Upcoming Events

FILL OUT THE NOMINATION FORM

Feb 18 @ 2:00 pm – Feb 29 @ 7:03 pm

The Making a Difference Awards are an annual event sponsored by Delaware County’s Right to Education Local Task Force. The event recognizes outstanding individuals who meet one of the following criteria:
- Students who have persevered and overcome challenges to be successful within an inclusive setting.
- Students who have demonstrated exceptional support, friendship, acceptance, and understanding to ensure the inclusion of classmates of all abilities.
- Adults who have demonstrated extraordinary efforts through their exceptional work to promote acceptance and understanding to ensure the inclusion of all children of all abilities.
2024 Nomination & Awards Information

Nominations

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024, Making a Difference Awards. Submit your nomination by February 29, 2024 at 4p.m. Written and video submissions will be accepted.

Making a Difference Nomination Form

Nominees may include students, administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, reading specialists, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, community members, etc.

Winners will be notified by April 19, 2024.

Award Ceremony

April 30, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Springfield High School

Categories: Educational Events Social Event

Feb

21

Wed

Virtual Family Leadership Institute Level 2: Serving on Groups Series

Feb 21 @ 6:30 pm – Feb 24 @ 8:00 pm

Did you make a New Years resolution to get more involved in your community in 2024? If so, this is a great series to help you get started!

Virtual Family Leadership Institute Level 2: Serving on Groups Series

6:30 – 8:00 PM on Wednesday evenings January 17th through February 21st, 2024

Apply: https://www.tfaforms.com/5093954

For Family Leaders who have already completed a PEAL Family Leadership Institute, or for those family members who have already taken a first step towards Advocacy Leadership, this Serving on Groups workshop Series is an important next step!

This series is designed to support and increase participation of families on decision-making groups.

Do you want to be more involved in a decision-making group but not sure where to begin?

Are you tired of feeling like the token parent representative instead of an active member of a decision-making group?

So many times, we are on committees or in meetings but don’t know what the process is or how to fully participate. This workshop will introduce you to a resource to help you navigate decision-making groups.

Learn more below:

Categories: Educational Events Featured

Feb

22

Thu

Envisioning the Future For Your Child Series

Feb 22 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

All one hour training sessions are Thursdays from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

February 22: Transitioning Your Child from Early Intervention to Kindergarten
We will explore the differences between Preschool and School-aged IEP services, and outline strategies to make sure your child’s transition from preschool to kindergarten is a smooth one.

March 7: Student Led IEPs
We will discuss the importance of student self-awareness, explore why students should lead their own IEP meeting and the benefits, and describe ways that students, families, and other adults can prepare for and support student led IEPs.

March 21: A Transition Plan is Not Just a Form
We will discuss the importance of having a vision to guide transition planning, describe the areas to consider when transition planning, and provide a list of resources to support successful transition outcomes.

Categories: Educational Events

7

Thu

Envisioning the Future For Your Child Series

Mar 7 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

All one hour training sessions are Thursdays from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

February 22: Transitioning Your Child from Early Intervention to Kindergarten
We will explore the differences between Preschool and School-aged IEP services, and outline strategies to make sure your child’s transition from preschool to kindergarten is a smooth one.

March 7: Student Led IEPs
We will discuss the importance of student self-awareness, explore why students should lead their own IEP meeting and the benefits, and describe ways that students, families, and other adults can prepare for and support student led IEPs.

March 21: A Transition Plan is Not Just a Form
We will discuss the importance of having a vision to guide transition planning, describe the areas to consider when transition planning, and provide a list of resources to support successful transition outcomes.

Categories: Educational Events

16

Sat

Neurodiversity and Autism Resource Event @ Neumann University Bruder Gym

Mar 16 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

The Pennsylvania State Police in partnership with CHOP and Neuman University are hosting a NEURODIVERISTY & AUTISM RESOURCE EVENT

WHEN: March 16, 2024 / Open from 10:00-3:00
WHERE: Neumann University Bruder Gym, 1 Neumann Drive, Aston PA 19014

Please see click the button below to preview the flyer
Please Note: there is a space limitation with this event, please RSVP as soon as possible.

VIEW THE FLYER

Categories: Educational Events Social Event

20

Wed

Pennsylvania Family Network Summits

Mar 20 @ 11:30 am – 11:30 am

Join us for our Spring Summits to learn how to use Waiver Services and Participant Directed Services to create the life YOU want. Join the PA Family Network and topic experts as we explore more about Participant Direction, find resources, and network with individuals and families.

Opening Keynote and Afternoon Keynote Will Feature:
-Bill Sattler of Support Development Associates to discuss the role of Person Centered Planning in Participant Directed Services and;
– Attorney David Gates will tackle Sustaining Participant Directed Services & Housing Models

Important Details:

Free To Attend
Buffet Lunch and Dinner Provided
Travel Stipend provided to families and self-advocates (limitations apply)
Your Support Staff are encouraged to join you!
Resource tables, Wellness Room and Networking
There are three registration types to accommodate all schedules. Each session will contain new information, nothing will be repeated.

Categories: Educational Events Featured

21

Thu

Envisioning the Future For Your Child Series

Mar 21 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

All one hour training sessions are Thursdays from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

February 22: Transitioning Your Child from Early Intervention to Kindergarten
We will explore the differences between Preschool and School-aged IEP services, and outline strategies to make sure your child’s transition from preschool to kindergarten is a smooth one.

March 7: Student Led IEPs
We will discuss the importance of student self-awareness, explore why students should lead their own IEP meeting and the benefits, and describe ways that students, families, and other adults can prepare for and support student led IEPs.

March 21: A Transition Plan is Not Just a Form
We will discuss the importance of having a vision to guide transition planning, describe the areas to consider when transition planning, and provide a list of resources to support successful transition outcomes.

Categories: Educational Events

World Down Syndrome Day Live Event with Sofia Sanchez

Mar 21 @ 2:00 pm

DATE & TIME: March 21st at 2pm ET

Watch Sofia Sanchez’s Live Event on Scholastic StoryVoice on World Down Syndrome Day from anywhere! This event is a free, interactive, and SO much fun!!! Just log in and join Sofia as she reads from her new book YOU ARE BRAVE!!!! What better way to increase awareness about Down syndrome and how we tackle everyday with bravery!!!! 💙💛

Categories: Down Syndrome Awareness Events Educational Events Social Event

24

Sun

THE EGG HUNT ON MARCH 24th IS CANCELLED @ Thornbury Park

Mar 24 @ 9:30 am

Sadly, we have to make the unfortunate decision to cancel the upcoming Egg Hunt that was scheduled for this weekend 3/24. The cancellation is due to a low turnout which we suspect is from it landing on a holiday weekend, and with individuals having Special Olympics swimming. Next year, we will make sure to plan it further in advance and pick a weekend that more people would be able to attend.

Thank you for understanding, and we hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Categories: Down Syndrome Awareness Events Holiday Events Social Event

27

Wed

Mini-Retreat for Caregivers of Children Birth-5 with ID/DD, March