A nuclear family runs through the snow. Dad pulls the son in a sled while mom and daughter trail behind

Move Your Way® This Winter!

With shorter days and colder temperatures, many people struggle to maintain their motivation for physical activity. Yet, staying active is important in spring, summer, fall, and yes, winter. This time of year also presents an opportunity to participate in activities that are unique to the season. Seasonal Physical and Mental Benefits Adults

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Communication Corner – December is National Learn a Foreign Language Month

Spend time with others who speak another language. Take a class. Download a free foreign language application. Pick up a book from the library about the language you are interested in. Happy Holidays! Felices Fiestas! Jiérì kuàilè! 节日快乐! Buone Vacanze! uṭalun saʿīdah! عطل سعيدة!  Happy Holidays in American Sign Langauge video link

Portrait of Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh

Multi-Year Program Growth Strategy Forum with Secretary Val Arkoosh [WATCH]

On Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh joined ODP providers and professionals for its Multi-Year Program Growth Strategy Forum. Secretary Arkoosh addressed the audience to reiterate Governor Shapiro's strategy for eventually ending the waiting list for services. At DHS, our mission is to help all Pennsylvanians

Three children with notebooks in their laps high five two teachers sitting in front of them

PADDC Spotlight – Inclusive Schools & Special Education

The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) is celebrating Inclusive Schools Week by highlighting programs, activities, and resources that strengthen inclusive education. Inclusive Schools Week, December 2 through 6, 2024, celebrates the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who

A woman using a wheelchair is bundled up in a coat and smiling at her twelve year old daughter who is wearing a knitted cap while laughing

Supporting Families in Winter

All Pennsylvanians experience challenges during the winter as the cold temperatures, snow and ice affect our daily lives and activities.  Families with a loved one with a disability often have even more concerns from the change in season.  The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Supporting Families Leadership Team used the Integrated Supports

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Move Your Way® with SPIN

For November’s Move Your Way® spotlight, The Office of Developmental Programs visited SPIN in Philadelphia to take a peek at their fitness program. SPIN is a provider agency that also contains a community fitness facility called SPIN Community & Fitness. Click the video above to take a look at SPIN's fitness programs.

The communication corner logo with mazes inside two heads silhouettes

Communication Corner – November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes is a complex disease that is challenging to manage on a daily basis. Did you know that persons with an intellectual or developmental disability are estimated to be 2-3 times more likely to develop diabetes compared to the general population? Some tools for communicating about diabetes management may include: “Easy read”

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Administration for Community Living (ACL) Webinar: Partnerships To Expand Accessible Housing Options With Assistive Technology 

Thursday, November 21, 2024 | 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET The lack of available accessible housing options can impact the independence and autonomy of a person with disabilities more than almost anything else, limiting choice and isolating people with disabilities in geographic pockets in cities, towns, and all across the U.S. Home modifications, including

CADES' first class of E-Badge Academy graduates smile while holding up their certificates. 25 people total.

CADES Welcomes its First NADSP Credentialed Class

Last week, CADES of Swarthmore celebrated its first cohort of support professionals completing NADSP credentialing through the NADSP E-Badge Academy. Their first class included twenty-one direct support professionals (DSPs) and four front-line supervisors (FLS). Every team member who started the program finished it in just four months with the support of peer

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