ACCE Happenings
Weekly inspirational quote
"The future turns out to be something you make instead of find."-Lewis Lapham
Join our mailing list to get notifications and updates to the weekly ACCE Happenings Newsletter.
Last Updated January 20, 2023
All happenings are included for informational purposes.
Fitness Program is coming back soon!
Coming back Feb. 6th! Mondays and Wednesdays 6-7
Support Group for Fathers of Autistic People is back!!!
The AJ Drexel Autism Institute is excited to offer a support group for fathers of autistic people in partnership with Dr. Robert Naseef, clinical psychologist at Alternative Choices and Dr. Michael Hannon of Montclair State University and GETAC. The group will meet at 11am EST on Zoom starting on Saturday, Jan 21
Email AutismInstitute@drexel.edufor further information.
Behavior Plans Learn What an evaluation looks like, Why data is important and more!
Monday, January 23, 2023
Presentation by Samantha Sarin, Ms, BCBA Behavior Consultant
Contact gfeeny@moncopa.org 610-292-5040 to register
Zoom links will be provided to registrants prior to the meeting.
Lackawanna County Challenger League Soccer Registration!
On behalf of the Lackawanna County Challenger League Coaches and Board, we are happy to announce that Soccer will be back in January 2023 at Riverfront in Scranton.
Please see attached registration form and schedule or check your email !!
Please Mail to: Challenger Division Little League, P.O. Box 100, Clarks Summit, PA 18411
The Season will run January- February 2023
Bullying in Schools: Know your rights and how to protect your child
Hand in Hand Family Resource Center
A Sibling Support Program for the siblings (age 6 - 14) of individuals with disabilities.
Fun activities and snacks! What else do you need?
Variety Children's Charity
Waymart Church Sensory Rooms 1:1 Support
PA Developmental Disabilities Council: Disability Inclusive Curriculum
DISABILITY INCLUSIVE CRRICULUM - The Pennsylvania House & Senate, concurred, and included "providing for disability inclusive curriculum and establishing the Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program" in the PA Education code. We are very proud of the hard work of our Stigma project grantee Disability Equality in Education & everyone who worked to accomplish this! Learn about Disability Inclusive Curriculum.
Find my ride-Transportation Assistance
A free, lifetime pass - available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) - that provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies.
At many sites the Access Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).
$10 document processing fee
Visit USGS Store to learn more and apply
ART-ACCESS PA
Visit Art-Reach to learn more about this wonderful program and
how individuals with disabilities can get discounted tickets to 60+ museums, gardens, theaters, and cultural sites through the ACCESS program.
Have a child over 3 who is not potty-trained? You could get diapers through Medical Assistance.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services reports that if your child is over the age of 3 and is still not potty trained, you may be eligible to obtain free diapers through Medical Assistance.
Medicaid and Medicaid HMO’s will only cover the supplies if the child is older than 3 years of age and if a physician deems them medically necessary. You will be required to obtain a prescription, authorization, or a referral, in lieu of a prescription from your primary care physician. Contact your managed care organization for specific information.
LFT Meeting schedule and Brochure
Hazleton Autism Family Support Hub: Adult Testing
Do you know an adult wondering if they, themselves have autism, but don't know where to go to be tested?
Check out this video detailing the experience!
Learn more about Hazleton Autism Family Supoort Hub.
Inclusive Community Advocates
Are you a part of a group that wants to be more aware and accepting of autism, but you don't know where to go for training, it's too expensive, or the offerings do not quite fit your needs? Check out our partnership within the ACCE between Goodwill Industries, Children's Service Center, and Misericordia University. They offer a free, customized training to fit your group or organization's needs. Virtual and in-person options available!
Email Ann Gillerlane to ask questions or schedule your training today!
Art Sessions at Misericordia New time!
Thursdays, 6:30-7:30
Misericordia University Autism Center
50 Lake St. Dallas PA 18612
Autism and Neurodiversity First Responder training program
The Mansfield University Autism Resource Center is pleased to work with the Mansfield University Municipal Police Academy to integrate training related to working with neurodiverse populations to enhance community relations and experiences.
Learn more about the Autism and Neurodiversity First Responder Training Program
Dragon Tales Reading and Art Program
Check Out All the Wonderful Happenings at The Y!
We Are Y is an inclusive community outreach program that provides individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities access to recreational activities that encourage staying active, building interpersonal relationships, self-sufficiency, and aid in developing cognitive abilities. Activities Rotate Weekly!
Free and open to Greater Scranton YMCA members and non-members ages 10 and up, who have developmental disabilities.
When: Every Wednesday, 5:30-6:30pm
Where: Greater Scranton YMCA - 706 N. Blakely Street, Dunmore, pa 18512
For more information, please contact Natalie at nwasilchak@greaterscrantonymca.org
Wayne County YMCA
The "A-Team" Wayne County YMCA seeks to provide opportunities on the Autism Spectrum to gather in a non-threatening environment.
Greater Carbondale YMCA
A Spectrum of Fun Autism Family Nights
Swimming, pizza, socialization, and understanding!
Please call 570-282-2210 for a schedule of dates & times - a $10 donation per family.
Where: Greater Carbondale YMCA - 82 N. Main St. Carbondale
Tabletop Role Playing Therapy Now Hiring!
Therapeutic Tabletop Role Playing Group (TTRPG) is a therapeutic group that uses tabletop role playing games to help treat behavioral and mental health issues. Through interaction with other members of the group and the collaborative story, players can be exposed to a wide variety of situations that aid inexposure to, creation and rehearsal of strategies to manage situations.
Members of the Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence (ACCE) team up with The Bodhana Group, a non-profit based in York, Pennsylvania, to implement TTRPG throughout the region. Qualified applicants will have either clinical or extensive experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
40 HOURS OF PAID TRAINING
- ROLE PLAYING GAMES
- CLINICAL APPROACHES
- MODALITIES
- FACILITATING FOR THERAPEUTIC BENEFIT
- THERAPEUTIC PRACTICUM
Contact: autismhub@e-csc.org to learn more or check out our flyer
Brighter Jouneys Going the Extra Mile
The University of Scranton has amazing programs. Want to learn more about them, check out our video!
Parent/Caregiver Interest Group
Come Join Us!
What is it?
A group where parents and caregivers can meet to share ideas, interests, and meet new people.
When do you meet?
We meet on Zoom every Thursday from 6:30-7:30PM Eastern time except holidays. Register

- personal growth
- social development
- self-advocacy skills
Free, grant-funded groups available virtually and in-person group (Hazleton)
10 to adult with autism and/or related soical or communication impairments
Call 570-861-8311 or email autismhub@e-csc.org
Learn about the TTRPG program
Watch a Video about our TTRPG Program
Check out the brochure!
- Select the image to see it full size and access links.
Integrated Studies is a full-time, college-based, 2-year program specifically designed for students between the ages of 18-26 and gives prospective students access to a full-time inclusive and supported program of study.
Greater Carbondale YMCA
Autism Swim Nights and Outings
- 82 N. Street Carbondale, PA 18407
- Call 570-282-2210 for details!
SAFE Piano Lessons
Piano Lessons! Lessons are available in the Wilkes-Barre Area
Members Only!
Call (570)822-7259
Turn to Us: SPECTRUM Sensory GYM
Schedule Early Respite Saturdays for Spring!
Brighter Journeys Egg Hunt
TTRPG at Misericordia University Autism Center!
Questions contact: inclusivecommunityadvocates@gmail.com
Misericordia University Best Buddies Program
Learn more about the Best Buddies and some of the past leaders!
Interested in having you or a loved one join? Check out the sign up instructions.
Outreach Playgroups
Light up the Spectrum: After School Program
- Ages 12 and up
- With and without special needs welcome!
Program Include:
- Socialization
- Group Activities
- Life Skills
- Arts and crafts and so much more
Space limited!
Call 570-667-6701 for details
Located 510 Route 6 and 209 Suite 102 Milford PA 18337
NEPA Inclusive Transitions Academy
Caregiver Support Group DATE CHANGE
The Caregiver Support Group will meet once a week for six weeks. Each session is designed to provide caregivers the tools and support they need to further succeed.
Through the use of the “Caring for You, Caring for Me” curriculum from the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, these sessions are designed to create a place for caregivers to:
- learn new coping skills
- learn about available resources locally, regionally, and nationally
- work cooperatively with others to build productive relationships
- learn additional self-care strategies
- identify ways to prevent and solve problems
- February 21st
- February 28th
- March 7th
- March 21st
- March 28th
- April 4th
Parent/Caregiver Interest Group
Come Join Us!
What is it?
A group where parents and caregivers can meet to share ideas, interests, and meet new people.
When do you meet?
We meet on Zoom every Thursday from 6:30-7:30PM Eastern time except holidays. Register
Safe Care
Parent Support Group Make yourself a priority!
PA Parent and Family Alliance
We’ve got a lot coming up this month! Register for this weeks support groups and learn about what else we’ve got coming up at the link below.
Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania is a one-to-one match between peer support parent and a parent seeking individualized support from a parent with similar experiences. Connect parents who have children with similar disabilties within the community!
If you are interested in a match, or simply learning more, please contact your regional coordinator at the phone number or email listed below!
Nicole Lindsay
NE Regional Office
(570) 780-0109
Support Group for Fathers of Autistic People is back!!!
The AJ Drexel Autism Institute is excited to offer a support group for fathers of autistic people in partnership with Dr. Robert Naseef, clinical psychologist at Alternative Choices and Dr. Michael Hannon of Montclair State University and GETAC. The group will meet at 11am EST on Zoom starting on Saturday, Jan 21
Email AutismInstitute@drexel.edufor further information.
SASSY Autism Support Group
Now in Collaboration with the Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence and UPMC
SASSY Autism Support Group
- Focused discussion with montly topics
- All ages welcome
- Child care provided for RSVPs
- Light Refreshments
First Thursday of each Month
5-6
River Valley Regional YMCA
641 Walnut Street, Williamsport PA
RSVP Esther Brennan ebrennan@hopeability.org
570-772-2491
PA Family Network Virtual Summit Long Term Planning and Housing Options
February 16, 2023, 1:00pm-2:00pm – Imagine, Discover, Explore, Try, and Get – A Pathway to Assistive Technology
- Kim Singleton, Senior Director of Assistive Technology Programs, TechOWL, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
- Sandra McNally, Assistant Director of Assistive Technology Programs, TechOWL, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
- Including Assistive Technology Users who will share their experiences!
ECHO Autism CHOP: While You Wait-Virtual Sessions
While you wait is an evidence-based virtual community that allows families of children awaiting an autism evaluation or access to developmental services to learn from a multidisciplinary group of autism and developmental experts about what they can do while they wait for that next appointment.
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday 10:15-11:30 Jan-June 2023
What to expect
Each 75 minute session will include:
- a presentation from subject matter experts about key topics and best practices for your child.
- an interactive discussion about a clinical case study
- A Q&A with the presenter and the opportunity to provide feedback
- Access to relevant resources to continue your learning journey and support your child
LEND Advocacy Training: Virtual Medium-Term Traineeship
The LEND Center at the University of Pittsburgh is a dynamic interdisciplinary leadership training program in developmental disabilities affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Our LEND Center is one of 52 programs in 44 states. As a LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders) Program our goal is to educate the next generation of leaders in the field of disabilities and to forge partnerships to improve the lives of children with special needs and their families.
We are happy to share that the LEND (Leadership Education in Neuro/Developmental Disabilities) Center of Pittsburgh at the University of Pittsburgh and affiliated with UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is actively recruiting FAMILY MEMBERS of children with disabilities, as well as young adult SELF-ADVOCATES for its Medium-Term Traineeship (MTT) beginning in January. MTTs will participate in VIRTUAL SESSIONS ONLY and create an end-product video message that will be distributed to key decision-makers.
Deadline Feb 10th
Exploring and Integrating Diverse Children's Literature in Our Classrooms
Professional Learning Community
Join Dr. Lakeisha Johnson as she kicks off our book study and provides insight from her perspective as a speech and language pathologist and a parent to the importance of using children’s literature where children can see themselves in the books they read!
6:30-7:30PM ET
- Feb 8
- March 8
- April 12
- May 10
PA Family Network Virtual Summit Long Term Planning and Housing Options
February 16, 2023, 1:00pm-2:00pm – Imagine, Discover, Explore, Try, and Get – A Pathway to Assistive Technology
- Kim Singleton, Senior Director of Assistive Technology Programs, TechOWL, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
- Sandra McNally, Assistant Director of Assistive Technology Programs, TechOWL, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
- Including Assistive Technology Users who will share their experiences!
ECHO Autism CHOP: While You Wait-Virtual Sessions
While you wait is an evidence-based virtual community that allows families of children awaiting an autism evaluation or access to developmental services to learn from a multidisciplinary group of autism and developmental experts about what they can do while they wait for that next appointment.
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday 10:15-11:30 Jan-June 2023
What to expect
Each 75 minute session will include:
- a presentation from subject matter experts about key topics and best practices for your child.
- an interactive discussion about a clinical case study
- A Q&A with the presenter and the opportunity to provide feedback
- Access to relevant resources to continue your learning journey and support your child
Caregiver Courses
The Nuts and Bolts of Job Coaching
The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is pleased to announce the following training opportunity.
This self-paced five-module online course provides participants with relevant information regarding the role of a Job Coach to support students in community-based work settings.
- Target Audience: Paraprofessionals, other support staff, teachers, transition coordinators, special education directors, or anyone interested in this topic.
- Registration Information Please register online by visiting the PaTTAN website at pattan.net/events.
- For registration questions, contact: Kristen Olszyk, kolszyk@pattanpgh.net, 800-446-5607 x6848
- For content related questions, contact: Kaylee Wynkoop, kwynkoop@pattanpgh.net, 800-446-5607 x6888
- Continuing Education Credit: Act 48 Clock Hours, Paraeducator Professional Development Hours/ Individuals participating in this course must successfully complete and submit all required coursework before the end date of this course to receive Act 48 Professional Education hours and Paraeducator Professional Development hours.
Location: Online
Arc of NEPA Training Calendar
Families CCAN Workshop
In this unique 5-session workshop series, young adults with disabilities have an opportunity to learn what it’s like to live on their own. Individuals learn with and from peer instructors who are already living in the community with supports.
What You Can Expect From The Peer-To-Peer Workshop:
- Peer Instructors: Peer instructors share their own experiences, learning and tools. Each week we focus on a different aspect of independent living such as meal planning, budgeting, sharing space with housemates, and much more.
- Virtual Visits: We virtually visit our peer instructors in their homes, where they showcase the skills and tools that they have developed to live their best lives.
- Interactive, Facilitated Sessions: Interactive and facilitated sessions include time for making connections, celebrating accomplishments, and socializing.
- Reinforced Learning: Small assignments between sessions reinforce learning and provide practice for establishing new skills for independence.
They do not accept waiver funding for this workshop. However, you do not need a waiver to participate. If the fee causes undue financial hardship, please contact them! Register March 1st sessions start
New Happenings
CASTLE Games is back and is collaborating on a research project!
Let’s have fun and make friends and play games with CASTLE!
The Autism Collaborative Centers for Excellence (ACCE) and The University of Scranton Departement of Occupational Therapy are collaborating on a research project for children diagnosed with Autism and related disorders. Learn more about the research project with our consent form. We will review the form in person during the first session and would be happy to answer any questions you may have. We will be playing boardgames and working to determine if the powercard strategy will help enhance social skills.
- WHO: Children and teens with Autism or other developmental disorders (ages 8-18 years)
- WHEN: Mondays and Wednesdays starting in February until May, 7-8 PM
- WHERE: Leahy Hall
- HOW MUCH: FREE
Sensory Social Occupational Therapy LEGO Group-Misericordia University
Building Confidence and Social Participation
Misericordia University OT Faculty and students will lead the group designed for autistic children between 7 and 12 years of age.
The group will run Feb 27-May 1st on Mondays from 4-5 PM in Passan Hall
Register by Feb 6th by contacting Orley Templeton, OTD OTR/L (email: otempleton@misericordia.edu or call 570-674-8154
Autism, ID, and MH What you need to know after age 18
Please join us for a complimentary session where we will discuss the following:
- Why is it vital to become eligible for SSI/SSDI?
- Is it possible to work and still receive benefits such as Medical Assistance and federal cash benefits?
- What is the difference between Power of Attorney vs. Guardianship?
- What is a Special Needs Trust and how to create a guarenteed funding stream beyond your lifetime? (3-Person Retirement?)
- What is a waiver? Are there waivers for those with IQs above 70?
- How can I blend state and federal government programs while preparing for his/her future?
- What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare:
- How do you plan for when you and your child ages?
- The ABLE Act. What is it what does it mean for Savings and Special Needs Trusts?
Please join The Law Office of Randy Hope Steen, Ltd., and Leahy Life Plan for a FREE webinar on Tuesday, January 24th @ 6pm - 8pm ET. We will be discussing, navigating SSI, SSDI, waivers, OVR, working while receiving benefits, Power of Attorney vs. Guardianship, Special Needs Trusts and how to fund them.
RegisterTransitioning to Adulthood
Join the LTF21 on Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 at 10AM.
All Our Welcome to Attend!
This presentation was created to provide information on the basics of transitioning from in-school services and supports to inclusive post graduate opportunities
We look forward to seeing you there! Thank you!
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://cliu-org.zoom.us/j/5378786005...
Login ID: 537 878 6005
Passcode: CLIU21
21 and ABLE Starting with the End in Mind
As a member of the PA Inclusion Collective, SEAC invites the Cheltenham community to this 4-part free virtual series where educators, administrators, support staff and families will learn side by side about how an inclusive education starting in the earliest grades prepares students with disabilities for transition to higher education and integrated employment as adults.
This program is cosponsored by the PA Inclusion Collective and the PEAL Center’s 21 and Able Initiative.
Preregistration is required. Register now or learn more:
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
February 1, 2023 “Including Samuel” Virtual film screening and self-advocate panel discussion.
Before his son Samuel was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Dan Habib rarely thought about the inclusion of people with disabilities. Now he thinks about inclusion every day. Shot and produced over four years, Habib’s award-winning documentary film, Including Samuel, chronicles the Habib family’s efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives. The film released in 2007 honestly portrays his family’s hopes and struggles, as well as the experiences of four other individuals with disabilities and their families. Including Samuel is a highly personal, passionately photographed film that captures the cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion.
The film has been screened at universities, national conferences, public television stations, and independent theaters across the country. Including Samuel has also been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” as well as in the Washington Post and the Boston Globe. The film won the Positive Images in Media award from TASH, an international group committed to the full inclusion of people with disabilities. It has also screened at the Sprout Film Festival at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Boston International Film Festival, the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival, the Moscow International Disability Film Festival, and won the “Excellence Award” from Superfest International Film Festival in Berkeley, CA.
Stick around after the movie for a panel discussion involving young adults, who have been through the special education system to talk about their experiences and reactions to Including Samuel. We will explore what has changed in special education since this film was released 15 years ago, and what has remained the same.
February 8, 2023 Disabling Segregation and screening of “My Disability Roadmap” and discussion on an Inclusive Life
During this session Dan will offer an extended and updated version of his popular TEDx talk titled “Disabling Segregation,” in which he makes a powerful case for ending the systemic segregation of people with disabilities. Dan will share how inclusive education and social life has prepared his 23-year old son, Samuel, for transition to higher education and employment, as well as, the powerful impact that inclusion has on students and adults without disabilities.
Samuel, who is now a college student, will also offer a presentation. He will introduce the new film: “My Disability Roadmap”, a 23-minute documentary, which shows how he navigates the path to work, college, relationships, and moving out of his family home, while he seeks wisdom from a diverse mix of remarkable people across the country.
Samuel and Dan will co-present and discuss key issues brought up in the film, such as how to communicate and interact with people with disabilities. Samuel, who is pursuing a career in multi-media storytelling, will also talk about his hopes and dreams for his own life.
Dan will take audience questions at the end of the presentations.
February 15, 2023 Starting Early: Creating a Roadmap for Inclusive IEPs and Transition Plans
During this highly interactive session, Dan will discuss how educators, families, and students can work together to envision an inclusive, collaborative roadmap for IEP development and postsecondary transition. Dan will take a deep dive into the IEP process. He will talk about how starting in elementary school, IEP teams can work collaboratively to create more useful IEP goals. He’ll also discuss how to open the lines of communication between families and school to ensure IEP goals are aligned with a student’s future goals. And he’ll talk about how teams can work toward creating student-led IEP meetings and how to engage students in the IEP process.
Q&A format presentation focuses on:
Increasing student engagement in their education and IEP
Student-led IEPs
Building student strengths into the IEP
The nuts and bolts of daily family/student engagement
Focusing on communication
How the IEP process can support person-centered
Planning and transition
February 22, 2023 Action! Effective Practices in Transition to Adulthood
In this talk Dan will discuss what an effective transition plan should look like to support higher education and competitive, integrated employment. He will provide resources and information on what elements of a school transition plan actually make sense and have evidence to back them up. He will also show video clips from several of his films, such as Intelligent Lives, as well as his most recent short films focusing on postsecondary transition.
Topics covered include:
- Promoting self-determination
- Paid work and entrepreneurship development
- Community-based experiences, such as, extended learning opportunities
- Person-centered planning
What is the PA Inclusion Collective?
We’re a grassroots parent group, representing parent support organizations from seven school districts in suburban Philadelphia (Cheltenham, Lower Merion, Methacton, North Penn, Radnor, Tredyffrin Easttown, and Upper Dublin.) The PA Inclusion Collective’s purpose is to pool resources to bring nationally known speakers on inclusive education to families, teachers, administrators and support staff within our schools. Our goal is to inspire families and educators to learn together and use that knowledge to advocate for individual students and create change in our classrooms, schools and throughout our communities.
We’re always looking to grow our movement. Join our #InclusionRevolution on our PA Inclusion Collective Facebook page. You can follow our news, share resources, inquire about making your parent support group a member of the collective and keep the conversation about inclusive education going.
Who is this series for? Parents, educators, related service providers, school administrators, and community members across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (and fellow inclusionists across the country).
Goal: To educate and inspire our audience to make systemic change in our state when it comes to including all students.
We hope this series will help parents, educators and administrators better understand that inclusion from preschool through secondary and post-secondary education is important for ensuring students have the skills, relationships and experiences necessary to prepare them to live and work in the community and to have full lives.