PEAL Center

If you're in the area, check out this adaptive event at Penn State Health Recfest on Saturday, September 28, from 1-5 pm at Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Manheim, PA.

Penn State Health Recfest will be held Saturday, September 28 from 1-5 pm at Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Manheim, PA. This adaptive event is for those with visible and invisible disabilities, families, friends, and caregivers. Learn about life skills and recreational activities. Participate in adaptive sports and recreation demos. The event is free, but registration is required using the QR code or this link: https://tinyurl.com/yts8xwzp

RAISE--the National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Advocacy and Employment--recently shared an important Q&A regarding voting.
Q: Does the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) apply to the voting process?
A: According to the U.S. Department of Justice, “[t]he ADA’s provisions apply to all aspects of voting, including voter registration, site selection, and the casting of ballots, whether on Election Day or during an early voting process.”
Learn more about the ADA and other federal laws protecting the rights of voters with disabilities:

The Americans with Disabilities Act and Other Federal Laws Protecting the Rights of Voters with Disabilities This document provides guidance on how the ADA and other Federal laws protect the rights of voters with disabilities.

Family & Transition Age Youth Event
November 9 from 8:30AM-1PM
UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center, 6401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA.
The event will include sessions such as: Ask the Expert, Plan For The Future, The Bus Isn’t Coming! "Who’s Driving!?" and a Vendor Walk.
Learn more and register here: https://secure.smore.com/n/dw17r-family-transition-age-youth

Join AJ Drexel Autism Institute this Saturday (September 21) for the 7th Annual Autism Play Date at Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

This Saturday, join us at Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse from noon to 4:00 for the 7th Annual Autism Play Date!

Are you prepared for an emergency?

by being prepared!✅ Make an emergency plan + practice it regularly with your family. Learn how to create your plan → http://ready.gov/plan

Only one week away! Join PEAL for a back-to-school webinar and learn more about Communicating Effectively with Your School Team.
Wednesday, September 25, at 12:00 PM
Register at: https://www.tfaforms.com/5144377
The course will cover strategies that are essential to successful communication, help you keep the focus on your child and their needs, prepare you in case conflict arises and more.

This Saturday (September 21) Disability Pride Pittston takes place at the Tomato Lot, 7 Spring Street, in downtown Pittston! There will be activities for the entire family, with accessible-space, games, sensory tent, ASL interpreters, volunteers and more.

This Saturday!!

Pittston takes place at the Tomato Lot, 7 Spring Street, in downtown Pittston! We're excited to with our at PA Inclusive and the Northeastern PA ! Join us for for the whole family, with accessible- space, games, sensory tent, & port-a-potties; ASL interpreters, volunteers.

Local and statewide sponsors will be there with resources, free swag, and good information. Make sure to check out all the sponsors who support us!!

More information at www.DisabilityPridePA.org

[Id...Disability Pride Pennsylvania and PA Inclusive logos above Disability Pride Pittston on left and a graphic of people with disabilities together. Below are a 28 logos of the sponsors. In the corners are symbols of access, asl interpreting, and sensory sensitive.]

Learn how college programs are working to alleviate barriers for non-degree-seeking students with disabilities, enriching their overall experience.

: Many college programs are working with campus administration to alleviate as many barriers as possible to participation for non-degree-seeking students with disabilities, enriching their overall experience.

Learn more: https://thinkcollege.net/think-college-news/removing-barriers-to-full-campus-participation

Tomorrow evening is the next virtual Youth Empowerment Drop-In session.
September 18 at 6:00 PM
You can sign up to join at any time: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErcuyppj4rGNcCesf16sLN33VsbMG-Je_R #/registration

A few events happening across Pennsylvania to Celebrate Hispanic and Latino history and culture.

It's Hispanic Heritage Month! Celebrate Hispanic and Latino history and culture along with us. Here are some events happening across Pennsylvania the next month:

Central PA: https://www.explorehbg.com/blog/post/how-to-celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-in-hbg/

Western PA: https://www.diversity.pitt.edu/latinx-hispanic-heritage-month

Eastern PA: https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/hispanic-heritage-month-in-philadelphia/

You can learn more about Hispanic Heritage month here:https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources/hispanic-heritage-month

Temple is hosting A Day on Person-Directed Services (PDS), September 19, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Zoom.
This free virtual learning opportunity is for anyone interested in learning more about participant-directed services. Learn more below.

Join us for A Day on Person-Directed Services (PDS), September 19, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Zoom.

This free virtual learning opportunity is for anyone interested in learning more about participant-directed services. Presenters include representatives from ODP (Office of Developmental Programs), PPL (public partnerships), supports brokers using the LifeCourse framework, and more.

** Please register in advance: https://buff.ly/4e057Ko .
Email accommodation requests to Denise at [email protected] by September 14. **



Image: A young man accompanied by his support staff uses a wheelchair with a mounted AAC device, outside in a park-like setting.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States and recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
The National Museum of the American Latino elevates U.S. Latinos’ stories within the American experience; learn more at: https://latino.si.edu/

Join us tomorrow evening for Special Education: What Families Need to Know.
Carnegie Library Lawrenceville, 279 Fisk Street, Pittsburgh, 6:00-7:00PM.
No registration is required for this event.
The session offers families and caregivers an overview of Special Education IEP and 504 Plans, basic information about the process and timelines and an introduction to special education rights. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about the process.

Check out the Employment Symposium & Job Fair at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel on October 10 from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM!

🚀 Mark your calendars for October 10, 2024! Join us for the Employment Symposium & Job Fair at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel from 9 am – 4 pm!

This event is for employers, business owners, people with disabilities, their families, and anyone interested in competitive integrated employment. Connect with community organizations, explore resources, attend presentations from the Office of Developmental Programs, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, ACHIEVA, PA Family Network, and PA ABLE, and network at the afternoon job fair from 1:30-3:30 pm. Lunch is provided! 🍽️

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, network, and take the next step in your employment journey!

To learn more, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/employment-symposium-job-fair-tickets-945111081687

Learn about and join AJ Drexel Autism Institute's Autistic Connections on Discord--a space for autistic individuals to connect.

Come join us at Autistic Connections, a Discord community specifically built for autistic adults. It is meant to be a respectful, collaborative space for autistic individuals to connect. We have autistic moderators who are experienced in creating successful experiences on Discord.

We welcome all adults who identify as autistic (no formal diagnosis needed). Feel free to share with your friends!

You can find the invite here: https://discord.com/invite/rWSefcXh

Please reach out to Hillary Steinberg at [email protected] with any questions.

The latest issue of Parenting Special Needs Magazine includes a supplement that focuses on college and employment.

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
Our new issue is LIVE and it's packed with valuable resources! 🌟

📚 What's inside?
✨ Our latest College & Employment Supplement—filled with info, success stories, and more!
✨ Essential Transition Planning tips for families with children in school.
✨ Useful Apps for teens and young adults entering adulthood.
✨ A fun activity to enjoy with your family!..and so much more!

Ready to dive in? Click below to start reading! 👇
https://parentingspecialneeds.mydigitalpublication.com/september-october-2024

📸 Special shoutout to our cover models from The Nicholas Center and the talented photographer, TJ Hart!

🙏 Thank you to our incredible contributors and partners:
The Nicholas Center, BridgingApps, Positive Behavior Supports, Virginia Commonwealth University, Parent to Parent USA, Home and Community Positive Behavior Support, iCanShine, Expo,, @ Project SearchProject SEARCH at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Project Search, Cincinnati ________, Syracuse University, @ University of Missouri St. Louis, and Douglas Haddad Think College @ College of The Florida Keys

The PEAL Center and KidsVoice present: Special Education for Foster and Kinship Families. Join our virtual session on Wednesday, November 13 at 12:00 PM.
Register for the event at: https://www.tfaforms.com/5144809
All foster families in Pennsylvania trying to navigate the special education system are invited to join.

Last day to register to vote: October 21

Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, College of Education is offering a free virtual learning opportunity is for anyone interested in learning more about participant-directed services.
A DAY ON PDS, September 19, 2024.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Zoom.
Register in advance at: https://buff.ly/4e057Ko

Join us for A Day on Person-Directed Services (PDS), September 19, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Zoom.

This free virtual learning opportunity is for anyone interested in learning more about participant-directed services, and features presenters including Representatives from ODP (Office of Developmental Programs), PPL (public partnerships), Supports Brokers using the LifeCourse framework, and more.

** Please register in advance: https://buff.ly/4e057Ko .
Email accommodation requests to Denise at [email protected] by September 14. **



Image: Young man accompanied by his support staff, uses a wheelchair with a mounted AAC device, outside in a park-like setting.

This week is Disability Rights Voting Week! Make sure that you are registered to vote and that you have a plan ready to cast your vote.
Check your voter registration status here:
https://www.pa.gov/.../check-my-registration-status.html

For Day 1 of Disability Rights Voting Week, please make sure you are registered to vote! Check your voter registration status here:

https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/vote/voter-registration/check-my-registration-status.html

Mark your calendars for the PA Disability Community's Virtual Candidate Forums. The non-partisan forums with candidates on disability issues will be held virtually and allow for shared learning and engagement.
Virtual Forum Dates:
September 17 at 12PM - Central PA
September 27 at 12PM - Eastern PA
October 3 at 12PM - Western PA
Register Here: https://forms.gle/Mar88Row8JbJTTc38

PA Disability Community
Virtual Candidate Forums

Please join us for non-partisan forums with candidates
on disability issues. The Forums will be held virtually and
allow for shared learning and engagement

Virtual Forum Dates
9/17 @ 12PM - Central PA
9/27 @ 12PM - Eastern PA
10/3 @ 12PM - Western PA

Register Here: https://forms.gle/Mar88Row8JbJTTc38

Join the PEAL Youth Team for a presentation on Civic Participation!
October 29 at 12:00 PM on Zoom
Sign up for the webinar: https://www.tfaforms.com/5144014
If you know a young person with a disability who is eager to make a difference, encourage them to register and learn more about how they can get involved and transform their communities.

Bullying is a topic that often arises as the school year kicks off. StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying. Check out their tip sheet for information on supporting youth with disabilities and special health needs:https://www.stopbullying.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/bullyingtipsheet.pdf

The Office of Special Education Programs has issued a joint letter in collaboration with the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities and Prevention, to support increased collaboration between State Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C early intervention programs.
You can read the letter here:

Early Hearing Detection, Intervention and Part C Programs Joint Dear Colleague Letter from the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services to support increased collaboration between state early hearing detection and intervention programs and IDEA Part C early intervention programs.

September is also National Deaf Awareness Month. Learn more about the culturally deaf community, their rich language and powerful history here: https://csd.org/stories/rich-heritage-of-deaf-people/

September is National Deaf Awareness Month! It's a time to recognize and raise awareness of the communication needs and unique identity of deaf and hard of hearing people.

Learn more about the culturally deaf community, their rich language and powerful history here: https://csd.org/stories/rich-heritage-of-deaf-people/

Interested in learning American Sign Language?
Check out these free online ASL classes at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf: https://courses.osd.k12.ok.us/

Service dogs are amazing. Here's a great example:

www.npr.org

Important steps to help someone who is considering su***de: https://bit.ly/3MnJTtM ***depreventionweek

You can help reduce the risk for ***de in your community. Learn how to talk to someone who is considering su***de with these action steps: https://bit.ly/3MnJTtM

Did you know that September 9 is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day? The ninth day of the ninth month signifies the importance of being alcohol-free for the nine months of pregnancy. Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with a range of lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities. To learn more about FASD, scan the QR code or link from The Arc of Pennsylvania: https://tinyurl.com/4n57n2e9

Today, September 9, is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day. The date of the ninth day of the ninth month signifies the importance of being alcohol-free for the nine months of pregnancy. Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with a range of lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities. To learn more about FASD, scan the QR code or use this link: https://tinyurl.com/4n57n2e9

The Education Law Center’s 2024 Back-to-School Guide includes a rights-focused fact sheets and other resources for families and advocates. You can access the guide here:

Back to School Guide for Pennsylvania Public School Students, Families, and Advocates | Education Law Center Back to School Guide for Pennsylvania Public School Students, Families, and Advocates The Education Law Center-PA (ELC) has updated our annual “Back to School Guide” with publications on multiple education topics to help students, families, and child-serving professionals. Click on the topic to...

Join us for a special back-to-school webinar:
Communicating Effectively with Your School Team
September 25 at 12:00 PM via Zoom.
Register at: https://www.tfaforms.com/5144377