Pennsylvania Family Network

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Pennsylvania Family Network

Supporting families throughout the lifespan with workshops, mentoring, and families connecting with one another. Please be aware that we follow the local school district when it comes to inclement weather.

If they close due to inclement weather, than any scheduled events in that area will be canceled and rescheduled.

Operating as usual

01/11/2022

After 22: Family is the Key to Achieving & Thriving-Keith Jones

Join PEAL Center for this presentation!

If you need any assistance registering for this event, please call the PEAL Center at 1-866-950-1040.

01/10/2022

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our Safety in the Community workshop scheduled for Monday, January 10th has been postponed. As soon as a new date is scheduled, we will share it on our page.

01/06/2022

Our January schedule of workshops has been added to the events page on Facebook and our website! Lots of workshops being offered, included Waivers Basics and Advanced Waivers. See below for the full list.

January 6th 10am-12pm Waiver Basics Part 1 and 1-3pm Waiver Basics Part 2
January 12th 6:30-7:30pm Family Forum with ODP on the American Rescue Plan
January 17th 12:30-2:30pm L.E.A.D. the Way to Healthy Relationships
January 18th 6-8pm Advanced Waivers Part 1
January 19th 6-8pm Advanced Waivers Part 2
January 24th 12:30-2:30pm Long Term Planning
January 26th 10am-12pm Advanced Waivers Part and 1-3pm Advanced Waivers Part 2
January 31st 6-8pm Waiver Basics Part 1
February 1st 6-8pm Waiver Basics Part 2

Check out details on our event page here: https://www.facebook.com/PAFamilyNetwork/events/
or check out our website (scroll down to see events): https://www.visionforequality.org/programs/pa-family-network/.
As always, you can reach out to us by email at [email protected]
or call us at 1-844-PAFAMILY.

01/02/2022

Vision For Equality has several job opportunities for the Philadelphia Family Navigator Project and for the Family Support Program. Job description details are described in the flyers or click the link below to view the PDF files.

Family Support Specialist Project Manager: https://files.ctctusercontent.com/b4490904401/7f54b2a3-3699-47d2-8bb0-d96d7219fb3a.pdf?rdr=true

Family Support Specialist (2 positions available): https://files.ctctusercontent.com/b4490904401/10d160ba-d7b9-4aa7-8467-618126507c25.pdf?rdr=true

Family Navigator Project Manager: https://files.ctctusercontent.com/b4490904401/3a8b5ce4-8fba-418b-ac9f-927849ca7c9d.pdf?rdr=true

Family Navigator (2 positions available): https://files.ctctusercontent.com/b4490904401/35b1145f-c40b-4fdc-95aa-6748028db494.pdf?rdr=true

12/20/2021

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is looking for stakeholder feedback to learn about how youth with disabilities across PA set goals and plan for adulthood. The two below flyers offer instructions on how to participate for youth and adults (two separate surveys.) The survey response deadline is January 15, 2022.

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a group of various stakeholders from across Pennsylvania who work collaboratively to ensure appropriate transition outcomes for Pennsylvania youth and young adults.

Youth survey link: https://fs25.formsite.com/3fHiZQ/onymmcwque/index.html

Adult survey link: https://fs25.formsite.com/3fHiZQ/tvvh0zzrca/index.html

Penn Dental Medicine’s Care Center for Persons with Disabilities - Personalized Care Suite. The Center provides comprehe...

12/16/2021

Care Center for Persons with Disabilities Personalized Care Suite - Penn Dental Medicine

Penn Dental Medicine’s Care Center for Persons with Disabilities - Personalized Care Suite.

The Center provides comprehensive dental care for routine oral health care and prevention that focuses on the delivery of dental treatment that includes:

• Individualized risk assessment and minimally invasive treatment plans to prevent tooth decay

• Personalized oral health care and prevention plans, including diet modifications

• Hands-on education for caregivers in the delivery of oral hygiene

The Care Suite is designed and equipped to make the delivery of care comfortable; special features include:

• Treatment and consultation spaces large enough to accommodate multiple individuals and wheelchairs

• A wheelchair lift if needed so patients can comfortably receive care while remaining in their wheelchair

• A low-stimulation room with lower lighting and soundproofing for patients with sensitivities to light and loud noises

• A treatment room table to accommodate patients on a stretcher• Availability of nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia as needed

• No sedation or general anesthesia options are currently available

Flyer here:https://palms-awss3-repository.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Communications/ODP/2021/PD+Care+Center+for+Persons+with+Disabilities+Brochure.pdf

Website and more info here: https://www.dental.upenn.edu/patient-care-facilities/care-center-for-persons-with-disabilities-personalized-care-suite/

From left: Dr. Temitope Omolehinwa (Associate Director), Dr. Miriam R. Robbins (Director), and Dr. Alicia Risner-Bauman (Associate Director).

12/14/2021

Unfortunately, COVID has impacted our team.
Our Family Forum for tomorrow 12/15 is cancelled.
Everyone please stay safe and accept our wishes for a Happy Holiday season!

See you on Zoom January 19th @
6 30 for our next Family Forum!

11/25/2021

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our PA families!

11/16/2021

Join the PA Family Network Advisors, families and individuals with disabilities TOMORROW for our Family Forums to:

• discuss areas of life where supports might be needed.

• explore strategies for finding and keeping staff.

• network with other families and ask questions.

• get latest updates from the Office of Developmental Programs.

Click to Join the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82905633941?pwd=QnBWZTVPcHhyTjdkUFVYaE8reTlvZz09
Meeting ID: 829 0563 3941 Passcode: 637984
One tap mobile:
+13126266799,,82905633941#,,,,*637984# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,82905633941#,,,,*637984# US (New York)

See the event link for more info: https://fb.me/e/1pzxps2XS

11/16/2021

Our November Family Forum is this Wednesday! Join us as we discuss strategies on hiring and retaining staff for our loved ones.
https://fb.me/e/1pzxps2XS

11/12/2021

#sayitwithsymbols

#sayitwithsymbols or any way you can!

10/30/2021

Listed below are our events for the month of November. Click the Events tab for more information on each topic or to share any of our events.

Waiver Basics (101) Part 1 Workshop:
November 2, 2021 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
November 11, 2021 10:00 am -12:00 pm
November 22, 2021 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
November 29, 2021 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Waiver Basics (101) Part 2 Workshop:
November 4, 2021 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
November 11, 2021 1:00 pm -3:00 pm
November 22, 2021 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
November 29, 2021 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

L.E.A.D. the Way to Healthy Relationships:
November 6, 2021 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
November 11, 2021 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
November 30, 2021 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

A Vision for Equality and Pennsylvania Health Law Project Presentation by David Gates: Intellectual Disabilities/Autism Waiver or Community Health Choices Which Will Meet Your Needs?
November 9, 2021 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom link on this event page: https://fb.me/e/1AGM7ZGvv

SEGURIDAD EN LA COMUNIDAD (Safety in the Community Workshop IN SPANISH):
November 10, 2021 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Safety in the Community WORKSHOP FOR SIBLINGS:
November 10, 2021 6:00 pm -8:00 pm

Safety in the Community Workshop:
November 16, 2021 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Long Term Planning Workshop:
November 23, 2021 6:00 pm -8:00 pm

Family Forum:
November 17, 2021 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Sibling Good Life Group:
November 22, 2021 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Zoom link on this page: https://fb.me/e/28HkDXQJs

Unless noted next to the event, all workshops can be accessed at this zoom link:
Click to Join the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82905633941?pwd=QnBWZTVPcHhyTjdkUFVYaE8reTlvZz09 (Same link for all events)
Meeting ID: 829 0563 3941 Passcode: 637984
One tap mobile: +16465588656,,82905633941#,,,,*637984# US (New York)
Reasonable Accommodations as identified under the ADA must be requested 2 weeks in advance

For more information: www.visionforequality.org/pa-family-network 1-844-PAFAMILY; Find us on Facebook at Pennsylvania Family Network.
The PA Family Network is a program of Vision for Equality and funded through PA Office of Developmental Programs.

Additional announcements may be added to this post as needed throughout the month.

10/27/2021

PDS Virtual Symposium November 10, 2021

An Interactive Virtual Symposium on Person-Centered Services Wednesday, November 10, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Zoom. Optional 8:30 a.m. co...

10/25/2021

We have so much happening this week! Join us on Zoom for our *NEW* 2-part Waiver Basics workshop, L.E.A.D. the Way to Healthy Relationships and another workshop of Safety in the Community if you couldn't make our last one! Below are the links:
Waiver Basics Part 1: https://fb.me/e/133sdmr4a
Waiver Basics Part 2: https://fb.me/e/1w6SVhPCH
L.E.A.D. the Way to Healthy Relationships: https://fb.me/e/6Fy5TwefF
Safety in the Community: https://fb.me/e/15AlzznTM

Join us for one or all of these events! And if you can't make any of them, check out the Events page as our November events are added as we'll be offering all of our workshops through next month as well.

10/23/2021

The October Editions of PaTTAN’s Family Resource Group are live!

Check out these newsletters for resources, opportunities, and event information that may help you, your child, or the school staff in your area. Want this information sent directly to your email? All families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), blind or visually impaired (BVI), or deaf-blind (DB) are invited to sign up! Sign up now at https://fs28.formsite.com/OXGRCU/6rwhmahifj/index.html

DHH Edition: https://www.smore.com/59aex
BVI Edition: https://www.smore.com/e0wrn
DB Edition: https://www.smore.com/0k5dr

10/21/2021

Grab a coffee and join us via Zoom at 10 am EST Saturday morning as we discuss Safety in the Community for those with disabilities. See the event here for more details:
https://fb.me/e/KKtHF7fO

10/21/2021

Join us tonight at 6:30 pm to discuss Long Term Planning for our loved ones! See more information on our event page: https://fb.me/e/JluPFmox

10/18/2021

The AAC research team at Penn State is conducting a research study to learn more about supporting reading skills for individuals with complex communication needs.

They would like to look at the impact of a new software which has been designed to support the acquisition of literacy skills, specifically skills to sound out and read new words for individuals with developmental disabilities (i.e., autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, or intellectual/developmental disability).

They are currently recruiting for fully remote studies (conducted over Zoom) with school-age children with CP and adolescents or adults with ASD!

If you would like to learn more information about the study or know of anyone that may benefit from participating, please contact them via email at [email protected] or phone 814-863-2003 to arrange for a time to talk in more detail.

Address

1007 N Front St Suite 1 North
Harrisburg, PA
17101-2742

General information

We provide workshops for support groups, family groups, school districts and others in the community who need information and assistance. Family Network Advisors, located across PA will teach families to use the "Charting the LifeCourse Tools" to help other of all abilities and ages.

Telephone

+17178395437

Website

http://www.visionforequality.org

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Pennsylvania Family Network posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Pennsylvania Family Network:

Videos

Unable to attend a workshop in person? Did you know we offer private mentoring in a location of your choice? Just email us with your needs. [email protected]

Back to school series video #2. Tonight we are talking about the experiences you had as a kid and how that affected your trajectory (path) towards having a better life. Can we say the same about the experiences our kids are having? Share your thoughts.

Back to School Series: Using the trajectory part 1

This is the first video in our back to school series. Learn how taking the time NOW, while you are feeling positive and optomistic about this school year, to WRITE DOWN what you want this year to be. It is also important to take some time to write down whay you do NOT want this school year to be. Do this with your family and each of your kids. It will be very eye opening and your first step in making this the best school year EVER. There are some link in the comments below to get you started today. All of these resources and more can be found at: https://www.lifecoursetools.com/learning-materials/

Have you ever wondered “what if?” Tonight I am sharing my latest thoughts on a paradigm shift I wish I had had.

One mom's paradigm shift

Here is an example of a paradigm shift one Mom took when it came to Extended School Year vs a summer job....

A Paradigm shift when it comes to the delivery of services. I lived through it, and it is the best thing that ever happened to me and my students. Download the graphic here: http://bit.ly/2SPpcbL

Paradigm Shift: a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions. As parents and caregivers for loved ones with special needs, we might be better than others at being able to embrace this concept. But, even we can get stuck in that rut of "that is just how it has always been done." Join the PA Family Network this month as we challenge others and ourselves to start thinking about things differently and challenge the norms that have likely held us and our loved ones back for years. Are you ready?

Relationships... Connections... Love is so important. When your family lives far away but are always home in your heart. Using technology to share great news with your Grandma! ❤️

Relationships and the Integrated Supports Star

The Integrated Supports and Service tool is yet another tool you have in your LifeCourse toolbox. This particular one is filled out for you based on the social and spirituality life domain. It will give you things to reflect upon and pull from when trying to build new and make stronger the relationships you son or daughter has. Download this cheat sheet here: http://bit.ly/2X296iy

So things have really changed a lot over the years when it comes to how our loved ones can interact and participate in our local communities. This is true for all the life domains, ever the social and spirituality domain that we are looking at this month. Have you thought of any other innovative ways to expand your relationships and the relationships of your loved one? Tell us about it in the comments below! You can download the handout I am talking about tonight here: http://bit.ly/2tiutOU

An Introduction to Life Domains

Thanks for joining us tonight. Here is the link to the Blue Book I talk about: http://bit.ly/2E4KYo1. However, if you are unable to download and print this book and still really would like a copy, send us an your contact information in an email at [email protected] and request a BLUE BOOK. Enjoy!!!!!!!

Join us this month as we talk about the importance of relationships in ALL our lives. It should be pretty exciting. Please add your thoughts and comments to make this as valuable as possible for ALL our families. 💕

Using the trajectory with your loved one

Join us this week looking at what does and does not make a good relationship. Trust me, writing it down ON PAPER is an important first step to getting what your son or daughter really wants out of the relationships he/she currently has and is looking to have in the future. Here is the link to the worksheet so you can play along 😉 : http://bit.ly/2yUZLyC . Drop a comment below with one thing your son or daughter thinks is important to have in a healthy relationship.

Using the trajectory to think about relationships

Join us this week looking at what does and does not make a good relationship. Trust me, writing it down ON PAPER is an important first step to getting what you really want out of the relationships you currently have and are looking to have in the future. Here is the link to the worksheet so you can play along 😉 : http://bit.ly/2yUZLyC . Drop a comment below with one thing you think is important to have in a healthy relationship.

Using the Integrated Supports Star

Learn how to use the Integrated Supports Star. We will be using this tool all week. Download your own copy here: http://bit.ly/2EmmNmo.

Charting experiences on the trajectory

Welcome to Week 2 of Surviving the Holidays. This week it is all about experiences and reflection.

Join us this month as we talk about the holidays and how to use the Lifecourse tools to navigate this sometimes stressful time.

Join the Pennsylvania Family Network this week as we talk about gratitude. Such a critical part of a good life!!

Thanks for joining us again. This week we will still be focusing on the good life, but rather sharing and thinking about what we do want, we will share and talk about what we do NOT want in our lives, and WHY it is important to consider that. The trajectory you can fill out with us, will be in the comments below following this video.

Last week we started looking at what a good life means to you and your loved one with a disability. This week we will be doing the same but with a twist. I hope it will be reflective and meaningful to you as much as last week was. If you want to know more, you will have to tune in tomorrow at 8:00pm to learn more about our specific focus this week as it relates to A GOOD LIFE.

WELCOME!! Thanks for joining me and Jimmy again to talk about What is a Good Life? Tonight, I will give you a better idea of where we are heading this week, and some tools you can use along the way. We are hoping you will not only join us on this journey, but actively participate as well!!

WELCOME!! To our first Facebook live video for the PA Family Network. What does a good life look like for you? Join us for a thoughtful deep dive on this idea during the month of November.

What does a good life look like for your loved one? SHARE YOUR FAVORITE PICTURE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!!

What does your good life look like? It is different for all of us. SHARE YOUR FAVORITE PARTOR PHOTO OF A GOOD LIFE FOR YOU IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!! (I fixed it so you should be able to add a photo from your phone as of 8:45pm :))

Does your good life look different depending on where you are? SHARE A PICTURE IN THE COMMENTS THAT SHOWS A GOOD LIFE IN A GOOD PLACE.

Shortcuts

Nearby government services

The Arc of Pennsylvania
1007 Mumma Road, Suite 100, Lemoyne
Harrisburg Housing Authority
351 Chestnut Street
Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Cou
225 Market St Ste 400
Patient Safety Authority
333 Market St
PHRC Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
333 Market St.
PA Infrastructure Investment Authority - PENN
333 Market Street, 18th Floor
Dauphin County - Systems of Care
2 S 2nd St
Dauphin County, PA
2 S. 2nd Street
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and N
Pennsylvania State Parks
400 Market St
TreeVitalize Pennsylvania
17105
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
Attorney General Josh Shapiro
International Service Center
21 S River St
Sheriff Nick Chimienti Jr.
Dauphin County Courthouse 101 Market Street

Other Harrisburg government services

Lower Paxton Township Arts Council
5000 Commons Drive
PA Office of Advocacy and Reform
17101
Pennsylvania State Capitol Tours
17120
Dauphin County Medical Society
777 E Park Dr
Fritz Fire Protection Co., Inc.
17103
Office of Victim Advocate
1101 S Front St, Ste 5200
Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement Syst
30 North 3rd Street
Bright Futures Learning Centers, Inc
1745 N. Cameron St.
Harrisburg City Police Community
123 Walnut Street
Shumaker Public Safety Center
1 Hacc Dr
CLUW, Central PA Chapter
150 S 43rd St
The Forum Auditorium
500 Walnut St

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Comments

Join the PAFN Family Forum in progress...listen to ODP Medical Director Dr. Greg Cherpes give COVID update and then learn about Social Bubbles from Dr. SHARON falzone. Click on the Zoom link below! Nov 11th Family Forum: The How To of Creating a Social Bubble During COVID-19 Guest speaker Dr. Sharon Falzone of the Northeast Health Care Quality Unit. This presentation provides information about creating social bubbles during COVID-19. Information is provided about what a social bubble is, how to create one, rules to follow when participating in a social bubble, and special concerns that may not make social bubbles a healthy option for certain individuals. Family Forum with PA Family Network *****This is event is hosted by Families for Families!***** Zoom meeting series led by Francine Hogan Join other families and individuals with disabilities through October to discuss the current impact of the Coronavirus in our lives. This is an opportunity to share questions and concerns, as well as get the latest updates. At the participant's request, specific questions and concerns can be shared with the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in an effort to meet the needs of our community. Guest speakers may be invited in response to concerns aired in previous sessions. Francine Hogan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting Topic: FAMILY FORUM with the PA Family Network Sep 30, 2020 07:00 PM Oct 14 & 28, 2020 07:00 PM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ tZwof-2prD8jHNSA5lDAsapeQDMZfVxESj5g/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgqzMuG9aRuR-HRpw- GYqgLOvzpilEgo1uvUrpJwFAYxPzB8ZvCLRJCP3j Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88584124960? pwd=d1dmRThsenZSZytYV3h6eFJ5UWdEZz09 Meeting ID: 885 8412 4960 Passcode: 775994 One tap mobile+ 16465588656,,88584124960#,,,,,,0#,,775994# US (New York) Dial in -+1 646 558 8656 US (New York) Reasonable Accommodations as identified under the ADA must be requested a minimum of 2 weeks in advance

Please share!

Please share with your group and network. https://specialisterneusa.com/2020/09/bnymellonpa2020/ Thank you.

****** JOIN THE PA FAMILY NETWORK on Wednesday Night*** A Family Forum FOR Families BY Families********* Zoom meeting series led by Francine Hogan Join other families and individuals with disabilities through October to discuss the current impact of the Coronavirus in our lives. This is an opportunity to share questions and concerns, as well as get the latest updates. At participant's request, specific questions and concerns can be shared with the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in an effort to meet the needs of our community. Guest speakers may be invited in response to concerns aired in previous sessions. Francine Hogan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting Topic: FAMILY FORUM with the PA Family Network Time: Sept 2, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Every 2 weeks on Wed, until Oct 28, 2020, 8 occurrence(s) Sep 2,16,& 30, 2020 07:00 PM Oct 14 & 28, 2020 07:00 PM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ tZwof-2prD8jHNSA5lDAsapeQDMZfVxESj5g/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgqzMuG9aRuR-HRpw- GYqgLOvzpilEgo1uvUrpJwFAYxPzB8ZvCLRJCP3j Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88584124960? pwd=d1dmRThsenZSZytYV3h6eFJ5UWdEZz09 Meeting ID: 885 8412 4960 Passcode: 775994 One tap mobile+ 16465588656,,88584124960#,,,,,,0#,,775994# US (New York) Dial in -+1 646 558 8656 US (New York) Reasonable Accommodations as identified under the ADA must be requested a minimum of 2 weeks in advanc

Hi! I am a student a part of a research team at the University of Manitoba and we are looking for mothers of sons, between 6-11 years of age, with and without ASD and/or ADHD who are interested in completing a brief online survey investigating the strengths of these families as part of a new and exciting study! You can participate by clicking or copying the following link: https://umanitobapsych.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1RFE23ZPifneXwp For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr. Jen Theule at [email protected] You can also visit our website for more information about our past and present research activities at www.fdpl.ca. Feel free to share this notice with others who may be interested!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u-HFkGgpnbXEOro3iqpSWlt22Ln2m9t2/view?usp=sharing

Join us for: "A Day Of Hope Music Festival" on Saturday June 1st from 12 Noon to 6 PM at Exeter Bible Fellowship Church 926 Philadelphia Terrace Birdsboro, PA 19508. FREE ADMISSION!! Live music featuring several bands and solo artists, a children's play area with bounce houses and kid's games, FREE face painting and balloon twisting, FREE cotton candy and popcorn, over 40 vendors, food trucks, a Chick-fil-A tent, an Ice cream truck, FREE raffles, a special attraction and more! ALL donations received benefit: Celebrate Recovery Birdsboro. For more information visit: www.adayofhopemusicfest.com https://www.facebook.com/events/1447337148752758 Please "SHARE" this event and invite Facebook family and friends! Hope to see you there! RAIN DATE: Saturday June 8th from 12 Noon to 6 PM

What a heartwarming story of neighbors supporting each other and building relationships.

The PA Family Network was proud to be represented here at the Granparents Raising Grandchildren event. So many of the children being raised by their grandparents experience an Intellectual Disability and/or Autism. Thanks to the Intergenerational Coalition for inviting us to be a resource!