Two hands reading a braille book on a white table

January 4 Is World Braille Day

January 4th is recognized as World Braille Day by the United Nations. The day marks as a reminder of the importance of accommodations and accessibility for those who are visually impaired. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 12 million Americans 40 or over live with some form of visual

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ODP Division of Quality Management QM Spotlight

The Office of Developmental Programs Division of Quality Management (QM) has issued its latest edition of the QM Spotlight. This issue focuses on the ODP's revised Quality Management Plan & Action Review Checklist. The QM Plan & Action Review Checklist was developed by the Division of Quality Management as a supplemental document

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Communication Corner – New Year, New Communication Opportunities!

As we enter 2023, take the time to look at communication goals to propel communication access and understanding forward. You can use the LifeCourse Framework and its tools to assess what is happening now, what needs to happening moving forward, and most importantly what is it that the individual wants to achieve. 

A bird's eye view of a holiday dinner table with garland in the middle and shared dishes around the edge

Holiday Season Health & Safety Reminders

As the holiday season approaches, remember to protect yourself and others by staying up to date with your COVID-19 and flu vaccines.  You may be eligible to receive your flu vaccine at the same time as a recommended COVID-19 vaccine. Your healthcare practitioner or pharmacist can help you decide if you should

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Project Reassure: Fostering Resilience for Neurodiverse Communities

Penn State College of Medicine invites professionals who serve neurodiverse populations to join its Project Reassure training series. The training comes at no cost and participants are eligible for training hours. The eight session Project Reassure ECHO series provides participants with strategies in supporting neurodiverse individuals struggling with anxiety related to the

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Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides funds and discounts for families and households struggling to afford internet service. You are likely eligible if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. Click here to check your household’s eligibility. Eligible households may

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PA Family Network Virtual Summits

The PA Family Network is hosting a series of Virtual Summits unique to each region to allow participants to hear from local experts with resources focused on Long Term Planning and Housing Options. Families and individuals with an intellectual/developmental disability are encouraged to join. Seminar Sessions Will Include: Keynote Speaker: David Gates

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Communication Corner – Communication Tips during Holiday Gatherings

Don’t expect perfection, the holidays can be triggering, hard, and overstimulating for some Double check for understanding Be patient – allow extra time for processing Allow frequent breaks in a quiet space – group settings can be exhausting Be aware of everyone’s sensory needs If the person uses a device or aided

7th Annual Charting the Lifecourse Showcase 2023 Early Bird Registration now open!

Earlybird Registration for The Charting the LifeCourse Showcase is Now Open

Registration for the Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) Showcase is now open. The CtLC Showcase is the annual event hosted by the LifeCourse Nexus – a national training and technical assistance center – which is housed at the University of Missouri - Kansas City Institute for Human Development. The 7th Annual CtCL Showcase

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