ACCE Happenings
Weekly inspirational quote
"Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you."- Aldous Huxley
Last Updated 9/8/23
Join our mail list to keep up to date on the latest happenings.
All happenings are included for informational purposes.
NEPA Inclusive Social Club
We are excited to announce that Registration is NOW OPEN for the upcoming Pittston area Fall 2023 FREE Transition Academy Social Club for Luzerne County in Dallas, Hazleton, Nanticoke, Pittston, or Wilkes-Barre! Please read the attached informational Luzerne County Sessions flyer to see if our Pittston Fall 2023 FREE TASC Program fits you or a loved one with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities, including Autism and Down Syndrome.
If you have additional questions or need help with registration, please get in touch with our TASC Program Coordinator for Pittston sessions, Elizabeth Kelly, at (570) 241-3434 or email ekelly@nepainclusive.org.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The informational flyer and event registration link for our Fall 2023 Transition Academy Social Club Sessions for Berks, Carbon/Schuylkill, Columbia, Lehigh Valley/Bucks, and the Poconos will be published soon for anyone interested in registering for our Module 1: Self-Advocacy Session with the NEPA Inclusive regional locations in their residing counties.
***Funding for the TASC program was made possible by PNC Foundation, M & T Charitable Foundation, and Luzerne County ARPA.
Limited Availability Per Class, so Don’t Delay...REGISTER TODAY for Classes Starting this Upcoming October
PEAL Training Achieving Inclusion Strategies for Creating Inclusive Classrooms for all Students
Sept 19th 3:30 PM ET
Buddy Walk
At Misericordia University
Sunday October 8th 2023
Educate Advocate Celebrate
Contact
SAVE the date SAFE Family CAMP at Camp Orchard Hill
S.A.F.E. Inc families, it is with great pleasure that we can have camp again this year. Through generous donations, grants and fundraising we are able to provide camp at no cost to our families.
We received a $5,000 grant towards camp from Autism Awareness- NEPA, we thank their selection committee for their generous support of our families.
September 8-10
Register today and save a place for your family!
Sibling Camp
Fun and Creative
Outdoor activities for the siblings of people with disabilities 6-17 years old
Spet 29-Oct 1 (Sibling Only)
Admission $75
- Activities
- Storytelling
- Ziplining
- Climbing Wall
- Arts & Crafts
- Archery
Camp Victory
58 Camp Victory RD Millville PA 17846
Sib Shop Project
Fun and Friendship Bowling League
Proud to be me dance
Where: Online (Zoom)
When: Mondays 7 – 7:30pm and Saturdays 5:30 – 6:00 pm
This virtual dance class is for children of preschool to middle school age who have disabilities. The class is designed to assist with refining motor, communication, concentration, social skills and provide a positive environment to have fun.
Free training for Conflict Resolution for Families and Schools
Contact us to learn more about scheduling a conflict resolution skills session. These virtual trainings are free for schools and families. Learn more
Include Me
We love our work helping Pennsylvania School Districts to expand effective inclusive practices for educating students with significant disabilities in general education classrooms and the school community. Contact us if you are interested in bringing this free program to YOUR school district! Learn more
Self Advocates Power Events
We say self advocate a lot, but do you know what a self advocate is?
A self advocate is a person who speaks up for themselves and the things that are important to them!
Here at SAU1, all things are done to support the self advocacy of people with disabilities for positive impact in our communities and in people’s lives.
Do you or someone you know or love have a disability?
Join us at a power event! Learn about power events!
Free Sign Language Classes
Oklahoma School for the Deaf is offering free online ASL classes. If you have always wanted to learn ASL but cost has prevented you, this is a great opportunity.
ASL 1 and ASL 2 pre recorded self guided classes. Great resource for parents and teachers wanting to learn ASL.
Early Intervention Survey
The 2023 EI Family Survey is now open through June 30, 2023.
Please share with families of children receiving services in the infant toddler and 3-5 EI programs.
There are 20 questions that can be completed in 5-10 minutes online. The survey is available in English and Spanish
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
SAFE is starting a Bi-Weekly Newsletter
Bi-weekly newsletters providing information on:
- SAFE Events and programs
- SAFE's What's new on the Spectrum
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!
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
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
SAVE the date SAFE Family CAMP at Camp Orchard Hill
S.A.F.E. Inc families, it is with great pleasure that we can have camp again this year. Through generous donations, grants and fundraising we are able to provide camp at no cost to our families.
We received a $5,000 grant towards camp from Autism Awareness- NEPA, we thank their selection committee for their generous support of our families.
September 8-10
Register today and save a place for your family!
SAFE Golf Tournament
Sibling Camp
Fun and Creative
Outdoor activities for the siblings of people with disabilities 6-17 years old
Spet 29-Oct 1 (Sibling Only)
Admission $75
- Activities
- Storytelling
- Ziplining
- Climbing Wall
- Arts & Crafts
- Archery
Camp Victory
58 Camp Victory RD Millville PA 17846
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
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
Peal Center Trainings
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
disABILITY Conference
Back in person!
Oct 5th
Ability focused advocacy: Breaking barriers to achieving careers & Independence
Free and open to the community
6 hours of CEUS availble
Check out the itinerary
Learn more about the conference
Join us Mondays and Wednesdays!
SAFE has loads of stuff happening!
SAFE PALS Group: Art Classes at the Graham Academy
6-7:30
Print Making
PALS 12 and Under 9/12/23
Pizza and Game Night
Time to meet up with Friends for Pizza and Game Night!
Adult autism social group will meet on Friday, September 15th at 6:00PM at Grotto Pizza Wilkes-Barre
RSVP adultautismsocialgroup@gmail.com
SAFE Autistic Artists @ The Graham
Teen Group 13-17
Print Making
Sept 26th 6-7:30 PM
1 Institute Lane Kingston PA
SAFE Parent Support Group
Not to be missed
Dolphus Teart
Parenting with Autism
A honest conversation with a parent of an adult with autism
Hosted by the Graham Academy
Sept 27th 6:00PM
SAFE: Who Wants Pizza? Adult Autism Social Group
Sept 29th 6:00PM
Grotto Pizza in Wilkes-Barre
RSVP: adultautismsocialgroup@gmail.com
Phone 570-795-8100
17th Annual Paws for a cause 4 Autism
Did you know that Paws for a Cause 4 Autism and SAFE, Inc have given the opportunity for a service dog to 5 families last year? All 5 are being assessed by Susquehanna Service Dogs! The process for getting a service dog is often long and expensive. Your continued support makes the impossible, possible for families!
Sunday Oct 1, 2023
Whitetail Perserve, Black Creek Township
- 12:30 Registration
- 1:00 Pet Costume Contest
- 1:15 Blessing of the Animals
- 1:30 Canine for a cure walk
$15 per dog payable to paws for a cause 4 autism
Contact Mary Schriebmaier 570-401-3970
SAFE Swimming with Misericordia University
SAFE Swims is a weekly swim lesson at Misericordia Aquatics Center. The 5 weeks of lessons will be scheduled as much as possible with one instructor for continuity and there is a 1/2 hour recreational swim for each session.
Location: Misericordia University Anderson Center Pool, 301 Lake Street, Dallas PA 18612
Registration and Session Times
SAFE Fundraiser: Drive for Autism
oday, I'm writing to ask you to support our Drive for Autism Charity Golf Event. Your support directly benefits families and individuals living with an autism spectrum diagnosis. We provide our programs and events for over 300 families each year. It's truly supporters like you that help us change the world every day.
You don’t have to play golf to have an impact in the life of someone with autism. 1:36 children are now being diagnosed with autism each year* and more programs are needed each and everyday.
Please consider donating a raffle or tricky tray item, registering to play, sponsoring, volunteering with SAFE at the tournament or donating to the event in any amount, every cent counts.
If you would like to support safe by donating items for raffle or tricky trays or volunteer, please contact myself at mknipfer@autismsafe.org or Sara at sbeaupre@autismsafe.org.
To register to play, sponsor or donate I have conveniently placed a link below the tournament information.
Sincerely,
Malinda Knipfer
Executive Director
Trunk-or-Treat Locations locations have flipped dates!!!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
The Trunk-or-Treat locations have FLIPPED DATES!!!!
10/8 will be located at PNC Field
10/14 will be located at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza!
Sign up your trunks today! Treater tickets will be released mid-September.
Parenting Autism United
Hello!!!
September is here!!! Enjoy the newsletter and please share with families, service providers, educators, school districts, and businesses you think would be interested.
Families Reimagining Inclusive Lives (FRIL)
Advisory Committee Application
Thank you for your interest in the Advisory Committee for the Families Reimagining Inclusive Lives (FRIL) project.
The purpose of FRIL is to educate families of young children with disabilities about the benefits of inclusion.
We are especially interested in working with families who speak a language other than English at home and those who have limited exposure to information about inclusion. *
We are seeking advisory committee members who have a connection to the disability community and are willing to share their unique lived experiences to benefit the FRIL families.
Please respond to the questions below to the best of your ability.
If your application is selected, we will notify you.
Luzerne-Wyoming County MHDS September Newsletter
Inclusive Hockey
Saturday, Sept 9th 9-10am
Hazleton Torch Run and Community Festival
9/23/23
Run 11:00
Festival 12
Join us in a 3 mile Fun run combining the community with members of law enforcement & Special Olympics athletes as they carry the torch through downtown Hazleton to City View Park!
Dance Party
Announcing our 2nd Annual Halloween Dance Party!! This is a sensory friendly event for children with disabilities. Dancing, games, a special “calm down room” for children who need a quiet/sensory break, and of course… treats!! This event is no cost to families. To register, please email us at Encoreschoolofdance@gmail.com
PA ABLE Programming
Join us for free webinars for individuals with disabilities, families and professionals to learn more about the PA ABLE Savings Program.
PA ABLE and Social Security Disability Programs: Working Together to Help Individuals With Disabilities
Oct 18, 2023 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Connecting PA ABLE and Work Incentives for Individuals with Disabilities: Experts will explain the PA ABLE Savings Program and Pennsylvania's Work Incentive Programs.
Oct. 25, 2023 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Learn about the PA ABLE Savings Program!
A PA ABLE Savings Program account gives individuals with qualified disabilities (Eligible Individuals), and their families and friends a tax-free way to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. The state and federal tax-free investment options are offered to encourage Eligible Individuals and their families to save private funds to support health, independence, and quality of life.
To help you learn about the important features and benefits of PA ABLE, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department is hosting free webinars.
Some of the topics that we will discuss include: eligibility requirements for opening a PA ABLE account, the federal and state tax benefits of PA ABLE, and how PA ABLE account interacts with current benefits.
Nov. 14, 2023 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Be sure to check the Happening soon tab for events previously featured on ACCE Happenings.