations, and valuable resources supporting individuals with disabilities from birth through age 21.
Stop by table #9 to meet the Aspire team and learn how our behavioral health, educational, and family support services help children, adults, and families thrive.
Admission and parking are free, and all are welcome.
Register today to attend.
If you have questions, please email us at disabilitysummit@learn.k12.ct.us

Self-Advocacy Group at Aspire (March Meeting)
2026-03-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual

2026 Empowered Expo
2026-04-11 08:30 - 13:00 | Bel Air High School, 100 Heighe Street, Bel Air, MD, United States
Join the Aspire Living & Learning team at 2026 Empowered Expo on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Bel Air High School in Maryland!
This is a FREE event for teens and young adults with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, and their families, who are planning their journey from high school to adulthood.
Event highlights include:

Financial planning
Benefits
DDA eligibility
Preparing for employment
And more!

Register today to attend.
For information, call 410-638-3373.

Self-Advocacy Group at Aspire (April Meeting)
2026-04-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual

ANCOR Connect 2026
2026-04-21 - 2026-04-23 | Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, 450 Summer Street, Boston, 02210, United States
Join the Aspire team at ANCOR Connect 2026
ANCOR Connect 2026’s theme, “Navigating The Now”, brings together leaders from across the disability services field to explore innovation, policy, and the future of supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Aspire Living & Learning’s Dr. Miller will present “Education to Enabling Technology: A Leadership Journey,” sharing insights on how leadership, technology, and person-centered approaches can expand opportunities and improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
Learn more about Ancor Connect 2026.

Webinar: Supporting Children and Adolescents in Uncertain Times
2026-04-22 16:00 - 17:00 | https://allinc.org/event/webinar-practical-tools-student-anxiety/
Join Aspire Living & Learning’s experts for a timely session, titled: “Supporting Children and Adolescents in Uncertain Times“.
Webinar Details

Date: April 22
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM (ET)

Presenters

Courtney Cotter, Ph.D., BCBA-D | Senior Director of Children’s Mental Health
Marlena Minkos, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA | Psychologist
Chelsea Colonese | School Psychologist

Overview
As schools continue navigating ongoing uncertainty, many students are experiencing heightened anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral challenges that impact classrooms and learning environments. This session provides school leaders and student support professionals with practical, school-ready strategies to promote emotional safety, maintain stabilizing routines, build healthy coping skills, and recognize when additional support may be needed.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will gain practical insights they can apply immediately in their school communities, including:

Promoting Emotional SafetyHow to help students feel secure, supported, and understood even when circumstances feel unpredictable.
Maintaining Routine and StructureStrategies for creating stability and consistency that help students stay regulated and engaged.
Developing Healthy Coping StrategiesTools and techniques educators and caregivers can use to help students build resilience and manage big emotions.
Recognizing When to Seek Additional SupportKey behaviors and signals that may indicate a student needs additional intervention or behavioral health support.

Save your spot and register today.

2026 New Hampshire Family Support Conference
2026-04-25 08:00 - 16:00 | Grappone Center, 70 Constitution Ave, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Join the Aspire Living & Learning team at 2026 New Hampshire Family Support Conference on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Grappone Center in Concord.
This is event is for learning, connection, and fun with families from across the state.

Engaging workshops
Valuable vendors
Networking opportunities
A supportive and welcoming community

Workshops are open to all ages; however, some subject matter may not be appropriate for all individuals. Interested in attending?
Register to attend today.

ADDP's LEAD! Conference
2026-05-06 09:30 - 14:45 | MGM Hotel Springfield, Springfield, MA, United States
Connect with the Aspire team in Springfield, MA!
Aspire Living & Learning is proud to sponsor the LEAD! Conference in Springfield, MA, an event grounded in strengthening leadership and connection. We’re looking forward to engaging with fellow leaders, sharing practical strategies, and contributing to conversations that strengthen the systems, teams, and supports people rely on every day.

ASRC’S 2026 Annual WALK FOR AUTISM
2026-05-17 09:30 - 13:00 | Quinnipiac University, 370 Bassett Road, North Haven, CT, United States
Join the Aspire team in Connecticut for the Annual Walk for Autism
We’re walking to support Connecticut residents living with autism, and we’d love to have you join us.
This Community Building Event is free to attend, but registration is required for all participants.
Why Walk With Us: 100% of funds raised stay right here in Connecticut, directly supporting our neighbors living with autism.

Registration opens at 8:00 am and the Walk Start time is at 10:00 am.
The Resource Fair runs from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Learn about ASRC’s annual walk for Autism.
Learn more about Aspire’s Autism Services.

Self-Advocacy Group at Aspire (May Meeting)
2026-05-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual

Self-Advocacy Group at Aspire (June Meeting)
2026-06-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual

Self-Advocacy Group at Aspire (July Meeting)
2026-07-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual

Self-Advocacy Group at Aspire (August Meeting)
2026-08-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual

Self-Advocacy Group at Aspire (September Meeting)
2026-09-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
