CLASS

In honor of DSP Appreciation Week, we entered all of our DSPs in In-Home Services into a raffle for several gift cards. Congratulations to our winners: Sandra B., Diane D., Carolyn W., Dennis K., and Rose D.! Thank you to all of our DSPs in In-Home Services for their commitment and dedication to those we serve.

DSPs are the unsung heroes who make a world of difference. Every day, they provide invaluable support to people with disabilities and older adults, helping them live their best lives and fully participate in their communities. Their work is essential to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Thank you, DSPs for your dedication and compassion!

In celebration of Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Week, we would like to send a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Direct Support Professionals at CLASS! Your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our community members make a world of difference. You go above and beyond every day to help individuals with disabilities live fulfilling lives. We are truly grateful for your hard work to make our mission - Working Toward A Community Where Each Belongs - a reality. 💙💚💙

Join us for our Employment Open House at East Liberty! Food and refreshments will be served! Come for the food, stay for the support!

Discover how our personalized services can help you reach your career goals.

With Career Planning, Job Search Assistance, Job Coaching, and Advocacy.

Learn more and meet our friendly team at our open house.
Wednesday, September 18th at 3:00pm-6:00pm.

6401 Penn Ave, Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

CLASS Community Living And Support Services (CLASS) supports older adults and people with disabilities.

Congratulations to Bekah Nesbitt on achieving her RESNA Assistive Technology Professional certification! This is a fantastic accomplishment that recognizes her expertise and dedication to helping individuals with disabilities. We are excited to see the many ways this new certification will benefit CLASS and the community.

Bekah's ATP certification will support comprehensive home modification assessments, provide a wide range of AT solutions and support Bekah providing expanded training on how to use AT devices, ensuring individuals can get the most out of these tools.

We are thrilled to have Bekah on our team and look forward to her continued success.

Don't miss our final events! Join us tomorrow for a transition networking social hour at Cookie Cookie Ice Cream. Free treats, endless possibilities. Next week, we'll host an employment resource fair at the JCC Katz Center in Squirrel Hill. Finally, visit us at our East Liberty offices.

Come see us today at in Schenley Plaza from 11 am- 4pm! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

Check out the latest quarterly newsletter from CLASS! Dive into all the updates, achievements, and upcoming events that make our community thrive. 🌟 Don’t miss out on the highlights and stories that matter to you. 📬✨

https://conta.cc/3ApXC0q

CLASS is a proud sponsor of Disability Pride Pennsylvania’s celebration in Pittsburgh. We hope to see you next Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm in Schenley Plaza!

Breaking Barriers tomorrow! 🚀 Join us for a tour of the Inglis Innovation Center and learn about our Impact Accelerator program. Empowering entrepreneurs with disabilities and allies to create a more inclusive world. Don't miss this chance to be part of something groundbreaking!
RSVP: bit.ly/CLASSBBcollection

Another month in the books, filled with gratitude for our incredible employees. Special shoutout to those celebrating work anniversaries in August! Your contributions are invaluable.

We look forward to seeing you next week as we enter the Impact Accelerator the Inglis Innovation Center.

We will learn more about this hub for creativity and social change and hear from the entrepreneurs with disabilities and allies who are currently building a more inclusive world.

Register now to save your spot, in person or virtual.

bit.ly/CLASSBBcollection

CLASS Community Living And Support Services (CLASS) supports older adults and people with disabilities.

everyone will have a job they want in a place that is accessible and welcoming. As this day of giving is only one day - here is what one day in the life of one of the individuals enrolled in CLASS programs can look like:

☀️7:30 am - Wake up and get ready for the day with assistance from a Direct Care Worker

🥐8:00 am - Make and eat breakfast, confirm the evening support needed with the Direct Care Worker, assist in packing lunch, listen to a favorite podcast

🚐9:00 am - Catch ACCESS and head to meet with the Employment Specialist

🏢9:30 am - Arrive at the CLASS Office

📝9:30 am - 11:30 am - With support from an employment specialist: Review any job opportunities online, apply for any new positions, discuss and critique the interview from last week, practice interview skills through a mock interview

🥗11:30 am - Lunch break

🚐12:00 pm - Catch ACCESS to job interview

💼1:00 pm - Complete interview with potential employer

🚐2:30 pm - Catch ACCESS home

🏠3:00 pm - Arrive home and schedule a time to review the interview with Employment Specialist

🧺4:00 pm - Direct Care Worker arrives and starts laundry and assists in meal planning for the next three days

👨‍🍳5:00 pm - Prepare dinner with Direct Care Worker

🛋️6:00 pm - Load dishwasher and relax for the evening (catch the latest in the Olympics of course)

🛌10:00 pm - Get ready for bed

While this schedule is jam-packed, it reflects what can look like for someone CLASS supports. Your gift this , will help create for job searchers in our region.

Donate Today.

You can make your donation from 8:00 am to 11:59 pm. To make your donation, visit: https://www.pittsburghgives.org/organization/class

A huge thank you to all of the sponsors of the 17th Alby Oxenreiter Golf Classic!

As the sun sets on the 17th Annual Alby Oxenreiter Golf Classic, we CANNOT thank everyone who came out today and supported the event enough! Your support furthers the missions of The Oxenreiter Foundation, CLASS, and St. Anthony School Programs. Until next year… ⛳️

Join us in a virtual call tomorrow morning and empower yourself!

Navigating Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace

Do you have a disability that impacts your work?

This session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Learn how to:

-Identify potential accommodations for your specific disability
-Initiate the conversation with your employer about requesting an accommodation
-Craft a clear and concise accommodation request
-Understand the interactive process for finding the right fit

We'll discuss:

-Your rights under the ADA as an employee with a disability
-Examples of appropriate accommodation requests (modified schedule, assistive technology, etc.)
-Tips for effectively communicating your needs to your employer
-The importance of documentation and clear communication

Register today and take control of your workplace experience!

bit.ly/CLASSBBcollection

⛳️Thank you so much Birdie Sponsor Rohrich Toyota of the Alby Oxenreiter Golf Classic benefitting St. Anthony’s and CLASS! We appreciate your support of individuals with special needs in the Pittsburgh region. 💛

Ready to unlock your potential? Don't miss our upcoming events focused on helping individuals with disabilities thrive in the workforce. Get expert advice on navigating the job search process and build confidence in your job search!

Talk about Job Accommodations in a virtual discussion on July 23rd.
Explore the Impact Accelerator at Inglis on August 15th
Finish Strong with a Resource Fair on September 4th

Look at those determined faces! We had a fantastic time (despite the heat!) at the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. Huge thanks to everyone who joined us - your dedication is truly inspiring!

While we would've loved to see even more faces, we completely understand the weather wasn't ideal for everyone. Every step counts, and yours are making a positive impact! Together, we raised $5021.00!

Let's keep the momentum going - share your photos and tag us!

Time flies when you're surrounded by amazing people!
Huge shoutout to our incredible employees celebrating work anniversaries this July! We appreciate your unique skills and positive attitude. Here's to many more years together.

Wishing everyone a happy !
Let's celebrate freedom, fireworks, and the amazing people here in our communities!

It's !

This July, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and talents of people with disabilities. We're proud of the work done every day at CLASS to empower people to achieve their full potential.

Join us in celebrating:

🙌 Share your story or a message of support using and .

➡️ Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can get involved: CLASScommunity.org

🎉 Save the date for Disability Pride Pennsylvania PGH - August 24th!

Together, let's break down barriers and unlock a more inclusive world.

Assistive Technology Lending Library Spotlight: Paige Zimnik, M.A., CCC-SLP

Finding the right AT can be a major hurdle, but Paige uses the Lending Library at Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives to help her students overcome that hurdle.

"The TechOWL Lending Library is a wonderful resource that helps me explore communication devices for my students. It has allowed me to have access to communication devices quickly for an extended period that helps me better evaluate the appropriateness of the device. The Assistive Technology Coordinator, Bekah Nesbitt, is extremely helpful and ensures that you are having a positive experience with TechOWL. I would highly encourage speech therapists and families interested in trying communication devices to use TechOWL for a pleasant and smooth experience. Thank you, TechOWL!"

Free Air Conditioners Available Through Utility Assistance Program Pennsylvania residents who receive federally funded weatherization assistance could be eligible to get free air conditioners or repairs this summer.

Updates for the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community tomorrow!

UPDATE: We're excited to see you at the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on Saturday, June 22nd! We want to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience, so we're sharing some important updates due to the anticipated high temperatures.

Route Modification:

We have adjusted the 5K walk route to minimize exposure to direct sunlight and maximize shade coverage. The updated 5K route is: 3 laps along the original 1 Mile Fun Walk route; The 1 Mile Fun Walk route has not been modified.

Heat Mitigation:

We've also implemented additional heat mitigation measures, including:
• Increased Water Stations: We'll have more water stations along the route to ensure everyone stays hydrated.
• Misting Stations: We'll be providing misting stations at key locations along the route to help cool you down.
Tips to Stay Cool:
• Arrive hydrated with water for the walk – avoid caffeinated beverages beforehand if possible as they can dehydrate you.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Wear a hat or consider an umbrella to shade you during the walk (dark colors absorb more light and heat while lighter colors will reflect more).
• Wear loose-fitting light-colored clothing.
• Take advantage of extra water provided on the walk as well as the misting stations along the way.
Important Note:
Due to the continued heat wave into the weekend, if you’re not feeling well or have medical conditions that can make you sensitive to extreme heat, please sit this year’s walk out. Your wellness and safety are our number one concern.
Event Schedule:
• Check-in/Registration: 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM (Please arrive early as some streets will be closed at 8:10 AM)
• Opening Ceremony: 8:30 AM
• 5K Walk & 1 Mile Fun Walks Start: 9:00 AM
• Free Parking: Gold Lots 1 & 2 (across from Stage AE)
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
See you on Saturday!

Introducing Trudy, our awesome new AI teammate at CLASS!

Trudy might not have a physical handshake, but she is here to virtually guide you through all of the resources and services CLASS offers for people with disabilities.

Think of her as your friendly expert personal assistance, in-home services, skill development programs, residential support and more! Anything that helps you maintain your independence in the community!

Have a question? Trudy’s happy to answer, big or small. Let’s work together with Trudy to unlock your full potential!

Talk to Trudy today at: bit.ly/trudytalk
This is Trudy's first week of work and we welcome all feedback on Trudy's conversations! You can email [email protected] if you feel she has given incorrect information.

Beyond Skills & Resumes: Breaking Barriers to Employment for People with Disabilities - Join us on Tuesday, June 25th!

This free event explores how to overcome challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the job market. Hear from speakers on financial empowerment, voting rights, and more. Network with attendees and organizations working towards greater employment opportunities.

We are looking forward to hearing from PA ABLE, Keystone Progress Education Fund, Achieva Family Trust and Mom's Meals!

Coffee from Cookie Cookie Ice Cream Company,
Lunch from Mangiamo Italian Food Truck,
& transportation reimbursement available for in-person attendees!

In-person or virtual attendance available!

Details & Registration: bit.ly/CLASSBBcollection

Juneteenth is a day to celebrate freedom and progress, but it is also a reminder that the fight for racial justice and accessibility is not over.

As a nonprofit organization that supports people with disabilities, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, disability, or any other factor. On this Juneteenth, let us recommit ourselves to working towards a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

Meet Sean!

Sean, a passionate artist, thrives in both the independence he's cultivated and the strong communities he's built, all while navigating life with cerebral palsy.

Theatre is Sean's lifelong love. He's a regular in the Pittsburgh CLO musical theatre classes, where he hones his acting and singing skills. This semester Sean and his class wrote the final performance, ‘Name That Tune,’ an interactive play with the audience joining the fun, a fitting metaphor for Sean’s own approach to life. He's also involved with "Special Actors," a group dedicated to the art of acting.

Sean's experiences haven't just shaped him as an artist, but as a compassionate individual. Volunteering at Children's Hospital brought him joy. He volunteers to connect with others and make a positive impact. He is currently seeking volunteer opportunities for the summer, while his theater classes are on break. For Sean, each opportunity is a chance to bridge divides and create positive change.

Sean's journey with cerebral palsy has instilled in him the importance of community. He credits UCP/CLASS with fostering his independence and helping him build his own support system. Now, he wants to share his experiences and inspire others. He's eager for public speaking opportunities to connect with other agencies and advocate for a more inclusive world, showing that disability doesn't define you, but can fuel a desire to create change.

When Sean's not on stage, you might find him cheering on the Pirates, exploring Kennywood, or spending time with friends.

Image description: Green graphic with 'Sean's journey in the arts' along the top. A photo of Sean entering stage right for a performance. Below the image reads: Sean's unstoppable spirit fuels his artistic pursuits and his desire to build a more inclusive world, making him a vibrant part of the Pittsburgh community. Through theatre and volunteering, Sean uses his talents to connect, inspire, and advocate for change.