Upcoming Events

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
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:
Feb
22
Thu
Envisioning the Future For Your Child Series
Feb 22 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Envisioning the Future For Your Child Series
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.

REGISTER TODAY
Feb
24
Sat
Best Buddies Inclusive Concert @ Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall
Feb 24 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Best Buddies Inclusive Concert @ Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall

WCU Best Buddies is hosting our first ever inclusive and sensory friendly concert! Often, individuals with unique abilities and sensory needs are not able to attend/enjoy a concert, so we are hosting one that anyone and everyone can enjoy! The lights and sound will be sensory friendly, there will be a sensory area with fidgets and activities, dancing and singing along is not only allowed but encouraged, and we have several performers with disabilities. There will also be a raffle with some awesome prizes like gift cards and suite style Sixers tickets!

This event is open to anyone and is not limited to just Best Buddies! Tickets will be $15 ($5 if you come in a Best Buddies t-shirt) cash or Venmo at the door. Go to Facebook to learn more about this event.

Mar
7
Thu
Envisioning the Future For Your Child Series
Mar 7 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Envisioning the Future For Your Child Series
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.

REGISTER TODAY
Mar
16
Sat
Neurodiversity and Autism Resource Event @ Neumann University Bruder Gym
Mar 16 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Neurodiversity and Autism Resource Event @ Neumann University Bruder Gym

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

Mar
20
Wed
Pennsylvania Family Network Summits
Mar 20 @ 11:30 am – 11:30 am
Pennsylvania Family Network Summits
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.
REGISTER TODAY
Mar
21
Thu
Envisioning the Future For Your Child Series
Mar 21 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Envisioning the Future For Your Child Series
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.

REGISTER TODAY
World Down Syndrome Day Live Event with Sofia Sanchez
Mar 21 @ 2:00 pm
World Down Syndrome Day Live Event with Sofia Sanchez
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!!!! 💙💛

Mar
24
Sun
THE EGG HUNT ON MARCH 24th IS CANCELLED @ Thornbury Park
Mar 24 @ 9:30 am
THE EGG HUNT ON MARCH 24th IS CANCELLED @ Thornbury Park

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!

Mar
27
Wed
Mini-Retreat for Caregivers of Children Birth-5 with ID/DD, March
Mar 27 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Mini-Retreat for Caregivers of Children Birth-5 with ID/DD, March

DATE: March 27, 2024
TIME: 10:00am – 2:00pm
LOCATION: Rivers Casino – 1001 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

If you are a caregiver to someone with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including autism, we invite you to our mini retreat! If you are a caregiver to someone with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including autism, we invite you to join us for a mini-retreat . This is your time to connect with other caregivers and learn about simple, yet effective ways to decompress while connecting with other caregivers. Lunch and snacks will be served.

Activities include:

  • Gratitude wall
  • Reflexology
  • Chair Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Journaling
  • Group Discussion, and more.

Childcare is not provided, but you are welcome to have your family join you for this event.

GET TICKETS