Join Roseann Polishan, Lead Advocate at The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania, as she explores the vital role of The Arc and their contributions to the Family Advocacy and Resource Portal.

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council and other organizations, this portal—available on the Vision for Equality website—provides essential tools for individuals with disabilities and their families to:

• Engage in current advocacy efforts
• Access vital information
• Advocate for systemic change

Together, these unified efforts aim to transform systems, empowering individuals with disabilities and their families by prioritizing their needs over those of providers.

Visit the ARC of North Eastern Pennsylvania- http://www.thearcnepa.org/
Visit the Portal Here- https://www.visionforequality.org/family-advocacy-resource-portal/

Join Tracy and Rebecca for a conversation about Lifesharing. Tracy is a Lifesharing Participant and Rebecca is a Lifesharing Coordinator with Cares

Lifesharing means living with and sharing life experiences with supportive persons who form a caring household. Lifesharing is recognized as both a close personal relationship and a place to live. Lifesharers offer individuals the opportunity to be part of a family and to participate in community life. 

Wendy Davis, Director of Marketing and Outreach for Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), joins us to discuss the life-changing funding PATF helps Pennsylvanians receive.

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a statewide, non-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians acquire the assistive technology devices and services they want. PATF is a state and federally-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and is the Commonwealth’s designated Alternative Financing Program (AFP) under the federal Assistive Technology Act. 

https://patf.us/who-we-are/publications/funding-your-assistive-technology/

Wellness can mean something different to everyone. What's important, is finding what works for you! PA Family Network advisors, June Morris, Chris Gaus, and Ernie Roundtree, join us to discuss what activities and habits they do for wellness. 

Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, you're thriving.

Terri Spry joins us to discuss her role as a Caregiver and her experience using a Supports Broker. 

A Supports Broker is paid to perform a variety of duties to support a person in self-directing services and supports. They can offer assistance with employer-related functions, enhancing natural supports, and service and supports continuity and maintenance. The role of the Supports Broker is uniquely defined by the individual utilizing the brokering service.

Join us for an honest conversation about the impacts of Medical Trauma. As caregivers and individuals, it's a challenge many of us will inevitably encounter.

Chou Hallegra and Diana Smaglik, both Program Managers at Vision for Equality, offer invaluable insights shaped by their personal experiences. With professional experience and family members with intellectual disabilities, they have confronted significant challenges associated with medical trauma firsthand.

PA Family Network Advisor Sara Nye joins us to chat about the assistive technology (AT) she uses every day. Just like all of us, Sara relies on technology to stay connected with friends, excel at work, and keep herself safe.

An emergency can happen at any time, and being prepared is important. This is even more true for those who use devices that may need charged, or have medications that need to be taken daily.

Join PA Family Network Advisor, Rachel Frometa, as we discuss the importance of preparing for emergencies and how to get started.

For More Information:  https://www.ready.pa.gov/BePrepared/PlanSpecialNeeds/Pages/Pennsylvanians-With-Disabilites.aspx

Assistive Technology(AT) is ever-evolving- but how did it get it's start? Join Pierce Meire and Paul Smaglick as they chat about the history of AT. 

Pierce studied technology in school and is a PA Family Network Advisor. Paul is the dad of a man who receives services through the ODP System and uses assistive technology daily. He is also an IT professional and incredibly well-versed in all things technology. 

More Information: https://www.accessibility.com/blog/examining-the-past-present-and-future-of-assistive-technology

Join us to hear Ernest Roundtree, a PA Family Network Advisor and certified reflexologist, discuss his journey to independent living and the daily choices that help him live a life he loves. Ernie is also actively involved in his community and the Special Olympics.