Family Resource Group- March '25

We have seen all four seasons of weather so far: sun, snow, cold, warm, rain...what a month!

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

"Read the Vision, Hearing and Speech Issue here. Deaf teenager Tenzin Lang participates in a group discussion during a student program offered by the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Children who have vision, hearing and/or speech disabilities must identify and develop strategies that will help them face and overcome their individual challenges, including becoming stronger self-advocates. Read EP’s Annual Vision, Hearing and Speech Issue today at www.epmagazine.com"

Listen to the 20-minute podcast to learn ways to effectively utilize paraprofessional supports to increase student independence.

The show notes include a handout “The Prompting Ladder,” key learnings, practical tips, and the transcript.

From Inclusive Schooling

If your child has both a vision and hearing loss, your family (parents/guardians, siblings and child with deafblindness) may be eligible to attend a weekend learning conference
(at little or no cost).Come experience sharing, caring, and learning together with staff from the Pennsylvania DeafBlind Project, PaTTAN, and other families living with deaf-blindness.

Register to attend the RMU Trees Network Parent/Family info Meeting about Summer Camps on Monday, April 7, 2025 from 7 pm - 8 pm. The camps will be providing information on what to expect, benefits of their camp, enrollment, cost, ESY services, etc. The Woodlands, Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer, Evolve Coaching, PALS, Firefly Camp, and S.P.E.A.K. will be sharing.

There are great summer opportunities available at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT this summer - and registration is available now!

Advanced Tech Careers

Advanced Tech Careers is a new summer program offered by the RIT/NTID Outreach Consortium. Advanced Tech Careers is a week-long program for deaf or hard-of-hearing students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade who are interested in taking a deep dive into advanced technology and exploring a variety of high-tech careers.

Dates: July 19-24, 2025

Cost:

• The program fee is $850, which covers accommodations in a college dorm and meals for the week.
• Limited financial aid is available for students who demonstrate financial need.
  • Contact us at ntidoutreach@rit.edu to learn more about financial assistance.
• Program classes are offered in English and American Sign Language.

For more information or to apply, visit the Advanced Tech Careers page here.

Explore Your Future (EYF)

Deaf and hard-of-hearing college bound students: Are you wondering what you will do after you graduate from high school? Come to campus for a week and Explore Your Future!

Explore Your Future (EYF) is a six-day career exploration program at Rochester Institute of Technology for college-bound deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 as of fall 2025. This program focuses on personal growth and career awareness for students as they begin to think about college.

Dates:

Session I: July 12-17, 2025
Session II: July 19-24, 2025

Cost:

The cost is $850 and covers room, board, and all activities—everything but spending money and transportation to our campus. You can pay by check or credit card.

For more information and to apply, visit the Explore Your Future (EYF) page here

Financial Wizards

Financial Wizards is a week-long summer program for deaf or hard-of-hearing students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. The program aims to enhance their financial literacy skills and provides an opportunity to explore various careers in finance and administration.

Dates: July 12-17, 2025

Cost:

• Cost of the program is free – covered generously by Communication Services for the Deaf under the Financial Wizards program grant.
• Space is limited: Financial Wizards accepts up to 25 participants.
• Students are responsible for travel expenses to the program.
  • Contact ntidoutreach@rit.edu if you need financial assistance with travel expenses.
• Program classes are offered in English and American Sign Language.

For more information and to apply, visit the Financial Wizards page here.

Health Care Careers Exploration Program

Interested in pursuing a career in the fast-growing field of health care?

The Health Care Careers Exploration Program will help you explore a range of career options in the field and learn about important issues in health care. This information can help you select a major when you have chosen a college.

You will:

• Attend medical demonstrations
• Participate in group activities and discussions
• Be part of hands-on demonstrations in biology, exercise science, medical laboratory science, microbiology, nursing, nutrition and more.
• Become CPR/First Aid certified

You also will get a taste of life on a college campus, make new friends and have fun!

Dates: July 26-31, 2025

Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

Cost:

• The cost is $850 and covers room, board, and all activities—everything but spending money, transportation to our campus, and the optional linens rental ($45.00). You can pay by check or if you are paying by credit card, you can use the online payment form.

For more information and to apply, visit the Health Care Careers Exploration Program page here.

TechTigers

TechTigers is a week-long summer program for deaf or hard-of-hearing students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade who are interested in science, technology, engineering and math.

TechTigers gives middle school students a head start thinking about a career in STEM!

Dates: July 26-31, 2025

Cost: $850 for the week

For more information and to apply, visit the TechTigers page here.

Once again, Gallaudet University is offering a robust array of summer programs at its historic Washington, DC campus. Included in the 2025 summer offerings for deaf and hard of hearing students in 10-12 grades are programs focusing on:

• Discover College and Careers (DC²)
• DC² in STEM
• Financial Wizards
• GenCyber
• Got Skills?
• Immerse Into ASL
• Campo Listo: ¡Medramos!
• Bison Filmmakers

For more information and to apply, visit the Gallaudet Summer Programs page now!

Connect & Bond: Meet and connect with peers your age from all over, who understand your experiences. It’s a place to make lasting friendships and share stories in a welcoming virtual environment.

Fun & Interactive: Dive into a world of exciting activities and games, all designed to inspire and engage. From creative workshops to challenging puzzles, there’s something for everyone!

Learn from the Best: Our activities are guided by incredible adults who are also deaf or hard of hearing, proficient in Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for you.

FREE to join!

LEAP welcomes registrants who are in Middle School; 6th to 8th grade (11-13 years old). To qualify, registrants must have a bilateral or unilateral hearing loss. Registrants must also use Listening and Spoken Language as the primary method of communication. Remote Live and Automated Captioning are used during the LEAP program. The program is provided in English. If you have limited English proficiency, please make the LEAP staff aware and specify.

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. Those interested should email dboersma@thescrantonschool.org for the link and more information about the webinar.

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