ACCE Happenings
Weekly inspirational quote
"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves"-J.M. Barrie
Join our mailing list to get notifications and updates to the weekly ACCE Happenings Newsletter.
Last Updated May 12, 2022.
Please note due to vacation the next update is anticipated to be the week of May 23rd. Thank you!
New Happenings
Summer Art Sessions are back at Misericordia!
S.A.F.E. and the Autism Center are pleased to announce new summer hours for Art! Join us for some fun and creativity! Sign up only for the sessions you intend to attend. Reserve your spot!
Parents of Students with Special Education Needs
How confusing is it to navigate special education? You are not alone!
SAFE and Special Education Advocacy Services of Luzerne have put together information to help navigate and advocate for your child with confidence.
June 7th Components of an IEP
- Is the IEP sufficient to meet a student's need?
- 6-8pm
July 5th Discipline, Suspension, and Expulsions
- What are a parent's rights, what is a Manifestation Determination?
- 6-7:30pm
August 9th Ask the Advocate-Back to School
- Parents get to ask specific question relating to their student
- 6-7:30
Sessions take place at the SAFE Office 1059 E 100 N. Conahan Hazleton, PA 18201
RSVP: safeoffice@autismsafe.org 570-795-8100
Drive for Autism
Join SAFE and MAC Saturday May 14th for our annual Golf Tournament at Sugarloaf Golf Course!
There will be raffle baskets, tricky trays, 50/50s!
It's going to be a beautiful day. We'd love to see you!
Chat and Craft at The ACCE Executive Hub! Spots Available!
Last session tomorrow!!!
- Sensory Crafts and/or Game each week
- All materials included
- Ages 8 and up
- ACCE Executive Hub 811/813 Mulberrry St. (Located next to Granteed's Pizza)
- Parking in the rear of building for ACCE vistors!
Misericordia Autism Center Support Group Meeting
Join the Autism Center May 23rd from 5pm-6pm to discuss the topic of Let's get ready for summer!
Summer is approaching fast and with that comes a new routine. Together we can help each other prepare for this transition.
Please register!
Autism Awareness Day at Knoebels!
Looking for some resources and family fun?
Meet us and other groups to learn more about autism services in the area at Knoebels Amusement park (Elysburg, Pa), an Autism Certified Destination!
June 5, 2022
11-4 pm
Pavillion V
Exploring Nature at Beltzville
Join Turn To Us at Beltzville State Park to explore nature, get some exercise, and make crafts!
Enjoy a family or group walk/run through the beautiful state park to collect natural craft supplies (sticks, stones, grass, leaves, flowers). Additional craft supplies will be available at the pavilion.
Family Game Day at Parenting Autism United!
Join SAFE and Parenting Autism United for a family-friendly game night!
Games include:
- JENGA
- card games
- matching games
- the floor is lava
- mini ping pong
- more!
Light snacks provided, families encouraged to join!
Thursday, May 19th, 2022 - 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Located at 313 Wyoming Ave, Wyoming, Pa
Register or visit Parenting Autism United for more information.
Community Happenings
These events are outside the ACCE group and are provided for informational purposes.
The ARC of NEPA Parent/Caregiver Group
Please join us for The Arc of NEPA Parent /Caregiver Group next meeting on Tuesday May 17th at 10 am at The Arc of NEPA Boardroom 117 Meadow Ave Scranton. You may also join us via zoom.
Presentation is available on Medicare and Medicaid Health Insurance for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by Jessy Foster from the Pennsylvania Health Access Network.
Great opportunity for networking and information sharing with other families.
Contact rpolishan@thearcnepa.org for any questions.
Augmentive & Alternative Communication 2.0
Join Dr. Susannah Boyle, Assistant Professor in the Department of Early, Middle, and Exceptional Education, at Millersville University and Amy Fisher, parent to 2 children on the Autism Spectrum, LICC Parent Co-Chair & Family Advocate for The Arc Lancaster Lebanon, to learn more about AAC.
Sessions will include:
- What AAC is and who can benefit from these systems
- How AAC can lead to gains in speech development
- Learn how to select and develop an AAC system based on a child’s needs and abilities, including cognitive and visual abilities
- Learn about using AAC at home and in education settings
- Learn how to access resources, including funding
AAC 101
- May 9, 2022 6:00 –7:30 pm
AAC & Autism
- May 23, 2022 6:00 –7:30 pm
Putting AAC in IEPs/IFSPs: Goals & Strategy Development
- June 6, 2022 6:00 –7:30 pm
AAC & Academics
- June 13, 2022 6:00 –7:30 pm
AAC & Communicating with Peers
- June 20, 2022 6:00 –7:30 pm
Pre-registration is required. All trainings are offered at no cost.
TO REGISTER: Contact Samantha Smith by emailing at SamSmith@co.lancaster.pa.us
Or by calling at 717.299.8038.
Prior to each training a Zoom meeting link will be sent to you.
It's a Special Spring Fling Dance Party
- Special needs families of all ages, their families, and caregivers are invited.
- Dance party May 21st 1-4
- Eurana Park Pavilion at 560 3rd Street, Weatherly, PA
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Share your smile and join in the fun, including snacks and games.
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Meet our officers from the Weatherly Police Department and the firefighters and their firetrucks from the Weatherly Fire Department.
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The Eurana Park Pavilion is handicapped-accessible. This event is free and open to friends and families of special needs individuals of all ages only.
RSVP is required to attend 570-401-1588, 570-780-3466, or 570-790-6300 or call/text with questions.
Dragon Tales: Author and Miss PA Volunteer Caroline JonesFloating Strenght & The Line Leader
- Guest Speaker and Author Caroline Jones will be reading her two books!
- Floating Strenght and The Line Leader
- Enjoy this family friendly activity while experiencing acceptance, awareness, inclusion, and education.
- Tailored to families with Autism but open to the community.
- 313 Wyoming Ave, Wyoming PA 18644-1620
- Register
- Join Hand in Hand Family Resource Center at The Bloomsburg Children's Museum for Junkyard Wars!
- Families will work together with supplied materials and tools to create a kooky contraption to do a task. Registered families will learn on the day of the competition what their challenge is!
- This event is FREE to register and participate and all participating families will receive a free event t-shirt.
- When: Saturday, May 14, 2022 - 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Where: The Bloomsburg Children's Museum - 2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg Pa 17815
- Museum Contact information: (570)389-9206, childrensmuseumbloom@gmail.com
- Register!
A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Father's Autism Support Group
The AJ Drexel Autism Institute is excited to offer a support group for fathers with children on the autism spectrum in partnership with Dr. Robert Naseef, clinical psychologist at Alternative Choices, and Dr. Michael Hannon, Associate Professor of Counseling at Montclair State University. The next meeting will be held at 11AM EST via Zoom on Saturday, May 21.
Email: AutismInstitute@drexel.edu for further information.
Navigating Adolescence - The Mingling Group 
Join The Mingling Group, a network place for families of individuals with special needs, for an evening of discussion and socializing!
Meet new families and reacquaint with old friends while a panel of parents and professionals lead a discussion about adolescence as it applies to kiddos with disabilities!
$10 per person dinner buffet
Tuesday, May 24th, 2022
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
The Links at Hemlock Creek, 55 Williamsburg Blvd. Bloomsburg, Pa
To RSVP, contact Jennifer at (570) 237-0456 or by email at jenniferb@handinhandpa.org
- RSVP by May 16, 2022!
- 2022 Virtual Conference
- An Everyday Life in a Changing World:
- A Focus on Wellness and Resilience
- May 17th Communication and Connection
- May 24-25 Community of Practice for Supporting Families Regional Collaborative Summit
- June 1 Assistive Technology
- June 8-9 Dual Diagnosis
- Hosted by the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs for individuals with intellectual disability and/or autism, their families, and support professionals.
2nd Annual Complex Medical Needs Expo
SAVE THE DATE!
Free Complex Medical Needs Expo! All attendees receive a chance to win a Golf Gift Certificate from Woodloch Springs!
Wednesday, May 25th - 10AM-4PM
Wayne County Park Street Complex - 648 W. Park St., #A, Honesdale, Pa 18431
Vendors include:
- PA ELKS Home Service Program
- Wayne County Early Intervention
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Aveanna
MANY MORE!
- Vendors who specialize in services towards pediatrics with complex medical needs are welcome to apply!
Lackawanna County Challenger Little League
Registeration is OPEN!
- Reminder: all players need to be age 5 by the start of the season
- We play at South Scranton Little League Complex 430 Meadow Avenue
- Suggested Registration fee is $10. We are always accepting donations
The Arc of Pennsylvania invites you to a FREE Advocacy and Policy Virtual Conference!
This year's theme: Planning for Life Stages - Pathways to Success
June 6th and 7th, 2022 Includi-CON SAVE the Date June 21-23 Virtual Gathering
Castle Games at the Hub!
You're invited to an in-person summer program provided by the University of Scranton and the Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence!
1 time, 1-2 hours per week! (Days and times TBD depending on peer availability)
Let's Laugh and Play games with Friends at this great program!
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
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.
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
The University of Scranton has amazing programs. Want to learn more about them, check out our video!
Come Join Us! Next Session: May 12!
Session for May 19th is cancelled. We will be back May 26th.
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!
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
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
Ongoing Community Happenings
These are ongoing events in the community provided for informational purposes
Monday's Support @ 7 Pm and Friday's @ 12Pm PA Parent and Family Alliance
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
Questions about your child's development?
Call Pennsylvania's CONNECT Helpline 1-800-692-7288
Get information about your child's development and connect to Early Intervention services in Pennsylvania
Museums for All
- Admission $3 or less for up to 4 people per EBT card
- Visit a participating museum any day during normal business hours
- There is not limit. You can go to as many participating museums as you like, as many times as you like!
- Self Advocates
- Family members
- Educators
You can check it out on ASERT.
From ASERT:
🗣🎙 New “A Supporter’s Toolbox” Podcast Episode: Quality of Life: Do Something About It
We throw the words "quality of life" around a lot as a support professionals. This podcast will talk about putting those words, or this concept, into action through small everyday changes and through understanding happiness behaviors.
Are you eligible for the Lifeline program?
Lifeline is the FCC's program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating wireline or wireless providers. The discount helps ensure that low-income consumers can afford 21st century broadband and the access it provides to jobs, healthcare, and educational resources.
Many families qualify by having a member on medical assistance. Learn more about the Lifeline program
Medical Assistance Transportation Program
Does someone on Medical Assistance have trouble getting to medical appointment?
The MATP program provides for reimbursement or transportation assistance. The Pennsylvania Health Law Project put together this helpful guide.
