October Resource Meeting (via Zoom): How AT and AAC Changed Me, with Jessica Smith
Join us in October for a conversation with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) creator Jessica Smith, who was featured in a 6 abc Hometown heroes segment for her work with first responders.
Here is how Jessica describes herself:
“My name is Jessica Smith. I am a class of 2023 high school graduate with High Functioning Autism. I make communication boards for first responders to help them communicate with people who are non speaking. I also make adapted switches for people with fine motor issues so they can play with toys and control appliances. I work with assistive technology as well making these things and helping other state programs. I started doing these things when I was in the 9th grade and I continue to do these things and now I give presentations about these projects. Please check out my Instagram for more of my projects and events I go to.”
Empowering Independence Workshop (via Zoom)
What does Independence look like for you? Spend some time with us to identify your strengths and work on your plan for the future! Our results-oriented framework will help you create an action plan, understand what independence means for you, and start crafting a vision for the future. You must register in advance to attend this 5-session workshop, and your registration fee covers all sessions.
Throughout our 5 weeks together, you can expect to meet other families, learn concrete skills, and solidify your independence vision! This cohort will meet on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:15pm from October 23rd to November 20th, 2024.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Click below to learn more.
November Resource Meeting (via Zoom): Wellness for your Everyday Life, with Lynn Roberts and Pete Phillips
Join us to learn about innovative programs to help encourage exercise and healthy eating in your everyday life. Our presenters, Lynn Roberts and Pete Phillips, will share information about what they are doing to help individuals with disabilities integrate wellness practices into their daily routines.
About our presenters:
Lynn Roberts holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from West Chester University and is a dedicated Community Nutritionist with a multi-disciplinary approach to holistic healthcare. Also an Ayurvedic Health Counselor and Clinical Herbalist, she is currently pursuing her doctorate in Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine to further combine traditional wisdom with modern, evidence-based practices to guide individuals toward optimal wellness.
Specializing in promoting balanced eating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism, Lynn is committed to equity and accessibility in nutrition. She began working with the IDD and autism community in 2020 and has been a Direct Support Professional with a focus on meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation since 2021.
Lynn is also an herb farmer and educator for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, contributing to community-based food systems and food security. An avid gardener, forager, and maker, she actively participates in her local community garden and grows food for her local food pantry. Lynn believes that optimal health looks different for everyone and utilizes Health at Every Size® and intuitive eating principles, along with motivational interviewing skills, to ensure her counseling is as trauma-informed and inclusive as possible.
Pete Philips is the Founder and Lead trainer of Full Spectrum Fitness. He has over a decade of experience in the special education, physical education and personal training fields. He has founded programs to teach sports and the related social skills to those on the autism spectrum, and has taught Adapted Physical Education at a school for students on the autism spectrum and a school for students with visual impairments.
Pete’s favorite aspects of Full Spectrum Fitness are building relationships with participants and their families and being able to use his ability to adapt exercises and activities to promote success. His goal is to make exercise enjoyable and attainable for everyone, helping each individual gain confidence and improve their quality of life!
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
One Stop Workshop: Building Community Connections (on Zoom)
Our One Stop Workshop Series provides focused instruction on small but important topics. These topics will help you on your journey to greater independence.
Join us for Building Community Connections
What a dream it would be if we could all have a place in our community where "Everybody knows your name." As we've all experienced, building these connections in our community involves more than just showing up.
Join this 75-minute Zoom session to map out the community routines, roles and relationships that can help you become a more connected member of your community. We look forward to exploring new strategies to help encourage your relationships to blossom.
Independence Happy Hour (on Zoom)
Calling all past and present Peer to Peer Instructors and participants!
Join us to socialize, make connections, and discuss living more independently.
This is a one-hour virtual get-together for anyone who has participated in any of our past Peer to Peer workshops.
Whether you joined us in Summer 2021 or Fall 2024, we’d love to see you! Click on the button below to register, or contact abby with any questions.
This event is for people who have completed our Peer to Peer Workshop.
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Click below to learn more.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
December Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our December meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Click below to learn more.
January Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our January meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
February Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our February meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
March Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our March meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
April Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our April meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
May Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our May meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
June Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our June meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
July Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our July meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
September Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our September meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
October Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our October meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
November Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our November meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
December Resource Meeting (via Zoom):
Save the date for our December meeting. Topic and Registration link coming soon!
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Click below to learn more.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
One Stop Workshop: Building Your One Page Profile (via Zoom)
Our One Stop Workshop Series provides focused instruction on small but important topics. These topics will help you on your journey to greater independence.
Building Your One Page Profile
In this 75-minute Zoom session, we will explore an amazing tool for sharing information about yourself our your loved one: One Page Profiles!
Whether you want to create a one page profile for the first time or you want to update one that you created in the past, this is the workshop for you! We’ll be covering such topics as what to include, when and how to share it, and who should have copies on file.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
September Resource Meeting (via Zoom): Technology Solutions for Safety and Independence: with Safe In Home
Are you interested in learning more about technology that can help you or your loved one live more safely and independently? Join us on September 16th to learn from our presenters. Representatives from Safe in Home will be sharing potential solutions.
Safe in Home empowers people to live more independently in their own homes and communities through the use of remote supports and assistive technologies. Safe in Home’s person-centered services vary by the individual, and may include real-time check ins, remote monitoring through sensors, or other technologies.
Join us to learn more!
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Click below to learn more.
Independence Happy Hour (on Zoom)
Calling all peer to peer Instructors and former participants!
Join us to socialize, make connections, and discuss living more independently.
This is a one-hour virtual get-together for anyone who has participated in any of our past Peer to Peer workshops.
Whether you joined us in Summer 2021 or Fall 2024, we’d love to see you! Click on the button below to register, or contact abby with any questions.
This event is for people who have completed our Peer to Peer Workshop.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need. Click on the button below to register.
Delaware County Meet-up (In person!)
Calling all Delaware County residents!
If you are an Individual with disabilities or a family member of an individual with disabilities and you live in (or close to) Delaware County, join us for an opportunity to:
Make new, local connections
Share resources and information about supports, services and employment opportunities
Find others who are looking for solutions for planning, building community and housing
Our Summer DelCo meetup will take place In Person at Rose Tree Park in Media. (Rain Date Tuesday August 6th)
Bring your dinner and a lawn chair or picnic blanket. We’ll bring water and seltzer. We look forward to seeing you!
Click below for more info and to RSVP:
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Click below to learn more.
July Resource Meeting (via Zoom): Financial Planning Basics with Jerry Ruttenberg and Brian Smith of Firstrust Financial Resources
Does thinking about your loved one's financial future keep you up at night? Are you ready to take the next steps, but you're not sure how to start? Join presenters Jerry Ruttenberg and Brian Smith of Firstrust Financial Resources as they share the basics of financial planning.
About our presenters:
Jerry Ruttenberg (MBA) is a financial consultant with Firstrust Financial Resources. He dedicates his practice to planning for families with children with disabilities, a passion derived from his own family experiences.
Previously as a Special Needs Financial Planner with the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning, he assisted families in planning for the financial future of their children or other dependents with special needs.
This requires in depth knowledge of the federal laws as they pertain to government benefit eligibility, legal documents such as special needs trusts and guardianships, and financial considerations for providing quality lifetime care.
Jerry holds a BBA in marketing and an MBA in Industrial Management from Temple University, and is a retired adjunct professor of Economics and Finance at Community College of Philadelphia.
Brian Smith is the Vice President of Firstrust Financial Resources. He assists families and small business owners in the areas of retirement, investments and life insurance protection. Recognizing that long-term healthcare needs are a major factor in prudent retirement planning, he commits a substantial portion of his time to long-term care insurance planning.
Brian received his B.S. in Finance from Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.
Getting Your Own Place: Myths and Facts
Join this Zoom session to learn about Housing from SAU1 Power coaches! The Power Coaches will share some common myths about housing for people with disabilities, and then help to replace these myths with facts. This presentation is designed for older teens and adults with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. To learn more and to register, Contact Carla via email at carla@sau1.org or call her at 814 201 6061.
Independence Happy Hour (on Zoom)
Calling all peer to peer Instructors and former participants!
Join us to socialize, make connections, and discuss living more independently.
This is a one-hour virtual get-together for anyone who has participated in any of our past Peer to Peer workshops.
Whether you joined us in Summer 2021 or Winter 2024, we’d love to see you! Click on the button below to register, or contact abby with any questions.
This event is for people who have completed our Peer to Peer Workshop.
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Click below to learn more.
June Resource Meeting (via Zoom): Resource Swap
This month, we’re turning the meeting over to the real experts: our amazing community members!
Join us for a community resource swap! Whether you’d like to share info about an awesome local inclusive business or you’re looking for ideas for a cool new hangout spot, join us to share with your fellow community members.
Bring your recommendations for social and recreational activities, inclusive employers, welcoming community spaces, sensory friendly professionals, or organizations you want to share. And if you are looking for resources in any of these categories (or others) please bring your requests for information to the group!
Getting Your Own Place: Myths and Facts
Join this Zoom session to learn about Housing from SAU1 Power coaches! The Power Coaches will share some common myths about housing for people with disabilities, and then help to replace these myths with facts. This presentation is designed for older teens and adults with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. To learn more and to register, Contact Carla via email at carla@sau1.org or call her at 814 201 6061.
Getting Your Own Place: Myths and Facts
Join this Zoom session to learn about Housing from SAU1 Power coaches! The Power Coaches will share some common myths about housing for people with disabilities, and then help to replace these myths with facts. This presentation is designed for older teens and adults with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. To learn more and to register, Contact Carla via email at carla@sau1.org or call her at 814 201 6061.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
May Resource Meeting (via Zoom): Understanding Benefits with Michele Leahy
You have the waivers, the special needs trust, the benefits, Now What?
In this presentation, our guest presenter Michele Leahy will will talk about SSI/SSDI to DAC transition, how to revise ISP plans, how to organize all the information in one place and, importantly, how pass the baton to the next generation.
Her presentation will cover how to navigate services when life changes and how to deal with the stumbling blocks of changes in benefit status. She’ll also explain how to organize your plan and bring the next generation "up to speed" to start the succession now.
About our presenter:
Michele Leahy, MS, CPWIC, is the founder and CEO of Leahy Life Plan, a firm dedicated to long-term life planning for those with disabilities. She understands disability challenges from both a professional and personal perspective.
In 2009, Ms Leahy obtained her Certification in Work Incentive Planning through an approved Social Security Administration (SSA) program established through the SSA Ticket To Work Program. She has an M.S. in Non-Profit Management from Eastern University. In 2023 Governor Shapiro chose Ms Leahy for the PA Employment First Oversight Committee. Ms. Leahy was the first non-veteran Executive Board Member of the United Spinal Association, a national disability rights organization.
Ms. Leahy has spoken both nationally and locally on disability, including at the National Down Syndrome Congress Conference. In 2018, she spoke on disability issues at the Philadelphia Women’s March on the steps of the Art Museum. Ms. Leahy’s commitment to cross disability has led her to being involved with visible and hidden disability organizations.
Getting Your Own Place: Myths and Facts
Join this Zoom session to learn about Housing from SAU1 Power coaches! The Power Coaches will share some common myths about housing for people with disabilities, and then help to replace these myths with facts. This presentation is designed for older teens and adults with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. To learn more and to register, Contact Carla via email at carla@sau1.org or call her at 814 201 6061.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
Families CCAN info Session (on Zoom)
Come find out what Families CCAN is all about! Whether you're planning for a transition from high school to adulthood or you're starting your journey to independent living, we have resources and programs that can help. Click below to learn more.
Families CCAN Cook (via Zoom)
Learn how to cook with us! Together we’ll prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert – step by step and with success. We’ll email the recipe ingredients in advance so you have time to get what you need.
April Resource Meeting (via Zoom): Supported Decision Making with SDMPA
Are you confused about what legal terms like guardianship, power of attorney, or health care representative mean? Are you looking for a way to create a network of support for yourself or your loved one without sacrificing legal rights? Join us for our April Resource Meeting. Our guests will be representatives from Supported Decision-Making Pennsylvania (SDMPA), a team from the Lehigh Valley that has been working on a project to share information about Supported Decision Making.
From our presenters:
“Recent data indicates young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) ages 18-22 are being funneled into guardianship because of school districts primarily advising parents of this option without explaining the potential lasting implications. Guardianship is a “legal process where a court removes some or many of the legal and decision-making rights from an individual and transfers them to another person called a guardian.”As a result, overbroad and undue guardianships occur, taking away more rights than necessary, denying self-determination of individuals with disabilities and in turn significantly impacting quality of life. Supported Decision-Making, an alternative to guardianship, allows people with disabilities to establish a circle of support that empowers them to make decisions to achieve and maintain independence.
Supported Decision-Making Pennsylvania (SDMPA), created through a partnership with Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) and Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley (JFSLV) will serve transition age youth with disabilities and their families. While both organizations provide services and programs in the Lehigh Valley, SDMPA will allow the agencies to expand their reach and serve individuals and organizations throughout the Commonwealth. This grant is funded by PADDC. “
Getting Your Own Place: Myths and Facts
Join this Zoom session to learn about Housing from SAU1 Power coaches! The Power Coaches will share some common myths about housing for people with disabilities, and then help to replace these myths with facts. This presentation is designed for older teens and adults with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. To learn more and to register, please use the button below.
Getting Your Own Place: Myths and Facts
Join this Zoom session to learn about Housing from SAU1 Power coaches! The Power Coaches will share some common myths about housing for people with disabilities, and then help to replace these myths with facts. This presentation is designed for older teens and adults with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. To learn more and to register, please use the button below.