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DSD eList announcement

Date: March 25, 2025
To: Youth and adults on the autism spectrum, parents, caregivers, advocates, lead agencies, educators, health care professionals, providers, employers and others
From: DHS Disability Services Division
Purpose: To announce an upcoming event hosted by Minnesota state agencies dedicated to supporting people with autism, their families and professionals
Contact: ASD Contact Form

Autism Symposium and Resource Fair returns April 9

Join us for the fourth annual Autism Symposium and Resource Fair, a hybrid event dedicated to supporting people with autism, their families and professionals through education, connection and empowerment. This year's event has a special emphasis on mental health and well-being, highlighting the importance of emotional resilience, self-care and access to supportive services.

Event details

Use the following information to attend:

· Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

· Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· Location: Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), 400 NE Stinson Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55413 or virtual option.

· Registration: 2025 Autism Resource Symposium and Fair Registration. Space is limited.

· Parking: Parking is limited, so we encourage attendees to carpool, rideshare or use public transportation when possible. Parking options include:
1. Accessible parking for those who need it, directly in front of the main entrance (east side of building, facing Stinson Blvd).
2. Lot C at 431 Stinson Blvd NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.
3. Lot D at 430 Roosevelt St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.
4. Overflow parking in lot B, if necessary.

· Accommodations: Guests are welcome to bring their own sensory tools such as noise-reducing headphones or fidgets. We will provide the following accommodations:
1. American Sign Language (ASL) and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART).
2. Sensory space to regulate or take a break.
3. Music therapy space.

Schedule

The schedule for the event is as follows:

· 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (all day): Resource fair with state agencies, lead agencies, advocacy organizations and other community partners. Attendees can come and go at any time.

· 8:30 to 9 a.m.: Registration and welcome coffee.

· 9 to 9:45 a.m.: Opening remarks from Minnesota Department of Education leadership.

· 9:45 to 10 a.m.: Break.

· 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Keynote presentation and panel: Bridging the Gap: Mental Health and Autism Across the Lifespan.

· 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Resource fair, lunch and networking.

· 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Breakout sessions and resource fair.

· 3:30 to 4 p.m.: Closing remarks and raffle.