Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence

New Happenings

 ESU Autism Education Center Fall Programming

LUNCH BUNCH PROGRAM

Social interactions and making friends do not come naturally to everyone...and that is OK!  The LUNCH BUNCH is a forum to help students that may need some help socializing!  The LUNCH BUNCH is a social program to help you connect with other students and form long-lasting friendships!  All students with an Autism Diagnosis and friends are welcome!  FREE lunch is included!

VERY IMPORTANT!  REGISTRATION IS DUE 48 HOURS PRIOR TO EACH EVENT. 

YOU WILL RECEIVE A REMINDER EMAIL THE DAY BEFORE EACH EVENT.

* THIS PROGRAM IS OPEN TO INDIVIDUALS AGE 18 and above*

 LUNCH BUNCH DATES:  October 6th 12pm

Lunch Bunch Registration

 Respite Care Parent's Day Out coming this fall!

 For children and adults with special needs.

• Saturday, October 29th 9-4pm
• Saturday, November 19th 9-4pm
• Saturday, December 10th 9-4pM

Available to:

• 4 and up
• Lunch and snack provided
• Current PA Dept of Health Guidelines will be observed
• Professional Staff and RN Onsite
• Registeration and Health form required

Space is has really filled up! Register Today to secure your spot!

Community Happenings

 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, October 15th.

Email AutismInstitute@drexel.edu  for further information.

PEAL is exciting to announce our latest Family Leadership Institute!

For Spanish Flyer

Family Leadership Institute (FLI): Northeastern Pennsylvania

You're invited to apply to participate in a Family Leadership Institute (FLI), a multi-session, in-depth training for families to build knowledge and leadership skills related to inclusive special education and health care, offered at no cost to families by the PEAL Center and our partners!

Please fill out this application- make sure to complete all fields- and submit by September 30, 2022: Apply Today!  By applying, you are committing to attending all in-person sessions in the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton area.

Instituto de Liderazgo Familiar (ILF): Noreste de Pensilvania

Está invitado a postularse para participar en un Instituto de Liderazgo Familiar (FLI), ofrecido sin costo a las familias por el Centro PEAL y nuestros socios.

Por favor complete esta solicitud (asegúrese de contestar todas las preguntas) y devuélvalo antes del 30 de Septiembre del 2022: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ILFNEPA 

Al completar su solicitud, se compromete a asistir a todas las sesiones presenciales en el área de Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. 

A Family Connections Pennsylvania School for the Deaf Story Time Event

10:30 am on September 30th 2022

Virtual Activities

• Music
• Sign Language
• Story Reading
• Mindfulness Movement

Students from the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf read Eric Carle's book "From Head to Toe"

Request sign up link by emailing Christine CROY@TIU11.org 

Story Tours

🎉 Parents/teachers: Book Studies for kids ages 5 – 8 is back on 9/22 for 4 weeks. We'll 'tour' four different books, one a week. Theme: #Neurodiversity! A Disability Acceptance Story Series. Sign up to get the books & activity box!Register Today!  Join for a day of presentations and discussions about what Finally Home could mean for you, your loved ones, or those you support.

LFT Meeting schedule and Brochure

Caregiver Courses

Medical Assistance Overview

IEP Walk Through Back by popular demand

All Abilities Night Bloomsburg Children's Museum

Come to a fun night out for All Abilities Night on Friday, October 7th! Enjoy a reduced number of visitors, space, and freedom to explore at your own pace. We offer adapted exhibits, a quiet area, and an opportunity to network with other families. All Abilities Night is a FREE event held regularly.

The Bloomsburg Children's Museum

2 West 7th St.

Bloomsburg, PA 17815

Questions contact childrensmuseumbloom@gmail.com 

Wilkes-Barre City Special Needs Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 

Mayor George C. Brown and the Special Needs Playground Committee cordially invite you to the Wilkes-Barre Special Needs Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Sunday October 9, 2022 3PM

Kirby Park, Market Street, Wilkes-Barre

Families First Potty Training for your child with different needs

Virtual training sessions with Icylee Basketbill

Oct 29th 12-2

Register today!

Sessions are free but registration is required. Accommodations need to be made 5 days prior to the event. email Denise Beckett at dbeckett@temple.edu for more details.

Sibling Camp-Hand in Hand Resource Center Camp Victory

Fun and creative outdoor activities for siblings of people with disabilitis.

• 6-14 years old
• Sept 30-Oct 2
• For the siblings only
• Admission $75

Activities

• Storytelling 
• Ziplining
• Climbing Wall
• Arts and Crafts
• Archery

Camp Victory-58 Camp Victory Road Millville, PA 17846

For more information and/or questions contact 570-237-0456 or email jenniferb@handinhandpa.org

Register

 

Caregiver Support Group

 

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

Questions? Check out our FAQ's or contact Erin Dunleavy at 570-941-7000 ext. 6, or erin.dunleavy2@scranton.edu

Session Dates and Information:  Tuesdays 6-7PM ET via Zoom platform. Zoom Meeting Information will be sent after submitting an informed consent form.

The Caregiver Support Group will be offered twice. Participants are welcome to attend one or both sessions. 

Session 1

• October 4th

Session 2

• October 18th
• October 25th
• November 1st
• November 8th
• November 15th
• November 22nd

Register today

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 Fitness Program is back by popular demand!

 

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Misericordia University Swim Program!

**Located in the Anderson Center at Misericordia University**

• 30 Minute Instructional swim is free for members of S.A.F.E.
• 30 Minute Recreational swim is optional at an additional cost of $10 for each session you sign up for.

Sessions will be broken down into two groups based on ages:

• 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm ages 5-12 only
• 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm ages 13-18 only.

Sign up today!

Questions or for more information contact: autism@misericordia.edu 

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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.

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Turn to Us: SPECTRUM Sensory GYM

Our Gym is made possible by St. Luke's Miners Campus and AllOne Foundation

A sensory gym is a specialized designed space to help an individual with sensory issues learn to regulate their brain’s negative reactions to external stimuli by developing coping skills for these experiences.  The gym offers a variety of benefits: calming effects, stimulation, socialization, improved focus, motor skills development, cognitive development, and sensory development.

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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

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Fall Happenings at Parenting Autism United

For more details about these events and more check out their newsletter! Questions email parentingautismunited@gmail.com 

 

Oct

Week 1 Hocus Pocus Week

Week 2 Harry Potter Week

Week 3 Nightmare Before Christmas Week

Week 4 Pumpkins and Black Cats week

16th Soup & Chili Cookoff Fundraiser

Dec

3rd Santa's Workshop

4th Christmas Photos with The Grinch

10/11 Spectrum approved weekend

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SAFE PALS Program

 

We would like to see how many people would be interested in restarting this social group with events and out for ages up to 12!

RSVP to safeoffice@autismsafe.org 

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 SAFE Teen Program is Back!!!

 

Come on out and see your old friends and make some new ones!!!

We want to hear from you!

Email Lara Gadomski at AB1JT2@gmail.com and give your suggestions as to what type of events your child with ASD would like to participate in.

This will be a once a month social event. Families always welcome!

We look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Questions call SAFE office 570-795-8100

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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

 

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 Dragon Tales Reading and Art Program

Parenting Autism United

Storytime run by dragons, superheroes and monsters.

Engaging and vibrant readers host a book reading with a matching craft for your class, group, or location.

Crafts and art projects will be part of each Dragon Tales event.

Volunteers can always be helpful in readings, crafts, and setup/cleanup.

This program is designed for families with a child on the Autism Spectrum but is inclusive to help our community learn about awareness, acceptance, inclusion and education!

Register today to schedule an event or to volunteer

Questions contact parentingautismunited@gmail.com 

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Adult Testing Available at CSC!

A short, helpful PSA about Adult Autism Evaluations at the Hub!

Have you had problems with:

•     social interactions?
•     employment?
•    organizing daily activities?
•    sensory sensitivities?
•    obsessive interests?

 The Hazleton Autism Family Support Hub now offers neurodevelopmental/Psychological testing for adults evaluating for:

• autism
• ADHD
• other neurodiversities.

Accepting a variety of insurances with appointments offered at our Hazleton Office: 

20 North Laurel Street, Suite 2E,  Hazleton, PA 18201

Call 570-861-8311 or e-mail autismhub@e-csc.org for more information. 

For more information about our Hazleton Autism Family Support hub and Testing Clinic

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Learn about our Hazleton Autism Family Support Hub!

 

The Hazleton Hub, also known as the Children's Service Cetner, seeks to support individuals of any age, and their families, at any stage of the diagnostic and treatment continuum. They offer an integrated model of parent peer support, referral, and screening to assist with access to diagnosis for children and adults as well as quality services in all areas of treatment and daily living. In collaboration with multiple ACCE partners, the Hub offers a therapeutic lending library for families and service providers, an Autism Educators Support Alliance, Art Night at the Hub community event, and autism testing for adults. The Hub also collaborates with Goodwill Industries of NEPA and Hope Enterprises to offer an Autism in the Early Childhood Classroom training program and Therapeutic Tabletop Role Playing Groups. 

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Check Out All the Wonderful Happenings at The Y! 

 

The Greater Scranton YMCA 

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 

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

ACCE Executive Hub

The University of Scranton has amazing programs. Want to learn more about them, check out our video!

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Parent/Caregiver Support 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

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Therapeutic Tabletop Role Playing Group (TTRPG) Join now!

TTRPG uses role playing game as therapeutic and clinical practice to benefit

• 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!

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Geisinger ADMI Professional Training Program--ACT 48 Credits Now AVAILABLE

To see information full size please select the image

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University of Scranton Applied Behavior Analysis, MS

• Select the image to see it full size and access links.

  Autism in the Early Childhood Classroom

• What is Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation in the classroom
• Incorporating Play-Based Communication and Social Skills
• Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Supports
• Visual Learning Supports and Other Strategies to Support learning
• Authentic Assessment and Data Collection
• Collaboration with Caregivers and Community Resources
• Optional Director Training and Technical Assistance Sessions

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

These resources are provided for informational purposes  

  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.

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Find my ride-Transportation Assistance

About Programs

Apply for a program

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ACCESS National Parks 

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

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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. 

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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.

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 Ongoing Community Happenings

These are ongoing events in the community provided for informational purposes

Variety Children's Charity

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Waymart Church Sensory Rooms 1:1 Support

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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?

Next Session Sept 25!! Register

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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

nlindsay@parenttoparent.org

Start the match process

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 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.

Register today!

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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