Membership
There are many ways to get involved in the Autism community. Autism Support of West Shore encourages its members and supporters to keep current and active in ongoing advocacy issues regarding Autism, stay abreast of the latest in Autism-related news, and make an effort to attend Autism events and conferences. The benefits of being involved in the Autism community are many—not the least of which is educating yourself about the most appropriate treatments and resources available to help your loved one on the Autism spectrum.
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ASWS provides family support through special activities, a network of information, resource information, community awareness and education so that informed decisions can be made in choosing the best service options to help persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders reach their fullest potential.
Membership cost is $20. All members will receive:
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The HOPE newsletter—sharing personal stories, summaries of relevant events and calendar of activities locally and around the state
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Informal social groups for families and those who care for individuals with ASD to meet, eat and share
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Speaker series and workshops
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Community family activities for individuals with ASD, parents and siblings
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Scholarships for qualifying individuals and family for out of pocket cost for therapies, equipment, and services
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Scholarships for teachers of individuals with ASD for training registration, micro businesses within the school community, and school or transportation equipment
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Resource information (local and state)
Family Scholarships
Autism Support of West Shore seeks to provide support to families facing Autism. Our founders envisioned ASWS as a beacon of hope and a safe place where parents, educators and individuals with autism could gather. We do not turn anyone away and our motto is “A Place Where Everyone Fits”. In keeping with this spirit, we do not place income restrictions on those who seek our help.
All ASWS scholarships are reimbursement scholarships for out-of-pocket costs families incur while supporting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Families with multiple children on the Autism spectrum may apply for each child individually.
Guidelines for scholarships:
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Families seeking scholarship funding must apply to ASWS in writing, clearly stating how the money will be used. A one- or two-sentence explanation is sufficient. Application forms will be available in our newsletter or can be completed online. Categories include, but are not limited to: therapies (such as speech, physical, play, auditory and occupational); safety equipment (such as locks and tracking devices); academic help (tutoring outside school), etc. Autism Support of West Shore does not endorse any specific therapy or treatment.
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Families seeking scholarship funding should state an approximate dollar amount. The total annual amount a family can receive from ASWS will depend on the amount of applicants and the funds available. Scholarship applications must be received no later than October 1st to be considered for the application year.
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Families must provide receipts for the services or products received in order to receive reimbursement from ASWS. Reimbursement will not be given until the receipts are turned in. All receipts must be turned in by November 15th of the application year to receive reimbursement.
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Families applying for scholarships must be members in good standing with ASWS and are required to volunteer 5 hours of service with ASWS through a variety of volunteer opportunities. Volunteer opportunities are listed on the application and requirements must be met before a new scholarship application will be considered.
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Opportunities to volunteer:
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Write an article for the HOPE newsletter
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Help organize a social event
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Help with our Annual Spring Fling
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Help with registration or hosting an event
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Join the ASWS Golf Outing planning committee
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Serve on the ASWS Board of Directors
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If a scholarship request is approved, volunteer hours must be met before receipts can be turned in and reimbursed. Prior to volunteering, print a copy of the Volunteer Verification Form to bring with you to be signed by the organizer of ASWS board member. Click here to download the form.
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Requests will be considered on a per-case basis and are not related to the individual’s income. All requests are kept strictly confidential. ​
Teacher Scholarships
Members may nominate a classroom teacher – special education or general education – who is supporting their child. Scholarships are reimbursement and can be used for classroom supplies, curriculum supplements, educational apps, etc. that assist your child with Autism to participate in the curriculum and all aspects of the class and school experience. Applications will be reviewed and considered on an individual basis.
Use the button below to submit your teacher scholarship application online, or click here to download a printable form for mailing.