Adults Hub: Online / Phone Social Night

Due to the changing conditions with COVID-19, we had to move to an online meeting via a web-based application called Zoom. See below for more about what Zoom is.  

Prior to the Covid-19 situation, the Adult Group used to have a social night / BBQ on the 5th Thursday evening when this occurred in a month. There is a 5th Thursday in October, so we’re hosting a social night on Zoom: no discussion topic and no theme. You can purt together your own sausage-in-bread, softdrink and cheese and biscuits if you want to approximate the BBQ experience. Then join us as you like between 7.30 and 9.30pm on the night. You will need to register online to get the meeting number and passcode for this Zoom meeting.

This group is for our older Adult peer group attendees.  It is more suitable for those who are aged 35 years and over, although younger adults may still attend if they wish to.  (Young adults may prefer to attend the other younger adult meetings: see our event list).

Cost:  FREE this month again, courtesy of DHHS covid grant, but bookings still required. Please book online before attending, You will receive the link to join the meeting once booking is completed in an "Event Registration Confirmed" email containing this link. 

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a program that allows video, web and audio conferencing.You can download it free onto your computer or phone/tablet. Or you can simply just dial in and participate via telephone.  Download the AV Zoom Guide (pdf)

STEP 1: Before the Meeting: Make sure you download Zoom

Download onto your computer:

1. Visit https://zoom.us/download, locate Zoom Client for Meetings and click Download.
2. Follow the download and installation prompts (you do not need admin access).

1. Go to the App store of your device (e.g. App Store or Google Play).

2. Search for Zoom

3. Download it, as per other apps.

Participate via phone line only:

1. Dial in via one of these numbers:  +61 3 7018 2005 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia +61 2 8015 6011 Australia. Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ahxpuxnWU

2. Key in the Meeting ID (from your registration confirmed email).

STEP 2: At the Meeting time: Join the Zoom Meeting

1. Open up the Zoom application

1a.  If using a computer - Go to "Settings", and do "Audio" -> "Sound and "Microphone" checks before you start.

2. Enter the Meeting ID you've been provided (in the confirmed registration email). The host will receive a 'door bell' that you are waiting and will admit you to the meeting.

Once you have entered the Zoom meeting room:

• Make sure that your microphone is muted
• Video - you can choose if its on or off    (On = more internet used)
• When you want to talk - unmute microphone.
• Make sure 1 person talks at a time.

More instructions of how to use Zoom in the meeting will be provided at the start of the meeting. 

Contact Details:  Colin asadults@aspergersvic.org.au or admin@aspergersvic.org.au

Parents & Carers Community Connection: Online Discussion

This meeting is open to all parents/carers of Aspergers / autistic children of any age - whether children, teens or adults. We will cater split off into separate discussion groups on the night if the group wishes to, depending on the needs of the attendees present (e.g. if several parents of adults, that group may split off separately if they wish to). 

This will be an online peer meeting via a web-based application called Zoom.is for parents, grandparents and carers (of a person with Aspergers or Autism Spectrum Disorder / ASD level 1-2 aged) to meet, share their experiences and support each other. The group is facilitated to allow opportunity for all attendees to talk if they wish. See below for more information on what Zoom is and how to access the meeting with it. It’s easy to use and you get a link in your registration confirmation email to join the meeting.  

Cost:  Free for month of October. However you must still please book online before attending. Once registered, you will receive an Event Confirmed email containing the Zoom link. Courtesy of a grant from the Department of Human Services. 

Zoom is a program that allows video, web and audio conferencing.You can download it free onto your computer or phone/tablet. Or you can simply just dial in and participate via telephone.  Download the AV Zoom Guide (pdf)

STEP 1: Before the Meeting: Make sure you download Zoom

Download onto your computer:

1. Visit https://zoom.us/download, locate Zoom Client for Meetings and click Download.
2. Follow the download and installation prompts (you do not need admin access).

1. Go to the App store of your device (e.g. App Store or Google Play).

2. Search for Zoom

3. Download it, as per other apps.

Participate via phone line only:

1. Dial in via one of these numbers:  +61 3 7018 2005 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia +61 2 8015 6011 Australia. Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ahxpuxnWU

2. Key in the Meeting ID (from your registration confirmed email).

STEP 2: At the Meeting time: Join the Zoom Meeting

1. Open up the Zoom application

1a.  If using a computer - Go to "Settings", and do "Audio" -> "Sound and "Microphone" checks before you start.

2. Enter the Meeting ID you've been provided (in the confirmed registration email). The host will receive a 'door bell' that you are waiting and will admit you to the meeting.

Once you have entered the Zoom meeting room:

• Make sure that your microphone is muted
• Video - you can choose if its on or off    (On = more internet used)
• When you want to talk - unmute microphone.
• Make sure 1 person talks at a time.

More instructions of how to use Zoom in the meeting will be provided at the start of the meeting. However we can email you an outline for Zoom use in case you need help. 

Contact Details:  You may direct queries to any of the below leaders:

• Jenny (young adults carers) at adultparentsupport@aspergersvic.org.au or
• Rebecca (north-eastern region all-age carers) at northeastparents@aspergersvic.org.au 
• Caren (Southern region all-ages carers) at southern@aspergersvic.org.au

Teens Hub: Online Peer Meeting Discussion

Teens on Discord, Parents on Zoom

The Teens have been having a great time together these past few months playing games together on Discord, so we thought we would do it again!  Coronavirus hasn't stopped our meetings, we have just moved them  to an online meeting format, via two web-based applications - one called Discord (for the teens) and another called Zoom (for parents). 

Parents can come together and chat about how they’ve been managing, share ideas and support to maintain connections with each other.  Meanwhile the Teens can enjoy a few rounds of "Secret Hitler" or some other "Jackbox" games. See below for more about what Zoom and Discord are.

This is a popular group where you can meet new friends and catch up with old buddies, enjoy an environment with no social pressure and have an enjoyable night out! Looking forward to seeing you there!

Cost:  Free this month again, Courtesy of a grant from the Department of Human Services. However you must still please book online before attending. Once registered, you will receive an Event Confirmed email containing the Zoom link.  

The Discord teens session will be facilitated by the Teens Mentor Team:

Annual General Meeting

Aspergers Victoria hereby gives notice of and invites you to attend our 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Full Financial Members of Aspergers Victoria are entitled to vote at the AGM. To renew your membership please visit our website.

AGM Agenda

 1. Welcome 

 2. Business of the AGM

3. Looking forward - the year ahead for AV

 4. Guest Speaker - Barb Cook

Barb will talk about the rollercoaster ride many of us have been on throughout 2020. She'll look at the impact and changes COVID has had upon the community and how we approach everyday working practices, including how this will effect change in employment practices and accommodations in the future. As part of our co-design committee for our World of Work project, Barb will discuss her role, outcomes to date and anticipated future in working together to support young adults on the autism spectrum in gaining quality preparation for work skills. 

5. Close

Please RSVP by registering your attendance on the button to the left.

View 2020 Annual Financial Report

View AGM 2020 Proxy Form

AV Book Club - Fiction by Aspie / Autistic Authors - 10am session

The first book has been selected - Follow Your Heart, by Susanna Tamaro.

Susanna Tamaro was diagnosed with Aspergers in her thirties. According to Goodreads, Follow Your Heart is an international bestseller, a bittersweet, heartwarming novel spanning generations and teaching the universal truths about life, love, and what lies within each of us. It begins in late autumn 1992 as an elderly Italian woman, prompted by the knowledge of her encroaching death, sits down to write a letter to her granddaughter now grown and living in far-off America.

Our first AV Book Club Discussions will meet on Tuesday 17 November to discuss Follow Your Dreams. To accommodate different preferences and if we have enough interest we will host two discussions - one at 10am and one at 7.30pm.

If you’d like to join our 10am discussion please register and Zoom details will be provided.

Based on demand we may look to introduce a broader Fiction Book Club and a Non-Fiction Study Group in the New Year. If this is something that interests you please let admin@aspergersvic.org.au know. We are always looking for ways to connect our members with people and activities they enjoy.

AV Book Club - Fiction by Aspie / Autistic Authors - 7.30pm session

The first book has been selected - Follow Your Heart, by Susanna Tamaro.

Susanna Tamaro was diagnosed with Aspergers in her thirties. According to Goodreads, Follow Your Heart is an international bestseller, a bittersweet, heartwarming novel spanning generations and teaching the universal truths about life, love, and what lies within each of us. It begins in late autumn 1992 as an elderly Italian woman, prompted by the knowledge of her encroaching death, sits down to write a letter to her granddaughter now grown and living in far-off America.

Our first AV Book Club Discussions will meet on Tuesday 17 November to discuss Follow Your Dreams. To accommodate different preferences and if we have enough interest we will host two discussions - one at 10am and one at 7.30pm.

If you’d like to join our 7.30pm discussion please register via our website and Zoom details will be provided.

Based on demand we may look to introduce a broader Fiction Book Club and a Non-Fiction Study Group in the New Year. If this is something that interests you please let admin@aspergersvic.org.au know. We are always looking for ways to connect our members with people and activities they enjoy.

Adults Hub: Online / Phone Peer Meeting Discussion - “To Be Advised"

Due to the changing conditions with COVID-19, we had to move to an online meeting via a web-based application called Zoom. See below for more about what Zoom is.  

We have been getting an excellent turnout in recent months for this meeting and encourage you to give it a try and join us. Discussion topic: “To Be Advised”.

This group is for our older Adult peer group attendees.  It is more suitable for those who are aged 35 years and over, although younger adults may still attend if they wish to.  (Young adults may prefer to attend the other younger adult meetings: see our event list).

Cost:  FREE this month again, courtesy of DHHS covid grant, but bookings still required. Please book online before attending, You will receive the link to join the meeting once booking is completed in an "Event Registration Confirmed" email containing this link. 

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a program that allows video, web and audio conferencing.You can download it free onto your computer or phone/tablet. Or you can simply just dial in and participate via telephone.  Download the AV Zoom Guide (pdf)

STEP 1: Before the Meeting: Make sure you download Zoom

Download onto your computer:

1. Visit https://zoom.us/download, locate Zoom Client for Meetings and click Download.
2. Follow the download and installation prompts (you do not need admin access).

1. Go to the App store of your device (e.g. App Store or Google Play).

2. Search for Zoom

3. Download it, as per other apps.

Participate via phone line only:

1. Dial in via one of these numbers:  +61 3 7018 2005 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia +61 2 8015 6011 Australia. Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ahxpuxnWU

2. Key in the Meeting ID (from your registration confirmed email).

STEP 2: At the Meeting time: Join the Zoom Meeting

1. Open up the Zoom application

1a.  If using a computer - Go to "Settings", and do "Audio" -> "Sound and "Microphone" checks before you start.

2. Enter the Meeting ID you've been provided (in the confirmed registration email). The host will receive a 'door bell' that you are waiting and will admit you to the meeting.

Once you have entered the Zoom meeting room:

• Make sure that your microphone is muted
• Video - you can choose if its on or off    (On = more internet used)
• When you want to talk - unmute microphone.
• Make sure 1 person talks at a time.

More instructions of how to use Zoom in the meeting will be provided at the start of the meeting. 

Contact Details:  Colin asadults@aspergersvic.org.au or admin@aspergersvic.org.au

Women-identifying & NB folk Online Get-together

Our meetings will continue in the online meeting format via a web-based application called Zoom. See below for more about what Zoom is. 

This is an exciting and liberating opportunity to connect with other women and NB people on the spectrum, BYO cuppa! Age is no limit! All women-identifying & NB gender folk welcome. So let's come together online and have a general peer discussion to discuss how we've been managing, share ideas and concerns and ensure we find some calm in this situation.

Cost: FREE this month again, courtesy of DHHS covid grant, but bookings still required. Please book online before attending, You will receive the link to join the meeting once booking is completed in an "Event Registration Confirmed" email containing this link. 

The get-together is facilitated by Aspie women, for Aspie women and is very informal. Once you have attended your first group you are able to join our Facebook group where we may organise catch-ups such as bushwalking in the Dandenongs and other shared passions, once lockdown is over! Aspergers Victoria volunteers with lived experience run all meetings and welcome new attendees.

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a program that allows video, web and audio conferencing.You can download it free onto your computer or phone/tablet. Or you can simply just dial in and participate via telephone.  Download the AV Zoom Guide (pdf)

STEP 1: Before the Meeting: Make sure you download Zoom

Download onto your computer:

1. Visit https://zoom.us/download, locate Zoom Client for Meetings and click Download.
2. Follow the download and installation prompts (you do not need admin access).

1. Go to the App store of your device (e.g. App Store or Google Play).

2. Search for Zoom

3. Download it, as per other apps.

STEP 2: At the Meeting time: Join the Zoom Meeting

1. Open up the Zoom application

1a.  If using a computer - Go to "Settings", and do "Audio" -> "Sound and "Microphone" checks before you start.

2. Enter the Meeting ID you've been provided (in the confirmed registration email). The host will receive a 'door bell' that you are waiting and will admit you to the meeting.

Once you have entered the Zoom meeting room:

• Make sure that your microphone is muted
• Video - you can choose if its on or off    (On = more internet used)
• When you want to talk - unmute microphone.
• Make sure 1 person talks at a time.

Participate via phone line only:

1. Dial in via one of these numbers:  +61 3 7018 2005 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia +61 2 8015 6011 Australia. Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ahxpuxnWU

2. Key in the Meeting ID (from your registration confirmed email).

More instructions of how to use Zoom in the meeting will be provided at the start of the meeting.

Contact Details:  Jenni at admin@aspergersvic.org.au

Getting There:  No physical premises meeting this month, only the online meeting. See your Event Registration Confirmed email for the link to join. 

Young Adults Hub: Online Peer Discussion

Chat & play online games

Young adults meetings have been well-attended in this online format! We have been having a great time chatting and playing online card games. This month we we will play some "Jackbox" games again (in a separate breakout room) as it has been great fun! This month we will again run an online meeting via the web-based application "Zoom".

Over the past few months, the young adults had a great turn out of 15+ people, who had a lot of fun just chatting in the main meeting room and others split off for playing online card games.  

This peer meeting is for adults aged (minimum) 18 years - 35 years old (approx.) with Aspergers (or Autism Spectrum Disorder level 1-2). This is a popular group where you can meet new friends, enjoy an environment with no social pressure and have an enjoyable night Looking forward to seeing you there! You may join with your video and audio on or off in whatever way you are comfortable with. 

Cost:  Free this month again, courtesy of a grant from the Department of Human Services. However you must still please book online before attending. Once registered, you will receive an Event Confirmed email containing the Zoom link.

Please note the following about how our group runs:

• This event is for Young Adults who are between the ages of 18-35 years.  
• This is a parent/carer-free zone. 
  
• New attendees will be made to feel comfortable and welcome by our peer leaders.
  

Parents & Carers Community Connection: Online Discussion

This meeting is open to all parents/carers of Aspergers / autistic children of any age - whether children, teens or adults. We will cater split off into separate discussion groups on the night if the group wishes to, depending on the needs of the attendees present (e.g. if several parents of adults, that group may split off separately if they wish to). 

This will be an online peer meeting via a web-based application called Zoom.is for parents, grandparents and carers (of a person with Aspergers or Autism Spectrum Disorder / ASD level 1-2 aged) to meet, share their experiences and support each other. The group is facilitated to allow opportunity for all attendees to talk if they wish. See below for more information on what Zoom is and how to access the meeting with it. It’s easy to use and you get a link in your registration confirmation email to join the meeting.  

Cost:  Free this month again, courtesy of a grant from the Department of Human Services.  However you must still please book online before attending. Once registered, you will receive an Event Confirmed email containing the Zoom link. 

Zoom is a program that allows video, web and audio conferencing.You can download it free onto your computer or phone/tablet. Or you can simply just dial in and participate via telephone.  Download the AV Zoom Guide (pdf)

STEP 1: Before the Meeting: Make sure you download Zoom

Download onto your computer:

1. Visit https://zoom.us/download, locate Zoom Client for Meetings and click Download.
2. Follow the download and installation prompts (you do not need admin access).

1. Go to the App store of your device (e.g. App Store or Google Play).

2. Search for Zoom

3. Download it, as per other apps.

Participate via phone line only:

1. Dial in via one of these numbers:  +61 3 7018 2005 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia +61 2 8015 6011 Australia. Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ahxpuxnWU

2. Key in the Meeting ID (from your registration confirmed email).

STEP 2: At the Meeting time: Join the Zoom Meeting

1. Open up the Zoom application

1a.  If using a computer - Go to "Settings", and do "Audio" -> "Sound and "Microphone" checks before you start.

2. Enter the Meeting ID you've been provided (in the confirmed registration email). The host will receive a 'door bell' that you are waiting and will admit you to the meeting.

Once you have entered the Zoom meeting room:

• Make sure that your microphone is muted
• Video - you can choose if its on or off    (On = more internet used)
• When you want to talk - unmute microphone.
• Make sure 1 person talks at a time.

More instructions of how to use Zoom in the meeting will be provided at the start of the meeting. However we can email you an outline for Zoom use in case you need help. 

Contact Details:  You may direct queries to any of the below leaders:

• Jenny (young adults carers) at adultparentsupport@aspergersvic.org.au or
• Rebecca (north-eastern region all-age carers) at northeastparents@aspergersvic.org.au 
• Caren (Southern region all-ages carers) at southern@aspergersvic.org.au

Volunteers & Staff End of Year Celebration

Contact Details:  admin@aspergersvic.org.au 

Venue to be advised. Not yet open for registration.