Family Resource Group- April '25

April showers bring May flowers and we are excited to see signs of spring popping out all over!

As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me at any time. We also invite the teachers, therapists and school staff who work with your child to register to receive a copy of the newsletter as well. There is a question on the registration page for professionals so that we can contact them. Please pass this on to everyone that supports your child.

Erin Campion

Family Resource Group (FRG) Editor

ecampion@pattan.net

Hearing Loss Association of America has new go-to resources that take the guesswork out of understanding, treating and living well with hearing loss.

• Discover the prevalence of hearing loss and who’s at risk
• Learn the top signs and what steps to take next
• Get practical communication strategies

Each topic has a printable pdf to share as well as an interactive digital pdf that can be used. They list information and tips as well as QR codes for more ideas and resources.

Registration is now open for the upcoming #NextGen Conference in Pittsburgh!

Join the PEAL Center for a one-day event focusing on what young people with disabilities and

their families can expect after graduation: Thursday April 24, 2025, 9:30AM-2:30 PM at the Duquesne Light Energy Innovation Center in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Register here: #NextGen Pittsburgh Conference Registration

Meet our speakers:

Dr. Donovan McCargo, Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students at Arcadia University striving to develop higher education practices that enable students to thrive.

Dr. Andrew McCormick, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Director of the Health Transitions Program for the Down

Syndrome Center of Western PA.

PEAL is also excited to welcome three wonderful young adults to tell us about their own journeys, speak to how they made their decisions, and give advice to families who are facing transition-age decisions. See the attached flyer for information about our panelists!

PEAL can provide travel support to family members and self-advocates for travel between 50 and 125 miles from the event space. To apply for travel reimbursement, please contact Jackie White at jwhite@pealcenter.org or (412) 281-4404, ext. 202, by April 20th.

You can come on your own or your ASL Club/Class is invited to the PennWest/Edinboro Campus!

We can't wait to sign with you!

Turn your Passion into your Profession ASL Event!

Are you passionate about American Sign Language (ASL) and interested in a career that makes a difference? Join us at PennWest Edinboro for a special event that includes short ASL workshops while learning more about careers in Deaf Education.

On Friday, April 25, 2025, at PennWest Edinboro, our alumni, current students, and Deaf Education professionals will share their knowledge of ASL and their current jobs. The event is designed for students who want to expand their ASL skills regardless of level and are interested in learning more about a rewarding career in education – and how PennWest can help prepare them.

Basic Event Details:

• ASL and Deaf Education Workshop
• Friday, April 25, 2025

• 9:30AM – 1 PM

• Frank G. Pogue Student Center, Seminar Room 143
• Parking in McComb Fieldhouse Parking Lot

What to Expect:

• Play ASL games with majors and alumni!

• Eat a light lunch during a short 'silent' or 'voice off' session.

• Hear from alumni, current students, and industry professionals in a panel discussion

• Discover career opportunities and how PennWest can prepare you for success
• Tour the PennWest Edinboro campus (optional)

• Enjoy free swag, networking, and refreshments

Our Plan!

9:45: Register and welcome

10:00-10:30am: Panel Discussion

10:30-11:30: ASL games and stories

11:30: Silent Snacks (enjoy a light lunch while only using ASL to chat)

12:00: Admissions Info and Campus tours.

Individual students are to use this link to register. REGISTER HERE: ASL and Deaf Education Seminar

Club advisors and teachers: please reply Karen Lindeman at klindeman@pennwest.edu

to let her know your interest for this event or future ones.

PA Attract, Prepare and Retain (APR) funding has made this event possible free of charge.

Described and Captioned Media Program's (DCMP)Online Notetaker Training is a free, self-guided training that defines the role of the notetaker, delivers information about hearing loss, and provides notetaking strategies that enable student notetakers to provide accurate, comprehensive classroom notes for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. The training can be completed in multiple sessions or all at once. When students are confident they have learned the material, an online quiz evaluates their notetaking knowledge. A passing score will earn a printable "Verification of Training Completion."

The Roadmap illustrates how the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) systems can work together to ensure the best outcomes for students. This publication accompanies the Connecting for Employment Training Series. This publication is also available in Spanish.

Watch the video linked below to learn more about self-assessment and peer assessment. It includes an explanation of specific strategies you might use.

from Spencer Education

Introducing a new, exciting professional development and networking opportunity for schools, families, youth, and community partners. This comprehensive event highlights best practices, research, and practical application of strategies for autism, sensory and other low incidence disabilities, and secondary transition.

• This conference will bring together Pennsylvania’s educators, community partners, families, and youth to explore the latest insights, strategies, and tools that bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application.
• Sessions will have a specific focus on autism, sensory disabilities, secondary transition, and students with complex instructional needs.
• Participants will gain tangible strategies to enhance teaching practices, drive student success, and adapt to the evolving demands of today’s classrooms.

Location: The Penn Stater Conference Center State College, PA

Save the dates, July 28 -31, 2025 and look for more information to come on the Bridging Knowledge to Know-How: Empowering Pennsylvania Educators and Partners.

Youth Transition Summit

Youth ages 14-21 are invited to attend the Youth Transition Summit at the Bridging Knowledge to Know How Conference! At the Summit youth will build important skills like leading their IEP team meeting, advocating for themselves, and planning for their future. The Youth Summit will be available on all four days of the conference. On Tuesday, July 29 and Wednesday July 30, youth can attend the Transition Summit in the morning. In the afternoon, they can choose to continue attending conference sessions or participate in Camp insPirAtion.

See the attached flyer for sharing purposes.

Click here to register

Camp Inspiration (formerly known as the Children's Institute) is a fun and free camp-like environment open to everyone ages 4-22 whose caregivers are attending the conference. (July 28-31, 2025) Open to anyone with autism, sensory needs, secondary transition, anyone with complex instructional needs and siblings are welcome to attend for 4 days of sun, fun, and games! APPLICATION AVABILABLE SOON For more information visit the PaTTAN website or message CampInspiration@pattan.net

Seeking works by student artists to display at The Penn Stater Conference Center, State College, during Bridging Knowledge to Know-How: Empowering Pennsylvania Educators and Partners July 28th-31st, 2025. A gallery exhibition will recognize and promote the creative work of students across Pennsylvania. Please submit artworks along with the information on the form by May 31, 2025. Questions and digital submission can be sent to ArtOfExpression@pattan.net