Family Resource Group- February '25

We hope you are staying warm and safe during this winter weather.

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

The EHDI conference brings together many people who work with children who are deaf/hard of hearing: FAMILIES, teachers, doctors, audiologists, state leaders, advocates, and maybe even YOU! This year the national conference is in PA: Pittsburgh, from March 9-11, 2025. Registration is now open and there is a special rate for family members. Check out the conference website to see what is being offered this year. It may be a great way to make some connections, learn something new, and help you help your child.

Here is a list of ASL-fluent service providers, advocates, counselors, psychiatrists, and support services available in our community for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind. Please note that we have not personally used their services, so we are unable to make specific recommendations. It will also be posted on the Healthbridges website www.healthbridges.info

The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and the PEAL Center are partnering to host a Youth Leadership Academy (YLA)—a two-day training designed to empower Deaf and hard-of-hearing students ages 14-21. YLA helps participants build self-awareness, confidence, and leadership skills while connecting with peers, mentors, and community leaders. Attendees will also discover valuable resources to support their personal and educational goals.

Eligibility: Ages 14-21

Deaf or hard-of-hearing students

Demonstrate leadership or self-advocacy potential

Why Join?

• Build leadership skills for school and beyond
• Hear from inspiring mentors
• Connect with peers in engaging, interactive sessions
• Explore helpful resources in your community

When: March 11-12, 2025

Where: Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Edgewood, PA

Cost: Free for accepted participants.

Space is limited.

To register, scan the QR code above or email Jen Craig at jcraig@wpsd.org

The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in partnership with Garden State eSports will be hosting the National Scholastic Deaf eSports Invitational from April 11-13, 2025. The competition is open to teams of DHH students in grades 7-12; teams are limited to 10 gamers and 2 coaches. Gamers of all skill levels are welcome, with the competition featuring 40 PCs and 12 switches.

For more information or sign-up, students and coaches are encouraged to attend an informational webinar being held on Thursday, December 5 at 7 pm. Those interested should email dboersma@thescrantonschool.org for the link and more information about the webinar.

"DHCC’s mentorship program is their latest initiative to bring together families with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children and young adults with the aim of strengthening their community access and providing resources when needed. Providing mentorship through language access and sharing, education on the Deaf community and the culture they share, what it is like to grow up with hearing loss, as well as providing opportunity for families to socialize at events and workshops."

Connecting PA ABLE and Work Incentives for People with Disabilities

Experts will explain the PA ABLE Savings Program and Pennsylvania's Work Incentive Programs.

The PA ABLE Savings Program gives individuals with qualified disabilities a tax-free way to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses while maintaining important benefits.

Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA), often referred to as benefits counseling, is an essential service to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities who receive SSA benefits. This webinar will offer an overview of WIPA's individualized work incentives planning, which can assist individuals to make informed choices about work.

If you require accommodations to participate in this webinar, please contact us at info@paable.gov.

March 11, 2025

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Register

PA ABLE and Social Security Disability Programs

Experts will discuss how PA ABLE Savings Program and Social Security Disability Programs work together. You’ll hear from Diana Fishlock, outreach specialist for the PA ABLE Savings Program, and Frank Magni, Social Security Administration public affairs specialist.

The PA ABLE Savings Program gives individuals with qualified disabilities a way to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining important benefits and supporting health, independence, and quality of life. The Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to adults and children who meet requirements for a qualifying disability and have limited income and resources.

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program pays benefits to individuals and certain family members if the individual is “insured.” While these two programs are different, the medical requirements are the same. Traditionally people receiving such benefits could only save a small amount, but ABLE accounts change the landscape, allowing people receiving these benefits to save for a house, a car, and other everyday expenses.

If you require accommodations to participate in this webinar, please contact us at info@paable.gov.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Register

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.

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