Maine Access to Inclusive Education Resources Family Partnership
MAIER’s Family Partnership (MFP) is dedicated to providing outreach to individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders across the state of Maine. Together, MAIER staff and families work to identify issues of concern for Maine families and collaborate on projects to promote greater awareness and understanding, develop tools and resources, address access to services, and support research efforts. In addition, the MAIER MFP hosts educational and social events to offer families valuable information and resources, strengthen community ties, and encourage family-to-family networking and support. Download our brochure for more information.
News and Announcements
As we continue to maintain our COVID safety measures, we continue to offer new webinars and videos resources that are available free online. We look forward to when our work will again include in-person family events and community gatherings.
New Parent Packet Available from MAIER
While we wait for the resumption of in-person family events, conferences, and workshops, MAIER has developed a new Parent Packet to help bridge that gap and assure you know about all the great resources available from MAIER. MAIER’s Parent Packet includes copies of our print resources such as our ASD Fact sheet (good for sharing with family and friends) our Fire Safety handout and Adaptive Sports and Recreation handout, and our new Getting Started with Alternative and Augmentative Communication brochure. We also include up-to-date listings of all the MAIER developed resources available online including educational videos, webinars, and toolkits. If you have not received the Maine Parent Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders booklets yet, we can include this in your packet when requested. We are sending our Parent Packets to individuals, parents, and caregivers upon request, and will begin mailing packets later in September. Sign up for a MAIER Parent Packet using our easy online form or contact MAIER: maier@maine.edu or call 207-581-2352.
PEERS® Friendship Skills Boot Camp Online Training Module
We are pleased to announce the launching of the PEERS® Friendship Skills Boot Camp on April 23rd! This self-paced training module, presented by UM Faculty Dr. Sarah Howorth, is a free online training module that is recommended for families and professionals who support teens and young adults with autism. Read more about this exciting new offering from MAIER and register to participate on the Friendship Boot Camp Webpage.
Register now for a free Planetarium show at the Versant Power Astronomy Center
Space is limited, but registration is free! Please join MAIER at the Versant Power Astronomy Center and the Maynard Jordan Planetarium on March 18th from 1:00 – 2:00 pm for the Cosmic Colors program in the planetarium. The planetarium staff will guide attendees on a journey that explores how northern lights to garden flowers, color fills our lives and “Cosmic Colors” explains how we use the rainbow to see, understand and explore our universe. Attendees will learn more about the electromagnetic spectrum, the Northern Lights and get a tour of the night sky! If you or someone in your family is differently abled or neurodiverse (no official diagnosis are necessary) please feel free to join MAIER and the Versant Power Astronomy center for this amazing opportunity to explore science and our spectacular universe. Register HERE.