ACCE Happenings
Weekly inspirational quote
"Nobody has better vision of who you are than yourself." - Sheryl Crow
Join our mailing list to get notifications and updates to the weekly ACCE Happenings Newsletter.
Last Updated July 28, 2022.
New Happenings
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
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
- August 30th
- September 6th
- September 13th
- September 20th
- September 27th
- October 4th
Session 2
- October 18th
- October 25th
- November 1st
- November 8th
- November 15th
- November 22nd
Dragon Tales Arts and reading program
Aug 7th 9-10:30
The Wright Township Recreation Park
Park Road, Mountain Top, PA 18707
Guest Reader and Author: Caroline Jones, Miss Pennsylvania Volunteer
Featuring "We saved the bees and butterflies" and "One more book, Please"
Enjoy this family-friendly activity while experiencing acceptance, awareness, inclusion, and education. Tailored to families with a child on the Autism Spectrum but open to our community.
RSVP parentingautismunited@gmail.com
Camp Orchard Hill and SAFE Annual Camping Trip
It's finally time to register for camp!!!!
Please carefully read all instructions and fill out the application.
A $50 deposit is required this year, which will be returned to you when you arrive at camp!!
All applications must be returned by US mail. We will not be accepting messages, or Facebook posts, or emails.
First come, first served! Deadline for application is August 29.
Must be a SAFE member to join us.
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
ESU Autism Education Center Fall Programming
Socio-Emotional Learning Program
To provide collaborative, multi-disciplinary, socio-emotional skill-building opportunities rooted in the research-driven methods and principles of applied behavioral analysis and positive behavioral support, to individuals in the surrounding communities while providing an opportunity for practical education experience for ESU students matriculated within the following academic departments: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Health Studies, Professional and Secondary Education, Psychology, Special Education and Rehabilitation.
OFFERED BOTH IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AN ASD DIAGNOSIS AND THEIR SIBLINGS AGES 6-16.
VIRTUAL DATES: September 1, 8, 15, 22 4p-430p
IN PERSON DATES: September 1, 15, October 6th 430-530p.
REGISTRATION CLOSES AUGUST 20th!
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: September 1, 15, October 6th 12pm
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! Wednesdays 3-4 through the end of August.
Ages 7 and up
Let's Laugh and Play games with Friends at this great program!
Bookworm Club this Wednesday!
Bookworm Club at The Autism Center and sponsored by Autism Collaborative, will feature the story, "Meet the Orchestra," by Ann Hayes. We will also have a craft to draw an instrument and play an instrument session. Sign-up by using the ticket button and enjoy this family friendly activity, while experiencing acceptance, awareness, inclusion and education.
August 3rd 3-4pm Register
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
Paws for a Cause- 4 Autism 5K/10K and Resource Fair
Come out and help us raise funds to provide a service dog to someone with ASD.
Sunday, Oct 2, 2022
Registration starts at 8:30
Whitetail Preserve
118 BLVD RD
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Sugarloaf, PA Venue
- 5k/10k prizes awarded 9:30-Animal Friendly
- Kids 1.5 mile walk/run
- Dog Friendly walk/jog 1:30 (Registration at 12:30)
- Come jog with your dog!
- Free Resource Fair
- Food
- Raffle Baskets
- Crafters Available
- Chances available for a Roku TV and a Wine refrigerator!
Questions contact the safeoffice@autismsafe.com
Sensory Playtime is at Misericordia University!
Sensory Playtime 9 to 10AM
Ages 2-12
Group Session Available Only at this time.
Join Misericordia University Autism Center for Teen Time
Teen time Mondays 1-2
Ages 13-17
Parents are asked to stay and wear masks.
Graduating and start college check out the SAFE Scholarship Program
S.A.F.E. is excited to announce that we are beginning our new annual scholarship program by awarding three individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis up to a $1,000.00 scholarship for use during the 2022-2023 school year.
The intent behind the scholarship is to enable awarded students the ability to be a step closer to their post-secondary or vocational goals!!
Eligibility criteria and application
Adult Social Group with SAFE Camelback Resort
Sunday, August 7th 10a.m.
Mountain Adventures 243 Resort Drive
Caregiver Support Group
SAFE will reimburse you half of the ticket price! So you would reserve it online for $42 then on the day of the event you will receive $21 back. (Non-refundable for no-shows)
Zipline-24 per person
Mountain Coaster 18 per person
More information on Camelback Mountain Adventures
Respite Care Parent's Day Out coming this fall!
For children and adults with special needs.
- Saturday, September 17th 9-4pm
- 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!
Mansfield University Autism Resource Center!
Our newest hub has a lot to offer the community!
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
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.
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
Community Happenings
These events are outside the ACCE group and are provided for informational purposes.
COVID Compensatory Services (CCS) Moving Beyond the Impact of COVID-19
August 19 12-1:115PM ET
This is a free webinar by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in collaboration with PEAL.
How to move beyond the impact of COVID
Join Carole Clancy, Bureau director at the Pennsylvania Department of Education to learn abour the most recent changes to guidelines, as well as implementation for COVID Compensatory Services (CCS) for families and professionals statewide. This information will serve to support students with disabilities and families to move beyond the impact of COVID.
Wheelchair Alliance Information Session
Calling all wheelchair users! Calling all de facto technicians and bicycle mechanics! Are your ready to share your skills? Do you want to make wheelchair maintenance and repair more accessible in your local community?
Join us for an information session on Zoom to share ideas and build a network.
Monday, August 15th 6:30 PM EST
For more information contact:
800-204-7428
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
PEAL Summer Institute Virtual Training Sessions
PEAL is excited to announce our Summer Institute: Virtual Training Sessions!
Sharpen your advocacy skills and add to your toolbox this summer! All one-hour trainings offered at 12:00 PM.
This summer, the PEAL Center will bring you your most requested topics and deliver them to you live from the comfort and safety of your home or office. We have developed these live one-hour online sessions with the most essential nuggets of information. Whether you want to refresh your knowledge or add new tools to your advocacy skills, we invite you to register to one, two or all the online sessions.
Learn more about PEAL's Summer Institute
The series is also available in Spanish learn more at Peal Center's Spanish Summer Institute
IEP Essentials, Friday, August 12th
- List and define the key principles of IDEA
- Identify the parts of the IEP and the importance of each one
- Explore the parent's role in the IEP process and explain how to provide meaningful input throughout the IEP process
- Provide an overview of the basics of your child's right to special education services
Making Inclusion a Reality, Tuesday, August 16th
- Identify how IDEA supports inclusive education
- Discuss the benefits of inclusive education and why presuming competence is vital to your child's education
- Explain the importance of Supplementary Aids and Services
- Learn to best describe your family’s vision of inclusion for your child and how to share it with your IEP team
Register for Making Inclusion a Reality
Procedural Safeguards and Anatomy of an IEP
- What are they? What do they mean? Why do I need them?
- August 18th 6-8PM
- Learn about
- Evaluations Independent
- Educational Evaluations
- State and Federal Timeline
- Regulatory language
- August 25, 2022
Breaking Down the IEP Part 1
- Present levels of academic and functional performance
- What does this mean?
- What should be in this section
- September 8, 2022
Breaking Down the IEP Part 2
- What does S.M.A.R.T. mean?
- Goals and goal development
- September 15, 2022
Breaking Down the IEP Part 3
- Related services and Extended School Year(ESY)
- How does this apply to my child?
- September 22, 2022
This is a free evet and a link to register will be posted closer to the event. Questions or for more information about the event details contact jenniferb@handinhandpa.org
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
Fall Happenings at Parenting Autism United
For more details about these events email parentingautismunited@gmail.com
August
13 Project & Craft Wrap-up Voluneer Day
19th Grand opening with well-nutured development
21st PAU Fantasy Football Draft for League 'P'
27-28 Spectrum Approved Weekend
28th PAU Fantasy Football Draft for League A & U
Sept
15th Teacher & Parent Nighter: Understanding Behavior
22nd Office Trivia Fundraiser at the River Grille
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
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!
Dragon Tales Reading and Art 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
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 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
- 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.
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
ACT 55 Extended!
‼️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ACT 55! SIGN UP FORMS NOW AVAILABLE! Students with disabilities who turned 21 during the 21/22 school year **or will turn 21 this summer *before* the 22/23 school year are able to sign up for another year at a school entity with their IEP services in place for the 22/23 school year. DEADLINE to apply IS AUGUST 1!!
Check out The ARC PA for more information.
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
Free Summer Meals
NO kid should go hungry because schools are closed for summer break. Find free, nutritious meals for children age 18 and younger by:
📱texting FOOD to 877-877, or check out these resources at the USDA
For information on measures being taken to address the formula shortage and resources on locating baby formula visit Health and Human Services
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
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.
ASERT Resource of the Week
Check out this #ResourceOfTheweek is a guide of what you can expect from #FreeLegalServices. 👨⚖️It also includes contact information for free legal services in #PA.
My ODP Podcast
Did you know that doing hard things helps us learn to do other hard things? This episode will talk about building industrious skills and the effects that these skills show in people when doing hard things now and in the future.
Check out this podcast
Ongoing Community Happenings
These are ongoing events in the community provided for informational purposes
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 Aug 14th!! Register
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