Local Task Force 21
The Local Task Force 21 wants you to have helpful, up-to-date information in one place. Whenever we get information from agencies, providers, the STF, districts, CLIU21, and more, we will send it to you in our weekly update.
If you would like to add any information, highlight something special, share an announcement, please email me at: localtaskforce21@gmail.com
See what is coming up below. Thank you!
LTF19
Presentation: OVR and Employment Services with Kristen
Leary and Jill West
Tuesday, February 14th, 2022 at 10AM
In Person:
The Arc of NEPA 115 Meadow Ave Scranton PA
Zoom Meeting:
ID: 874 8881 1884
Passcode: 364196
LTF20
Mary Olsen, BCBA: Managing Challenging Behaviors
Monday, March 13, 2023 at 10AM
Snow Date - March 14, 2023
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://ciu20.zoom.us/j/9353051899pwd=Vm9jd21VNUdsN2hNZ0h1OWk5cDN0Zz09#success
Meeting ID: 935 305 1899
Password: 8GV3Fc
LTF21
Join Us on February 22nd, 2023 at 10AM
Advocacy Presentation with The PEAL Center, ARC of Lehigh and Northampton Counties, ARC of NEPA and HUNE
Join Zoom Meetings at:
https://zoom.us/j/5378786005pwd=VDMzYlRBbjBUTEIyUzJIWGFFSDAzZz09
Meeting ID: 537 878 6005
Passcode: CLIU21
Contact localtaskforce21@gmail.com for more information
PEAL's Virtual Winter 2023 Family Leadership Institute
Virtual sessions will be held on Zoom every Tuesday evening, from 5PM-6:30PM, for 7 weeks between January 10th, 2023 and February 21st, 2023. PEAL's FLI is offered at no cost to families by the PEAL Center and our partners.
Participants MUST COMMIT to attending all live virtual sessions, in addition to completing "Learning On Your Own" (LOYO) assignments in between.
Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership Center:
Please let me know if you need information in a language other than English and/or ADA accommodations to participate with us!
Youth & Families: 21 and Able
For more information visit The PEAL Center at:
https://www.pealcenter.org/event/fast-facts-discipline-guidance-in-schools/
Website to Register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/21-and-able-youth-and-parent-events-registration-439676503257
Registration for Events:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/21-and-able-youth-and-parent-events-registration-429860282677
Starting with the End In Mind
A 4-part series on building an inclusive life for students with disabilities. Dan and Samuel Habib will present. This 4-part series focuses on how an inclusive education, starting in the earliest grades, prepares students with disabilities for transition to higher education and integrated employment as adults.
Register here: https://bit.ly/PEALPAICEndInMind
2/15/23: Starting Early: Creating a Roadmap for Inclusive IEPs and Transition Plans
2/22/23: Action! Effective Practices in Transition to Adulthood
Winter Lunch Bites Series
2/15/2023: IEP: Knowing Your Rights
2/22/2023: Making Inclusion a Reality
3/10/2023: 504 Basics
Register for one or for all at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpdumpqj8rH9LL-094HfYoLtSpkT_yzynG
AAC and the IEP
Wednesday, 2/15/2023
6:30PM to 8:30PM
Zoom Webinar
Register At:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_npRnb9odQ4aVMELlg7xlmw
Guest Presenter: Kristin M. Ellis MS, CCC-SLP/L, Speech Language Pathologist, Augmentative & Alternative Communication Specialist
This webinar will cover:
- What is an Augmentative & Alternative Communication (ACC) Device?
- Process of receiving an AAC Device.
- Sections of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) impacted by AAC Devices.
*Registration is required!
Questions? Contact Kodi Berry at kberry@arcoflehighnorthampton.org
Transition: Not Just a Form
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
6:30PM to 8:30PM
Zoom Webinar
Register At: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n88TpQBPS7mfuhIYRUjm4g
Guest Presenters: The PEAL Center
This webinar will cover:
- The importance of having a vision to guide transition planning
- The areas to consider when transition planning
- Resources to support successful transition outcome
*Registration is required!
Questions? Contact Kodi Berry at kberry@arcoflehighnorthampton.org
Transition Goals, Activities and Outcomes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
6:30PM to 8PM
Zoom Webinar
Register at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m_XzqFL8TZWD8a0yLq-09Q
Guest Presenters: The PEAL Center
This webinar will cover:
- The three sections of the transition grid
- What information should be included in each section of the transition grid
- examples of transition “Goals,” “Activities” and “Services”
*Registration is required!
Questions? Contact Kodi Berry at kberry@arcoflehighnorthampton.org
One Step Forward Nomination
For More Information: https://arcoflehighnorthampton.org/osfcnomination/
For more information from the Arc, visit at:
The 17th Annual Celebration Awards
Date: March 22, 2023
Time: 11:30AM
Location: The Lehigh Valley Hotel & Conference Center
300 Gateway Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18017
(wheelchair accessible)
This event was developed to recognize March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Just about every day, individuals with disabilities accomplish amazing things, and this is our chance to honor their achievements!
This event is open to the public. Tickets are $25 each and include salad, bread, a selected lunch entree, dessert, coffee, and tea, as well as the Celebration Award presentation.
To register online: https://e.givesmart.com/events/tNa/. Please register by March 15, 2023.
The Arc's Sparc Program
The SPARC program is both a community-based program and a State-licensed adult training facility that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Lehigh, Northampton and surrounding Counties.
The SPARC program is designed to provide opportunities for people with IDD to explore interests, develop skills, and participate in their communities in a supportive, inclusive environment. SPARC addresses each person’s unique needs through a person-centered approach and helps program participants to develop daily living skills through communication, socialization, habilitation, and community integration.
For more information visit: https://arcoflehighnorthampton.org/sparc/
Arc of NEPA: Disabilities Month
In honor of Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month in March, The Arc of NEPA Advocacy Department will be working on a project to celebrate the accomplishments of the many amazing individuals with IDD in our area.
If you would like to participate, please submit a photo of the individual and a brief statement about what you are celebrating.
We hope to showcase a variety of individual accomplishments on our Facebook page throughout the month of March.
We will be taking submissions until February 15th. If your submission is selected, you will be asked to complete a media release for anyone pictured. We recommend submitting pictures of only a single individual.
Submissions can be sent to MColville@thearcnepa.org
The Arc of NEPA Brochure:
Siblings
Sibling Support and the Importance of the Sibling Relationship
FEBRUARY 28, 2O23 at 11 AM VIA ZOOM
REGISTRATION:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlduyrrzgrHNT-nmEgPy8oWBQYbp3-vT4C
Katie Foley- Arc of NEPA Advocate will present on the important topic of support for siblings of individuals with I/DD, including the introduction of The Arc of NEPA sponsored SibShops beginning in March 2023. All are welcome to attend.
Questions? Please Contact: Roseann, rpolishan@thearcnepa.org
Mandy, mcolville@thearcnepa.org
Katie, kfoley@thearcnepa.org
What I Wish Professionals Knew Abut My Child With Disabilities
Coming Up Tomorrow!!
FEBRUARY 9, 2023 at 11 AM VIA ZOOM
REGISTRATION:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrf-uprDIiEtMjocDo7ifLc7NIM3IjiUTV
The Arc of NEPA Advocacy Department has created a presentation geared towards professionals (and future professionals) to increase understanding and to promote and build positive relationships with individuals with I/DD. We have developed the presentation based on the feedback from individual and family experiences. Open to anyone
and all are welcome to attend!
Questions? Please Contact: Roseann, rpolishan@thearcnepa.org
Mandy, mcolville@thearcnepa.org
Katie, kfoley@thearcnepa.org
The Importance of Building Social Capital as a Tool for Transition Planning
Session #1: February, 16th 2023: 12PM-2PM
Session #2: February 16th, 2023: 6PM-8PM
TO REGISTER: EMAIL JENNIFER HIPPS AT:
After-School Hang-out
We have a monthly After School Hang Out. The After School Hangout is a 10 and up group that plays games and discusses different topics like Friendships and Boundaries. Please check out https://thearcpa.org/includeme/after-school-hangout-series/for the after-school hangout info. It is a really fun time.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We are excited to announce that the recordings from our two webinars, with Katie Yost, on understanding disability voter rights and Pennsylvania’s voting rules are available.
The recordings and slides are below.
Include Me Introduction and Include Me Professional Guide are below.
De-Mystifying IDD/A Services
Lehigh County Intellectual Disabilities Office
Please visit the Lehigh County ID Page for more information:
https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Human-Services/Intellectual-Disabilitiesv
Reach Out For Meeting Information on LVSFC
Please reach out to:
Meranda Hess: MerandaHess@lehighcounty.org
(Lehigh County)
Emily Gonzalez: EGonzalez@northamptoncounty.org
(Northampton County)
for info on how to join
Lehigh Valley Supporting Families Collaborative
All Our Welcome!
CMP Regional Collaborative
Our goal and mission as a group of stakeholders from professionals to community members, families, and individuals, is to create and locate inclusive opportunities, spread awareness, and provide advocacy and support. We meet on a quarterly basis, via video conferencing, and also in person starting in the new year!. If you know of any families, individuals, or providers who you feel would like to be a part of what we do—please feel free to forward this to them.
Wed, Jan 11, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
Please join from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
https://meet.goto.com/253784989
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
CMP Mental Health Supports
Valentine's Day Sing-a-long
Tuesday, Feb 14th, 2023: 1pm to 2PM
Please join the meeting:
https://meet.goto.com/614295173
United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679
1-touch: tel:+18668994679
614295173#
United States: +1 (571) 317-3116
1-touch: tel:+15713173116
614295173#
Access Code: 614-295-173
Schedule Update
All Carbon Lehigh Transition Coordinating Council (CLTCC) meetings for the remainder of the year are virtual only. It seems like most people are unable to attend in person at this time. I look forward to next week’s meeting, as well as our presentation from NEPA Inclusive. They have two new programs that will be shared for both Carbon and Lehigh county students.
Please use this zoom link:
Weis Markets Virtual Cook Along
February 15th at 1PM:
Heart Health
JOIN WEIS DIETICIAN MELISSA TO LEARN ABOUT HEART HEALTH AND PARTICIPATE IN A
DELICIOUS NEW HEART HEALTHY RECIPE DEMONSTRATION
RECIPE: Tomato Avocado Egg Salad
ZOOM LINK: https://zoom.us/j/97914667752?pwd=ckdWQkkvS3AvMWhGaEdxSmV1a2xlQT09#success PASSCODE: E1C90FCF4B
Project Search
TOMORROW!
In-Person Option:
February 9, 2023 from 6PM - 7:30 PM
St. Luke’s Hospital
801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, PA
Education Center (Lecture Room 2)
Click on the following link to RSVP:
https://forms.gle/miWHwYiL4sDftvZJ7Ts
Questions:
Email Melissa Johnson at: johnsonmelissa@cliu.org
or call/text (484) 735-2007
INFO ON SECTION 511
Section 511
Section 511 requires that individuals with disabilities who are age 24 or younger (youth) complete requirements designed to improve their access to competitive integrated employment, including transition services, vocational rehabilitation, and career counseling services, before they are employed at SMWs.
For more Information: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/39H-Limitations-on-the-Payment-of-Subminimum-Wages#:~:text=Section%20511%20requires%20that%20individuals,they%20are%20employed%20at%20SMWs.
INFO ON OVR
OVR website with links to YouTube, Twitter and Facebook :
https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/ovr/Pages/default.aspx
Social Skills/ Employment Group
For more information and RSVP, please contact
Early Reach Coordinator:
Kaitlynn Tretter
484-634-2204
Social Skills/ Employment Group
For more information and RSVP, please contact Early
Reach Coordinator:
Kaitlynn Tretter
484-634-2204
Easter Seals: Camp Lily Lehigh Valley
Registration Process:
All applications must be submitted electronically using our easy, secure online system at http://bit.do/ESEPCampRegister. Staff are available to assist you with the online process.
Applications are due:
MAY 21st
QUESTIONS?
Visit our website to view frequently asked questions:
Please contact Emily Gonda at 610-289-0114 x209
Easterseals: Growing Green
JOIN US FOR SUMMER FUN!
Easterseals Camp Growing Green is an overnight camp for
individuals with disabilities (ages 10 to adult) held on the
beautiful campus of the Pocono Environmental Education
Center (PEEC) in the heart of the Delaware Water Gap
Recreation Area.
Visit: www.easterseals.com/esep
Easterseals: Growing Green
May 21 deadline and limited spots available.
All applications must be submitted using our easy, secure online system at: http://bit.do/ESEPCampRegister
Staff are available to assist with the online process.
CONTACT Emily Gonda | 610-289-0114 x209 | camp@esep.org
The Parent Empowerment Group
We will meet monthly on the first and third Wednesday nights
from January through June The first Wednesday of each
month will be in person at LVCIL
713 N 13th St. Allentown PA 18102
The third Wednesday of each month will be on Zoom: 6-7PM
The first Wednesday of each month: 6PM - 8PM (in-person)
Hosted by Kari Reardon, at LVCIL, these ongoing sessions are from January-June with in-person and zoom options. The Parent Empowerment Group, is for caregivers with children 14-21 years old, who have an IEP and have questions about transition planning.
For more information and to register, please contact Kari Reardon:
Cell: 610-533-5092
Email: Karireardon42@gmail.com
PEG/LVCIL: An Evening with Rep. Schlossberg
Just SO Speech Services
Short Term Online Speech Services
This is NOT ongoing speech therapy or communication specialist services.
The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) funds these services for ODP consumers and their families/teams.
SLPs are on staff at TechOWL at the Institute on Disabilities
at Temple University.
If you are interested in this new, free program go to:
https://aaccommunity.net/so-speech-odp/
Questions? Contact TechOwl:
1-800-204-7428
Adaptive Skating
Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink offers a wide variety of opportunities to get on the ice!
Please visit their website to see what they have to offer:
https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Recreation/Recreation-Activities/Ice-Rink
For specific questions of adaptive skating:
Bethlehem Bureau of Recreation Staff:
- Jodi Evans, Recreation Director
- Brandon Hibbler, Recreation Coordinator
- Judith Stiles, Recreation Secretary
Address: 10 E. Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone: 610-865-7081
Email: recreation@bethlehem-pa.gov
Special Olympics Survey
MLLV: The Miracle League
Baseball and cheerleading registration is OPEN! It's still only $40 for the whole year and includes all the activities. If you'd like to attend activities ONLY, we offer a $20 registration. We have tons of activities posted already. Other activities include a clinic at DeSales with the DeSales baseball team, bowling, talent show, karate, dancing, bingo, and more! We look forward to seeing you at activities and at the field in April!
Visit our website at: https://mllv.org/
HUNE Conference
PA Family Level Up
Register for Our Upcoming Workshops:
Register for Our Upcoming Workshops by:
Autism and the Justice System
Advocacy Alliance's Eastern PA HCQU
February, 22, 2023 11:30AM to 1PM
To register for this free, live online training, please email: Heather Coleman at
hc@theadvocacyalliance.org by Friday, 2/17/2023
When you register, you will receive
an email invitation to the event, including a link which you will use to access the training on 2/22/23
If you have questions, please feel free to contact
Heather Coleman by email at hc@theadvocacyalliance.org or 610-435-9050.
Freefall Trampoline Park
Check it out on Facebook:
Rock The Spectrum
CHOP is hosting a free fun event on February 19th
from 9AM to 12PM
For registration and more information:
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ejmyu5utbf4ccd67&llr=cze65hdab
Waiver Basics Workshops
Thursday, February 16th, 2023
Waiver Basics- Part 1
10:00PM-12PM
Register at:
Waiver Basics- Part 2
1PM-3PM
Register at:
Huddle Up For Autism
Sunday, April 2nd, 2023
11:30AM-3PM
Doors open at 11AM for fundraisers who raise $250 or more. Doors will open at 11:30AM for all other attendees.
Lincoln Financial Field
1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Additional Information
Tickets will be $10 per individual (children ages 2 and under are free). Every dollar from the ticket cost will directly benefit research and programs at CHOP Center for Autism Research
Contact Us
Questions? Contact Elizabeth Ward at huddleupforautism@chop.edu
Next Step High School Transition Resource Fair
We are excited to announce our 4th annual Transition Resource Fair. If your agency is interested in a table at the fair. We have averaged over 100 attendees in grades 11+ from our 14 school districts as well as IU classrooms. We hope you take this opportunity to share information on your agency/program with our students. There is no fee and a table, and 2 chairs will be provided. Thank you!
To complete a registration form, go to:
https://www.lccc.edu/student-experience/disability-services/transition-resource-fair
Achieva: Introducing 2 New Programs
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
10AM to 12PM
Presenters:
Diana Fishlock, Outreach Specialist with the Bureau of Consumer Programs, Pennsylvania Treasury
Toni V. Corinealdi, Senior Program Manager, Neighborhood Allies
Register at:
https://achieva.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Apweoqb2SqOOPaixHfjvRw
National Autism Society Big Red Safety Box
View Qualifying Information and Apply at: https://nationalautismassociation.org/big-red-safety-boxes-now-available/
Using LC to Plan and Problem Solve for ISP
Friday, February 17, 2023 1:00pm-3:00pm
People with disabilities and their families are welcome to join a 30 minute networking opportunity after the presentation.
Register for the the Zoom Meeting:
-Free Workshop- Registration is Required-
LVCIL School To Life
Learning independent living skills, advocacy,
leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
Engaging in social and recreational activities with
peers.
TreatS2Love is LVCIL's S2L Micro-business Program
where participants create and sell various types of
recipe jars. This business allows us to fund the S2L program at no cost to families or consumers.
TreatS2Love independently made by S2L
For more information, please email
phone: (610) 770-9781
ASLV Climbing Event
Autism Society Lehigh Valley has joined with North Summit Climbing Gym to host events on Saturdays from 10AM - 12PM.
Final Date: 2/11/23
(bad weather makeup day: 2/18/23)
For teens between 12-20
Registration (10 slots):
https://forms.gle/6WmcJiytHsmxsJHL8
Questions, email: autismsocietylv@gmail.com
Special Olympics Softball
Ages 18+, No experience required!
For more information, reach out to Heather Schreiner at:
McAndrews Law Firm
McAndrews Articles:
https://mcandrewslaw.com/publications-and-presentations/articles/
(Access this link for the full article in the picture)
*Some articles are in both English and Spanish
McAndrews YouTube Channel:
PDE Conference
The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is pleased to announce this important event:
2023 Pennsylvania Department of Education Conference, Making a Difference: Educational Practices That Work!
Locations: Hershey Lodge and Convention Center OR Virtual Webinar
Dates: March 1-3, 2023
Questions about General Information, Registration, and Continuing Education Credit: Contact pdeconferenceregistration@pattankop.net
For additional conference information visit: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Education-Conference
BOTH THE HERSHEY LODGE AND THE HERSHEY HOTEL ARE SOLD OUT! IF YOU ARE GOING, TRY TO MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS!
CHOP Workshop
ECHO Autism at CHOP: While You Wait
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday
January - June 2023
10:15-11:30 AM
ECHO Autism at CHOP: While You Wait is an evidence-based virtual community that allows family members of a child awaiting an autism evaluation or access to developmental services to learn about what they can do while they wait for those appointments. A multidisciplinary group of autism and developmental experts will lead the discussion and encourage family participation with questions, suggestions, and polls. Topics will include: what is autism, what to expect during an autism evaluation, how to access important services (e.g. early intervention, special education), and parenting skills for children with developmental differences.
For more information, visit:
Support Group for Fathers
The AJ Drexel Autism Institute is excited to offer a support group for fathers of autistic people in partnership with Dr. Robert Naseef, clinical psychologist at Alternative Choices and Dr. Michael Hannon of Montclair State University and GETAC.
Meetings Schedule for 11AM
Dates include:
2/18, 3/18/4/15, 6/17
Email : AutismInstitute@drexel.edu
for further information
Caregiver Support Groups
PA Mentor Caregiver Support Group
Dates Include: 2/15/23; 3/1/23; 3/15/23; 3/29/23
from 10AM - 11:30AM
Located at: Pa Mentor
3450 High Point Blvd.
Suite 160
Bethlehem, PA 18017
For more information email: sefcik.amyjo@gmail.com
Child care is available with advanced notice
Preschool/Toddler Caregiver Support Group
ASLV hosts Zoom meetings for families on:
2/26/23, 3/26/23, 4/23/23, 5/28/23 and 6/25/23
from 7PM - 8:30PM
Zoom: 835 5104 6408
Passcode: SUPPORT
Questions? Email: AustimSocietyLV@gmail.com
Caregiver Support Group
February 16th, 2023 Meeting:
We have put together a panel of "experts" in the area of financial planning, including work. The panel will consist of representatives from Benefits Counseling, Work Incentives Planning and Assistance, Medical Assistance and PA Able.
For More Information Contact:
Roseann Polishan
Advocate - The Arc of NEPA
570-209-4180 or rpolishan@thearcnepa.org
ASLV: School Age Support Group
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87392368443?pwd=dkdkTlNwa3Z0QUZDbHJScE5jTElpUT09
Meeting ID: 873 9236 8443
Passcode: 304837
Questions? Contact:
Anissa Telle at: telleanissa@gmail.com
Caregiver Support Group
We have a safe place, meeting EACH MONTH, for you to connect with other caregivers who understand the things you are dealing with and find the support you need as a caregiver.
In this support group, we talk about stress, self-care, family dynamics, and more. We want to care for you as you care for your loved one(s). The last twenty (20) minutes of the meeting will focus on relaxation techniques and your loved ones are welcomed to join us at that time.
Monday, February 20th, 2023
6:30PM to 8:00PM
Easton Area Parent Support Group
Faith Lutheran Church
2012 Sullivan Trail, Easton, PA 18040
February 25th 2023
Time: 2-4 PM
Please don’t stay home when you have a chance to connect
with other families. We need each other. For more info or
to RSVP, please contact Leslie at:
Right To Education: Local Task Force 21
Email: localtaskforce21@gmail.com
Location: Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21, Independence Drive, Schnecksville, PA, USA
Phone: (610)533-0344
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/localtaskforce21