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
Tuesday, April 11th, 2023
10AM
Presentation: Resolving IEP Concerns
THE PEAL Center and PaTTAN
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
"Understanding Special Education Funding" with Katie Yost
from The Arc of PA
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://ciu20.zoom.us/j/9353051899?pwd=Vm9jd21VNUdsN2hNZ0h1OWk5cDN0Zz09#success
Meeting ID: 935 305 1899
Password: 8GV3Fc
Facebook Information:
LTF21
Join Us on May 24th, 2023 at 10AM
PA Bureau of Education: Special Education
and Elections
Join Zoom Meetings at:
https://zoom.us/j/5378786005pwd=VDMzYlRBbjBUTEIyUzJIWGFFSDAzZz09
Meeting ID: 537 878 6005
Passcode: CLIU21
Contact localtaskforce21@gmail.com for more information
Health Matters: Supporting Children and Youth with Disabilities
April 20th, 2023
9AM to 3PM
Register At:
https://www.pealcenter.org/health-matters-pgh/
Visit The PEAL Center At:
https://www.pealcenter.org/event/health-matters-supporting-children-youth-with-disabilities-2/
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
Understanding Dyslexia: Know Your Child’s Educational Rights in School
Tuesday, April 4th, 2023
6:30PM to 8:30PM
Zoom Webinar
Register At:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jSQJE41HSragRwB6K3ATQg
Guest Presenter: Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A. with McAndrews, Mehalick, Connolly, Hulse, and Ryan, P.C.
This webinar will cover:
- What to do if you believe your child has dyslexia;
- How to respond when a school district claims it cannot test for dyslexia;
- Getting evaluated for dyslexia.
*Registration is required!
Questions? Contact Kodi Berry at: kberry@arcoflehighnorthampton.org
Transition: Not Just a Form
Tuesday, March 28th, 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
Transitioning from School to Adulthood: for Students with Disabilities
Wednesday, April 12th, 2023
6:30PM to 8PM
Zoom Webinar
Register at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jn4taOZAT02SkVCerD4hVg
Guest Presenters: Dr. Domenico Cavaiuolo with East Stroudsburg University & Angela Murphy, Esq. with Murphy & Murphy, P.C.
- Best practices as they relate to transition services;
- Student & family rights during the transition process;
- The transition grid in the IEP;
- How to design an individual transition plan and more!
*Registration is required!
Questions? Contact Kodi Berry at: kberry@arcoflehighnorthampton.org
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:
The 17th Annual Celebration Awards
Date: March 28nd, 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/
The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Website:
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
Arc of NEPA Celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Arc of NEPA Facebook Information:
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
March Training Schedule
ACRE Making Employment Work:
3/29/23-3/31/23 from 10:30AM to 5PM
Discovery Training:
3/22/23-3/24/23 from 9AM to 3:30PM
Register At: https://thearcpa.org/training/acre-training/
Include Me Connection Club
March 28th, 2023 at 5:30PM
For More Information: bit.ly/joinimcc
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
Community Activities Panel
Join Us on April 25th, 2023
6PM-7:30PM
Presenters Include:
Via, Camelot for Kids, Special Olympics, iCanShine, Easter Seals, MLLV, Miracle League Northampton County, Therapeutic Arts Groups and Art Reach
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.
Wed, April 12th, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
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
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
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:
https://cliu-org.zoom.us/j/97384219166
Drive Information:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1T52LySyzYH4NdLIJ_7kTuOSwztYmFd3V
Camp Via
For more information, contact:
Kayla Ramirez, Employment Coordinator
610-628-2326 x 508 | K.Ramirez@ViaNet.org
Transition Academy Social Club
For more information visit: www.nepainclusive.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/
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
Achieva Newsletter
Please use the link to view the entire newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/achieva/november-trust-matters-5236120?e=f0c50cc957
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
Relax, It's Just ABA
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
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
SSI/SSDI Benefits and Workshop
Join Us on Zoom on March 23rd, 2023 from 1PM -3:30PM
If you have questions, contact familytrust@achieva.info or
call us at 412.995.5000 x565
Lehigh Valley Mental Health Awareness Walk
Friday, May 5th, 2023 from 10AM to 2PM
For more information, visit: www.lehighvalleymhwalk.org
FREE EVENT!
Walker Registration deadline: March 31st, 2023
Miss Amazing
Register at: www.missamazing.org
Email questions to: Mel Maresca, State Director
Urban Air: Sensory Friendly Event
Urban Air-Trexlertown
Sunday, April 30th, 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:
3/28/23 6:30PM: Transition Goals, Activities, and Services in the IEP
Register at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m_XzqFL8TZWD8a0yLq-09Q
4/12/23 6:30PM: ARC: Transition from School to Adulthood
Register at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jn4taOZAT02SkVCerD4hVg
Therapeutic Board Games
April 1st and 2nd, 2023
9AM to 5PM
Contact:
Ann Gillerlane: agillerlane@goodwill.org or Jeannemarie Passaro: japassaro@goodwill.org
TDF Presents: Harry Potter and The Cursed Child
The MLO Minute
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:
ASLV: Hershey Park Fundraiser
Get your tickets by 3/31/2023!
Scan the QR Code on the Flyer and Enter Code 34254934
HUNE Conference
You're Going To Love This Kid!
Paula Kluth Ed.D.
April 25th, 2023
8AM-2PM
Register at:
https://aepconnections.com/webinar-registrations/youre-going-to-love-this-kid-4-25-23/
Our Disability Roadmap: Rescheduled
March 29th, 2023
2PM-3PM
Submit your questions to Bob Williams: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczzSUm_R4lVK4BuTOCuvfxfQsifsoLAbHXRB7CoJIr-YzBBw/viewform
Register at:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1516738319366/WN_qB0hiJ0FS9O-fTc238IRug
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
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
Unseen: A Caregiver Documentary
Watch UNSEEN on Saturday, March 25th, 2023 at Vinfen's virtual Moving Images Film Festival!
Unseen will play at 12:20PM-1:55PM
Followed by a panel discussion with @Jess Ronne.
Registration is FREE!
(Professionals can even get CE credits!)
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:
4/15/23; 6/17/23
Email : AutismInstitute@drexel.edu
for further information
Caregiver Support Groups
PA Mentor Caregiver Support Group
Dates Include: 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:
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
PA Parent and Family Alliance Support Groups
Friday, March 31st, 2023 at 12PM
Friday Noon Parent/Caregiver Support Group
Register At:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsfuuspzouGdYhJ8imnyHhj8MsU6rADX8n
Monday, April 3rd, 2023 at 7PM
Monday Evening Support Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qcu6rpzsvGtFFdhxU700f1LIMyNsqm2_Y
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.
Visit Us For More Information:
ASLV: Online Parent/Caregiver Support Group
Dates Include: 4/11; 5/09; 6/13/23
Any questions? Contact Mimi Ludwig: autismsocietylv@gmail.com
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