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!
LTF18
Monday, May 15th, 2023
12:30PM - 2:30PM
Presentation:
TRANSITIONING TO ADULTHOOD
Guest Speakers:
Kristen Leary, OVR
Roseann Polishan, The Arc NEPA
Register:
For more information, please contact:
LTF19
Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
10AM
Presentation:
SEAP: Special Education Advisory Panel
In Person:
The Arc of NEPA 115 Meadow Ave Scranton PA
Zoom Meeting:
ID: 874 8881 1884
Passcode: 364196
LTF19 Information Gathering Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrutFKz6Y4uBV-1rWWwTqK3pfYnn_r-RkmgjNk8Q6GifuUIA/viewform
Facebook Information:
LTF20
Local Task Force 20
2023-2024 Login Information:
https://ciu20.zoom.us/j/9353051899?pwd=Vm9jd21VNUdsN2hNZ0h1OWk5cDN0Zz09#success
Meeting ID: 935 305 1899
Password: 8GV3Fc
Facebook Information:
Mental Health is Health! Overcoming the Social Stigma
Wednesday, May 10th, 2023
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Register At:
75% of mental illness occurs before a person turns 24, but when we think of someone with a mental health challenge, we rarely picture a child. Join us to learn more about mental illness and its effects on 1 in 4 people, including our children.
The PEAL Center
More Information About The PEAL Center:
Empowering Change Parents-21 & Able, PEAL Center
May 9th,2023 at 6:30PM
June 13th, 2023 at 6:30PM
Register At:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqcOiuqzIvH9aQEM8l8JXrIu9nvvDRept5#/registration
Training Request Form
If you have a topic you or your loved one would like more information on:
https://arcoflehighnorthampton.org/training-request/
For more information from the Arc, visit at:
https://arcoflehighnorthampton.org/
Questions? Contact Kodi Berry at: kberry@arcoflehighnorthampton.org
One Step Forward Celebration
Thursday, May 18th, 2023
DeSales University Conference Center
5:30PM - 8PM
More Information At:
Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney
Wednesday, May 16th, 2023
6:30PM
Presented by:
Kelly Hayes, J.D. with McAndrews Law Firm
Register At:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sgRquOxfTSaEWAtwLikFbA#/registration
*Registration is required!
Questions? Contact Kodi Berry at: kberry@arcoflehighnorthampton.org
The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Website:
Arc of NEPA Facebook Information:
https://www.facebook.com/TheArcNortheasternPennsylvania
The Arc of NEPA Brochure:
http://www.thearcnepa.org/pdf/2021brochure.pdf
Any Questions? Please Contact:
Roseann Polishan, rpolishan@thearcnepa.org
Mandy Colville, mcolville@thearcnepa.org
Katie Foley, kfoley@thearcnepa.org
ABC's of Special Education
Thursday, May 18th, 2023
11AM
Register At:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrcemupjkvGdDNQgQ0qyEqPTYpAfMK7uCw
This is appropriate for any parent/caregiver/guardian from EI through age 21 and any professional.
Any Questions? Please Contact:
Roseann Polishan, rpolishan@thearcnepa.org
Mandy Colville, mcolville@thearcnepa.org
Katie Foley, kfoley@thearcnepa.org
Arc Of Northeastern PA: Sib Shops
The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania Advocacy Department will be hosting SibShops beginning later this month in Lackawanna County. Katie Foley, Arc Advocate, has been trained extensively in the Sibshops Program and is also available to host /coordinate Sibshops throughout our area. Please reach out to the Arc for more information
Dates: May 27; July 30; Sept 23; Dec 10, 2023
Time: 11:30 AM
Cost: $10 fee per session
Location: Gathering Place 304 S State St, Clarks Summit, PA 18411
To Register for The Arc of NEPA's Sibshops:
What are Sibshops?
The Sibshop curriculum is used throughout the United States and Canada and in Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Argentina, Ecuador, Iceland, Ireland, England, Italy, Malta, Singapore, and Turkey. -www.siblingsupport.org
For More information on The National Organization:
https://siblingsupport.org/sibshops/
Any Questions? Please Contact:
Roseann Polishan, rpolishan@thearcnepa.org
Mandy Colville, mcolville@thearcnepa.org
Katie Foley, kfoley@thearcnepa.org
Save The Date
Include Me Connection Club/Spring '23 Book Studies
Free Virtual Club
Spring 2023 Book Studies
Disability Acceptance Through Literature!
LVSFC: Joining Information
Please visit the Lehigh County ID Page for more information:
https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Human-Services/Intellectual-Disabilitiesv
If you are interested in joining the steering committee, please reach out and I'll send you link. The Steering Committee takes the ideas from the larger group and breaks them down into manageable tasks that group members can then implement effectively. We'd love to have a few more people join this group!
Meranda Hess, MSW, LSW
Administrative Entity - Program Specialist
Lehigh County Office of Intellectual Disabilities
Phone: 610-782-3047
"I Just Got A Waiver, Now What?"
Join Us on June 1st, 2023
6:30PM-8PM
Presenters Include:
Meranda Hess, LSW, Lehigh County
Emily Gonzalez, Program Specialist, Northampton County
Register At:
Self Directing Services
Join Us on June 21st, 2023
6:30PM-8PM
Presenters Include:
Meranda Hess, LSW, Lehigh County
Emily Gonzalez, Program Specialist, Northampton County
Mimi Ludwig and Kim Wismer, AWC Parent Participants
Patrick Kreshock, CPO, AWC, Arc of Lehigh and Northampton
Counties
Register At:
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. If you know of any families, individuals, or providers who you feel would like to be a part of what we do.
Wednesday, August 30th, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
Project Able will be providing an interactive training
Located At: The Monroe County Public Safety Center
100 Gypsum Rd Suite 101, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Please join from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
https://meet.goto.com/955279141
Get the app now and be ready when the meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
CMP Mental Health Supports
CMP Contact Information
Carbon Monroe Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services:
Pike Autism Support Services
iCanBike Event!
July 10th through July 14th
To learn more about how to participate as a rider or
volunteer e-mail: bike@passnepa.org
Or you can Register Online at:
https://icanshine.org/ican-bike-milford-pa/
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO:
PASS Baseball
Registration Information:
Registration cost is $35.00 for Challenger Division
Registration ends Friday April 14th 2023
Register online at: https://active.leagueone.com/Olr/Pages/Welcome.aspx?ClubId=14524
Questions? Contact: baseball@passnepa.org
INFO ON 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.
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
LV TOPSoccer
C.B. Ananthan administrator@lvtopsoccer.org
Site: https://sites.google.com/site/lehighvalleytopsoccer/
Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring
Location: Lehigh County Sports Fields
For a directory of Special Needs Soccer Clubs Across the 6 districts between Cental and Eastern PA:
https://www.epysa.org/topsoccer-club-directory/
Soccer Information:
iCan Bike/iCan Shine Program
Easton Area High School
July 24th to 28th, 2023
For questions about this bike camp please e-mail:
John & Jennifer directly at icanshinelv@gmail.com or
call 484-291-1412
For More information:
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/
Camp Via
For more information, contact:
Kayla Ramirez, Employment Coordinator
610-628-2326 x 508 | K.Ramirez@ViaNet.org
DeSales Wellness & Physical Therapy Clinic
DeSales Community Wellness
and Physical Therapy Clinic
Chappuis Hall, lower level
2755 Station Ave
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-282-2665
3RD Annual Complex Medical Needs Expo
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
Psychiatric Rehabilitation for ASD
Provided by Magellan
Contact Information:
Member Services:
- Bucks County: (877) 769-9784
- Cambria County: (800) 424-0485
- Lehigh County: (866) 238-2311
- Montgomery County: (877) 769-9782
- Northampton County: (866) 238-2312
Provider Services:
- Bucks/Montgomery: (877) 769-9779
- Cambria County: (800) 424-3711
- Lehigh/Northampton: (866) 780-3368
Hearing Impaired Lines (TTY):
- All counties: TTY: PA Relay 7-1-1
Fraud & Abuse:
All counties: (800) 755-0850
For emergency situations, always call 911
Lehigh and Northampton Counties Psych Rehab Services for ASD
Wednesday, May 10th, 2023
11:30AM - 2PM
Haven House Cafe
1411 Union Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18109
Rehabilitación psiquiátrica para el trastorno del espectro autista
Proporcionado por Magallanes https://www.magellanofpa.com/
Información del contacto:
Servicios a los miembros:
Condado de Bucks: (877) 769-9784
Condado de Cambria: (800) 424-0485
Condado de Lehigh: (866) 238-2311
Condado de Montgomery: (877) 769-9782
Condado de Northampton: (866) 238-2312
Servicios del proveedor:
Dólares/Montgomery: (877) 769-9779
Condado de Cambria: (800) 424-3711
Lehigh/Northampton: (866) 780-3368
LÃneas para personas con discapacidad auditiva (TTY):
Todos los condados: TTY: PA Relay 7-1-1
Fraude y abuso:
Todos los condados: (800) 755-0850
Para situaciones de emergencia, siempre llame al 911
LVCIL 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
Abilities Expo
The Event for The Disabilities Community
New York Metro
May 5th - 7th
Register At:
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
Freefall: Special Needs Night
Highmark Walk
Saturday, June 3rd, 2023
Walk check-in opens at 7:45AM, the Walk begins at 8:30AM and the morning typically wraps up by 11AM
At DeSales University
Highmark Walk Information:
http://hcf.convio.net/site/TR/LehighValley/HighmarkWalk?pg=entry&fr_id=4027
Hurry! There's still time to register and join us at the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community . Please help the Center for Humanistic Change reach a goal this year of $12,000. This is CHC's only fundraiser this year, and your support will be greatly appreciated!
Knoebels Autism Awareness Day
Urban Air: Sensory Friendly Event
Urban Air-Trexlertown
Sunday, May 28th, 2023
10AM to 12PM
https://www.urbanair.com/pennsylvania-trexlertown/weekly-activities/
Urban Air Calendar:
ASLV: Transition Series Events
Autism Society LV in collaboration with The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties, The PEAL Center, OVR and LVCIL present:
5/17/23 at 6PM: LVCIL
Register At:
Sunny Day Camp
Saturday, September 16th, 2023
10AM -3PM
Rain or Shine
Register At:
https://www.troopcampcadet.com/Home/SunnyDay
Located At:
Pocono Raceway
1234 Long Pond Road
Long Pond, PA 18334
DeSales University Speech-Language Clinic
Sessions run from 6/12/23 through 8/4/2023
Contact, if interested, by 5/19/2023:
Email: speechclinic@desales.edu
Phone: 610.282.2143
A Kid Again
We exist to foster hope, happiness, and healing for children with life-threatening conditions and their families!
Learn More At:
TDF: SIX: Autism Friendly Performance
Lena Horne Theatre
256 West 47th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue
New York City
Available date and time: Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 1PM
Tickets: $40-$75
Wheelchair-accessible seats are also available for purchase.
How to purchase tickets:
1. Starting at noon (EDT) on Wednesday, April 26, go to www.tdf.org/six and click on the buy tickets button.
2. Enter the password SIX2023TDF
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
Brighter Days
Brighter Days is a company that services individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. We currently service 7 counties in South Eastern Pennsylvania, and we are looking to expand!
484-294-7467
Tabitha Nagle
Program Specialist
Special Olympics Softball
Ages 18+, No experience required!
For more information, reach out to Heather Schreiner at:
Free Kids Bowling Program
Create Your Kids Bowl Free Account and/or Access More Information At:
https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/index.php
Got a question? Email Us At: support@kidsbowlfree.com
HUNE Youth Conference
Opening Successful Pathways!
May 16th, 2023
9Am - 4PM
Register At:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsdO-tqTwqHdWPRdBbVQJz_oFg05jF-nIm
Lehigh Valley Employment Task Force
Introduction to Office of
Vocational Rehabilitation and
Supported Employment Services
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
10AM-11:30AM
https://magellanhealth.zoom.us/meeting/regist
er/tJUodOmtrTIoE9PYYPOlSLGRkhTBQyCESK5E
If you have questions please outreach to
Janet Verga at:
Core 4: Eating, Exercise, Education, Energy
Thursdays, June 15th - July 20th, 2023
3PM to 4:30PM
Core4 is a comprehensive 6 week nutrition and lifestyle program for teens ages 13-17. Parents are encouraged to attend too!
3080 Hamilton Blvd., Suite 200
Allentown, PA 18103
Scan the QR code on the flyer or sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/core4-teens-by-sodexo-tickets-537887815937?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
LVCIL: Online Basket Raffle
Basket Raffle Drawing May 7th, 2023
(Entries close May 1st!)
For More Information, Check Out:
https://rafflecreator.com/pages/71408/breaking-barriers-online-basket-raffle
All proceeds benefit the LVCIL Programs.
Enter Now at: www.LVCIL.org or use the QR code on the flyer!
LVPG Adult and Pediatric Psychiatry
Join LVPG Adult and Pediatric Psychiatry
1259 Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown PA
Group therapy sessions beginning in March. This group is designed to enable appropriate peer interactions and practical skills related to getting along with peers and working cooperatively in a group setting. The group will also provide education about emotions that are commonly associated with adolescents who experience social deficits and learn how to manage their anxiety utilizing relaxation skills.
Therapist facilitated group for ages 13-17
To register, call 610-402-5900
Autism Awareness: Discover The Farm
Please see the attachment below with more information on this incredible opportunity!
More Questions? Reach Out To:
Victoria Bastidas
PA Mentor
Visit PA Mentor at:
Questions? Contact Tara Lowe:
610-867-6173 ext. 5135
PA Mentor: Summer Social Skills Group
Ages 3-18
Day and Evening Sessions Available
June 19th through August 11th
For More Information Contact:
joshua.domiguez@sevitahealth.com or ariel.quinn@sevitahealth.com
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:
6/17/23
Email : AutismInstitute@drexel.edu
for further information
Caregiver Support Groups
PA Mentor Caregiver Support Group
5/10/23; 5/24/23; 6/7/23 and 6/21/23
10AM - 12PM
Including an evening meeting on 5/24/2023
at 6PM!
*No child care will be provided
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:
5/28/23 and 6/25/23
7PM - 8:30PM
Zoom: 835 5104 6408
Passcode: SUPPORT
Questions? Email: AustimSocietyLV@gmail.com
Easton Area Support Group
Saturday, May 13th, 2023
11:30AM - 1:30PM
Faith Lutheran Church
2012 Sullivan Trail
Easton, PA 18040
Please note that there is no speaker scheduled for this months meeting. Our May meeting will be the last meeting of the school year. We will reconvene in August. This will be an RSVP meeting only with lunch provided.
Please RSVP to Leslie at: leslie.mckelvey@yahoo.com
ASLV: Online Parent/Caregiver Support Group
Dates Include: 5/09; 6/13/23
8PM - 9:15PM
Any questions? Contact Mimi Ludwig: autismsocietylv@gmail.com
NAMI: Peer Connection Support Group
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