November 5 – 7, 2024 ODP's Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC) will be conducted virtually on a three-day schedule that will include presentations and panels from subject matter experts, providers, self-advocates, and families. This conference will provide professionals working directly with children and/or adults with autism, with tools, strategies, and resources to
New Move Your Way social story resources are now available from PA ASERT. Social stories can be a helpful tool for individuals to prepare for and understand different situations, such as going to the library, following the rules of the justice system, or determining when to call 911. The new social stories
General Election Day 2024 is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. You can register to vote up until Monday, October 21, 2024. You can check to see if you are registered here. You can register to vote if in Pennsylvania (PA) if: You are a United States citizen at least 30 days before the
October is International AAC Awareness Month! AAC Awareness month seeks to raise awareness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and to inform the public about the many different ways in which people communicate using AAC. What is AAC? AAC is all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. People of all ages can
September celebrates the Deaf community! It is a time to celebrate the triumphs within the Deaf community, bring awareness to the barriers Deaf individuals face, and work towards removing them. September is an opportunity to encourage inclusivity, promote sign language education, engage, learn, and grow. Below are three simple ways that you
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce that on September 30th Lynn Pascoa will join ODP as the Director of the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP). Lynn is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in human services, specializing in mental health and community
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an official proclamation dedicating the week of September 8th through September 14th, 2024 Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week. The proclamation, available to read here, recognizes the vital contributions DSPs provide to address the physical and mental health of individuals with disabilities, as well as veterans and
The Southwest ADA Center is conducting a study of workplace experiences of people with disabilities, aged 18 and up, who use service animals or emotional support animals. Participants will be interviewed by phone or Zoom, and their information will be kept confidential. Participants will be compensated for their time. For more information,
Autumn is full of transitions. For most it means back to the regular schedule of life. School is starting for both students and teachers, fall sports are making their debut, and the weather is changing. All of these things can bring both excitement and anxiety and all of them can also impact