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Spectrum Events

Spectrum Events: Connecting, Educating, and Celebrating Diversity

Recurring

Multi-Session Group Music Lessons for Teens from Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education Berklee School of Music

Virtual

Description
The Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education (BIAAE) is generously offering free group music lessons to Autistic teens. Traditional instrument options include: Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Trombone, Trumpet, Violin, Viola, Guitar, Piano, Voice, or Percussion. If you do not have a physical instrument, we recommend visiting your local music store to source an instrument or use a virtual instrument through Bandlab for Education platform.
Explore and grow as independent and ensemble musicians using instruments or voice during practice and group lessons. Lessons will focus on note reading, technique, and recording as participants work to record and perform music with their peers. Participants will use Bandlab for Education (a free platform) to collaborate in an ensemble and to optionally use virtual/digital instruments. Click here to watch a video explaining how Berklee Staff will use Bandlab for Education during this interest series.
At the end of the session, students will participate in an online ensemble performance and receive a recording. The ensemble performance will also be featured on the BIAAE and AANE websites.
Click here to listen to “Embraceable You,” the ensemble performance of the Winter/Spring 2020 Berklee Music Lessons Interest Series.
Important Things to Know:
Rental instruments are not available from Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education. You have several options:
Use your own instrument
Use a digital instrument available from Bandlab for Education
Rent an instrument on your own. Click here to download a list of instrument rental companies in Greater Boston and across the US.
Students can choose to play one of those traditional instruments: Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Trombone, Trumpet, or digital/virtual instruments available on Bandlab for Education
Note that a piano keyboard interface is used for all digital/virtual instruments (other than drums). You will be able to learn how to read music and development keyboarding skills that you can use for any MIDI instrument. However, you won’t learn how to play a physical instrument.
Technology requirements for zoom:
a computer or tablet device
an internet connection
a webcam so you can see and interact with others
audio capability and built-in or accessory microphone
You aren’t required to install anything on your computer or tablet in order to use Zoom, but some people do find it helpful to download the zoom client. If you have never used zoom, before the interest series, we strongly suggest that you visit: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us
Technology requirements for Bandlab for Education:
a computer or tablet device
an internet connection
audio capability and built-in or accessory microphone
Your registration confirmation email will include a zoom link to join your lessons and instructions for accessing Bandlab for Education.

Recurring

Multi-Session Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Interest Group for Adults

Virtual

This interest group is intended for post-high school adults who fulfill the player pre-requisites outlined below:

Participants need to have played Dungeons and Dragons before either at AANE or elsewhere.
They must also be familiar with character creation, general rules of D&D Edition 5, cooperation within a team, and following campaign rules and storyline.
Each participant is expected to attend all 8 meetings in order to help his/her team advance as far as possible in the campaign.
This interest series will be using a campaign selected by the Dungeon Masters. Participants must agree to follow the rules of the campaign at all times.
Because this is an interactive/collaborative game. Participants need to be able to participate fully in each game session.
Please note that this is a two-step process (application and registration). If you are interested in this group, please submit the application above.

$100

Employment Panel: Neurodivergent Professionals Reshaping the Workforce

Virtual

Description
The path from securing employment to building a fulfilling career presents unique challenges for neurodivergent professionals. This groundbreaking panel brings together neurodivergent leaders who have navigated/are navigating these challenges and transformed them into opportunities for growth and innovation.

Why This Matters
Employment and career as a neurodivergent individual is incredibly hard, let alone attempting to sustain that employment or create a fulfilling, lifelong career. We are here to change that. Our panelists will share their journeys, strategies, and insights to empower neurodivergent professionals.

What to Expect
Join us for an authentic conversation that goes beyond basic employment to explore:

– Approaches to self-advocacy and professional development
– Real stories of career evolution and growth
– Practical strategies for workplace navigation
– Techniques for leveraging neurodivergent strengths
– Methods for building sustainable, fulfilling career

$25
Recurring

Multi-Session Beginner Dungeons & Dragons Group for Adults

Virtual

Come learn the basics of tabletop roleplaying from an experienced Dungeon Master. During this 8 week campaign of Dungeons and Dragons using the D&D 2024 Handbook (to be released Sept 2024) you will be guided through an adventure that will introduce you to the gameplay and storytelling of the world’s most popular roleplaying game! This is a great way to get involved in a new hobby that will give you the skills and confidence to join games with more experienced players and open the doors to a huge community.

No previous tabletop gaming experience required. Players will need to be able to use zoom, Roll 20 and D&D Beyond (websites), and install a browser extension (Beyond 20) with verbal and written directions. If you are unsure if this group is a good fit for you, or you are in need of specific accommodations, please email groups@aane.org.

Please note that these dates are subject to fluctuation. You will have one set up 1:1 meeting with the facilitator and 7-8 group meetings of game play.

Dates
January 22
January 29
February 5
February 12
February 19
February 26
March 5
March 12
March 19

$180
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Women (35-50)

Virtual

This multi-session support group is designed for Autistic women (35-50). Through this support group, women (35-50) can build an ongoing connection with a small community of other women. AANE “closed” support groups for women also give women an opportunity to voice their concerns and frustrations. It also lets them acknowledge hard-won and unexpected victories. Common topics of discussion are:

Masking/camouflaging
Sensory sensitivities/overloads
Relationships
Self-care
Empathy
Dates
January 22
January 29
February 5
February 12
February 19
February 26
March 5
March 12
Masking/camouflaging
Sensory sensitivities/overloads
Relationships
Self-care
Empathy

$100
Recurring

Virtual Playgroup

Virtual

Get ready for a fun Virtual Playgroup experience!

During each session our early childhood experts will plan activities that encourage adult-child interactions throughout the session and beyond. All activities and experiences are based on topics that will prepare children for success in school and life.

Children and their caregivers will engage with other participants while singing songs, reading stories, and participating in interactive activities. Walk away with tools and resources to help create quality early childhood experiences in your home!

Click here to reserve your virtual spot!

For more information, please email RREveryone@ccrcca.org.

Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Adults

Virtual

A closed support group has the same group members (up to 12) for a set number of sessions (8). Closed support groups are ideal for adults who are looking for deeper connections and more extensive peer support from group members. For the best support group experience, closed group members should plan on attending all 8 meetings in the series. This group offers a safe environment where adults on the spectrum can talk with like-minded people, share issues and concerns, and celebrate successes. Common topics include: disclosure, self-advocacy, and relationships

Dates
January 30
February 6
February 13
February 20
February 27
March 6
March 13
March 20

$100
Recurring

Multi-Session Support Group for Gender Diverse Adults

Virtual

This group is for autistic adults who are also nonbinary, trans, and/or questioning. This group is not for folks who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth (cisgender). You may enjoy this group if you feel the need or desire for community to discuss issues relating to neurodiversity and gender identity. We will both celebrate successes and support each other through difficulties. This multi-session support group meets for 8 sessions, every other week.

$100
Recurring

Multi-Session Small Group Employment Coaching for New Job Seekers

Virtual

If you are starting out on your search for a job or have been looking for some time and it’s all a bit intimidating and confusing for you, this coaching course could be just what you need to demystify the process.

This practical coaching course will cover all aspects of job hunting by building your knowledge weekly, helping you identify action steps and supporting you to work through any worries or issues you face, with the help of a workbook. You will be provided with guidance, training, accountability and inspiration over 8 weeks to help you feel more confident about applying for, interviewing for, securing and keeping a job.

Dates
January 16
January 23
January 30
February 6
February 13
February 20
February 27
March 6

$150

Support Group for Adults

Virtual

Description
Description
Come join other post-high-school Autistic adults (ages 18+) or adults with a Neurodivergent profile in an atmosphere of support and understanding.

$10
Recurring

Support Group – Gender Identity for Adults

Virtual

This group always meets on the first Thursday of the month and is for post-high school Autistic adults who are interested in discussing and exploring their gender in a supportive setting. Most people who attend identify as transgender, nonbinary, and/or genderfluid, and some are questioning their gender identity or gender roles. Join us to share stories and perspectives, and to get support. No autism diagnosis or certainty about gender identity is required to attend. This is a safe place to explore intersecting identities.

Free

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