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Move Your Way® with Shared Wellness

Shared Wellness of Horsham, PA shares their stories of wellness with ODP! Shared Wellness is a provider agency that centers its mission around community participation and wellness. "As a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), we are committed to making movement fun, meaningful, and accessible for

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Communication Corner – December 11 is National App Day

Appreciating and exploring technology that empowers National App Day was established in 2017 and celebrates the life-changing impact that apps have had on our daily lives. Apps have transformed how we communicate, work, entertain, and complete daily tasks. This day recognizes the creativity, dedication, and hard work of app developers and the

Everyday lives - values in action

Save the Date! The 2026 Everyday Lives Virtual Conference

Breaking Barriers and Building Futures You’re invited to save the date for the 2026 Everyday Lives Virtual Conference! The 2026 Everyday Lives Conference (EDL) will be held virtually throughout the first two weeks of May 2026. The conference theme for 2026 is “Breaking Barriers and Building Futures”. Conference tracks include:   Dual

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NASDDDS Virtual Job Fair

The National Association of State Directors for Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) is hosting a virtual job fair for job seekers across home and community based services (HCBS) and long-term services and supports (LTSS). The job fair, presented in partnership with ADvancing States Alumni Leadership Network, will take place on Tuesday, December 9,

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November 20th is Pressure Injury Awareness Day

November 20th is Pressure Injury Prevention Day. Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation to officially recognize Pressure Injury Awareness Day which aims to reduce pressure injury incidents by shedding light on pressure injuries and the harms they can cause. You can read the full proclamation at this link. Pressure injuries, commonly known

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Celebrating National Caregivers Month this November

National Family Caregivers Month recognizes and honors the millions of unpaid family and friend caregivers who support loved ones with illnesses, disabilities, or other needs. The month is dedicated to raising awareness of caregiving issues, educating the public, and increasing support for caregivers. This year’s theme is “Plug-in to Care” and focuses on

Oscar Drummond, a power chair user, sits in the front row displaying his award with Robert Zoytnia by his side also in a power chair. Council members stand behind them. They are in a stately room with marbled walls and flags.

PA Self-Advocate Oscar Drummond Receives National Recognition for Leadership

Pennsylvania self-advocate Oscar Drummond was the recipient of The Betty Williams, Champion of Equal Opportunity Award in recognition of his outstanding community leadership. The award is given by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities' (NACDD) and recognizes self-advocates that make a real difference in their communities, states, and across the

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National Collaborative for Supporting Families Best Practices Webinar Series

The National Collaborative for Supporting Families invites you to register for its Supporting Families Best Practices Webinar Series. The National Collaborative for Supporting Families' overall goal is to support families in all their strengths and challenges so they can nurture, love, and create opportunities for their family members to thrive with independence,

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Communication Corner – November 1 is Autistics Speaking Day

Strengthening the voices of autistic individuals One of the most important ways that we all connect to the world is through communication. Autistics Speaking Day provides an opportunity for autistic individuals to communicate, by telling their stories, sharing their challenges and celebrations, and expressing their interests and ambitions. It’s a day for

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A Message from the Deputy Secretary Recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! On October 1, Governor Josh Shapiro signed an official declaration recognizing NDEAM in Pennsylvania. That proclamation is can be viewed here. Office of Developmental Programs Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens shares the following message to mark the importance of disability employment initiatives in Pennsylvania and