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Nov. 10th, Dec. 8th, Jan. 2nd, Feb 9th, & Mar. 9th 5:00pm–7:00pm

SibShop

SibShop is an opportunity for children (ages 8-13) who have siblings with serious or chronic problems and/or developmental needs to gain peer support as well as education while having fun. Siblings of children with special needs play a lifelong role in their sibling's journey. SibShop helps these siblings process their feelings, connect with others, and build skills that support them today and into the future.

Location: LaRoche University, 9000 Babcock, Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA. 15237

Cost: $30 per workshop (dates listed above), $180 for entire program, additional children $140 for entire program. Contact Daria Durny at ddurny@elliementalhealth.com

November 10th 6:00pm - 7:00pm

RMU Trees Network (Virtual)- Assistive Technology Workshop - Apple Accessibility - How Tablets and Smartphones Can Help Bridge the Gap

Learn about tablets and smartphone accessibility features. Bekah Nesbitt, an Assistive Technology Coordinator for TechOWL, PA’s Assistive Technology Act Program, will be joining us to describe assistive technology (AT), how AT helps individuals with disabilities, and how Apple Accessibility can be applied across disabilities. To register for this free family/parent workshop, please contact Vicki Donne at donne@rmu.edu or Deanna Hiltz at hiltzd@rmu.edu, or register at Google Registration. (https://forms.gle/CMzEm7KngKyF4asa6). Upon registration, registrants will be sent a Google Meets calendar invitation.

November 12th 7:30pm

Horsegirls co-presented by ReelAbilities International

As her mother Sandy grapples with an uncertain diagnosis, autistic 22-year-old Margarita must reluctantly grow up. Bogged down by the demands of her new job at a Halloween store and the complications of her mom’s illness, Margarita discovers a competitive hobbyhorse team, a sport in which young athletes mimic equestrian activities like jumping and galloping while riding a stick horse. Encouraged by her coach, Margarita begins to gain confidence as she grows into her independence and looks forward to her next chapter. This film won five awards at the Seattle Film Festival, including the Grand Jury award for Best Feature Film.

For more information or to register: Horsegirls co-presented with ReelAbilities International | 2025 Three Rivers Film Festival by Film Pittsburgh

November 13th 6:00pm-7:30pm

Speaker Event: Ameer Baraka - Provident Charter School

We are thrilled to invite you to a special event in honor of Provident Charter Schools’ 10 Years of Impact. Join us for an evening with Ameer Baraka - Emmy-nominated actor, author of Undiagnosed: The Ugly Side of Dyslexia, youth mentor, and star of Tyler Perry’s hit show Zatima. This event is recommended for ages 14 and older.

Ameer’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and empowerment. Diagnosed with dyslexia later in life, he now uses his voice to raise awareness and inspire others to persevere through challenges and unlock their full potential. Provident Charter School 1400 Troy Hill Rd https://www.providentcharterschool.org/upcoming-events/

November 16th, 2:00pm-3:00pm

Azure & Attack Theatre presents Imagination Station: Game On

Get ready to level up your imagination! In this year’s interactive and sensory-friendly performance, Attack Theatre invites audiences of all ages into a vibrant world inspired by the magic of video games. Dancers will leap, slide, and power-up through a pixelated playground of movement, stories, and surprise characters—think bouncing rings of steel, epic quests, and even a blue boss monster made of collapsible tubes! In this high-energy, joy-filled experience, the body becomes the ultimate controller as performers create music in motion through a series of short, movement-driven “game levels.” Whether you're player one or just along for the ride, this one-afternoon-only performance invites you to imagine, move, play, and help us make this story your own.

Bring your imagination—and your game face—and press start with Attack Theatre!

https://www.autismpittsburgh.org/event-details-registration/imagination-station-game-on

November 16th 6:00pm

The Tallest Dwarf co-presented by ReelAbilities International

The Tallest Dwarf charts filmmaker Julie Wyman’s quest to find her place within the little people (LP) community at a moment when dwarf identity is poised to radically change. As Julie unpacks the rumors of “partial dwarfism” in her family she finds that hers is the last of a body type she has inherited. She joins forces with a group of dwarf artists to confront the legacy of being fetishized and put on display. Together they create films that reclaim a complicated history and speak back to the echoes of eugenics in the newly emerging pharmaceutical interventions that make little people taller. Through its personal and expanding perspective, the film invites audiences to a new way of seeing. See this film before it premieres on PBS’ Independent Lens on April 6, 2026!

Link for more information or to register: The Tallest Dwarf co-presented with ReelAbilities International | 2025 Three Rivers Film Festival by Film Pittsburgh

November 17th 10:00am - 11:00am

Learn About PA ABLE and ABLE Age Expansion

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. Some of the topics we will discuss include: eligibility requirements for opening a PA ABLE account, the federal and state tax benefits, ABLE Age Expansion, and how PA ABLE interacts with important benefits. If you require accommodations to participate in this webinar, please contact us at info@paable.gov Register

November 19th 12:00pm

Strategies for SSI, Medicaid, & Special Needs Trusts – Virtual

Fiffik Law Group - Planning for the future of a loved one with special needs involves balancing financial stability with eligibility for essential government benefits. In this webinar, Fiffik Law Group Attorney Kevin Frankel will explain the rules and strategies that help families protect assets, preserve benefits, and plan for long-term care needs.

• SSI Criteria and Financial Restrictions

• Medicaid Criteria and Financial Restrictions

• What is a Special Needs Trust (SNT) and How to Create One

• What is an ABLE Account and Their Role in Benefit Planning

• Case Studies: Managing Inheritances for Those with Special Needs or Receiving Government Benefits

• Estate Planning Tips for Special Needs Individuals and Caregivers

Who Should Attend: Parents and caregivers of individuals with disabilities, estate planning professionals, and anyone seeking to better understand SSI, Medicaid, and special needs planning. Register here:https://www.fiffiklaw.com/event-details/protecting-assets-securing-care-strategies-for-ssi-medicaid-and-special-needs-trusts-2025-11-19-12-00

November 19th 1:00-2:00pm
In the Kitchen with Hope Grows: Fall Episode - Nourishing Light for the Winter Soul

Hope Grows invites family caregivers and those experiencing a loss to our fourth and final broadcast of a 4-part seasonal webinar series designed to offer both practical cooking tips and emotional support during their caregiving journey. The Fall episode of “In the Kitchen with Hope Grows” will feature a discussion on how comfort foods can nourish more than just the body, how horticulture can bring life and light indoors during the darker months, and how simple, mindful practices can sustain emotional and mental well-being. RSVP online at hopegrows.org/fallkitchen

November 21st-23rd

Exceptional Adventures Hershey Park Christmas Candylane (Excursion)

Pack your mittens and your sweet tooth — we’re heading to Hershey,

Pennsylvania for a magical weekend of lights, laughter, and chocolate

fun! Register here: https://travefy.com/discover/trip/6yw9rqutgaa2qz2aghzbhbvnwfu8vsa

November 21st - 23rd (starting at 5:30pm)

Teen/Young Adult Weekend Retreat at The Woodlands: Farm to Fun Weekend!

From 5:30 PM on Friday to 11:00 AM on Sundays, these inclusive getaways for youth with disability and chronic illness are created for individuals ages 13-24! Whether you’re a sports lover, singer, cook, or in touch with nature, the Woodlands covers it all! Each retreat offers a variety of activities that encourage social connections, health, and leadership skills. Our activities encourage new experiences that spark creativity and self-discovery. Each retreat costs $550. We accept out of pocket or private pay, ESY, and waiver funding. We also have a scholarship program called the “Wonderfund” to assist with cost, available upon request. To apply or for more information, contact Nicole Hicks, 724-935-5470 or nhicks@woodlandsfoundation.org www.mywoodlands.org

Teen/Young Adult Weekend Retreat at The Woodlands: Cozy Cabin Weekend!

November 25th 5:00pm-7:00pm

Friendsgiving with Exceptional Adventures

Grateful for our friends and guests! Enjoy food, friends and games as

we gather at Pins Mechanical (South Side Works). Register here: https://travefy.com/trip/itinerary/k5SSks4AYjZSBJLOAGtBcQXAwMDEEC4TsJnZS17Bsy_EF35Y_t8K

December 1st 7:00pm – 8:00pm

RMU Trees Network (Virtual)- Pathways to High School Graduation - Parent/Family Meeting

Join us virtually for our monthly family support meeting. Dr. Melissa Holler, Director of Pupil Services with the Allegheny Valley School District and her colleague, Mrs. Becky Dyer, High School Counselor, will be discussing the multiple ways for high school students to graduate. The pathways are a requirement that districts must implement, but there are options and alternatives for students in general education but specifically those in special education. Anyone interested in attending can register for the meeting by contacting Vicki Donne at donne@rmu.edu or Deanna Hiltz at hiltzd@rmu.edu or registering at Google Registration (https://forms.gle/crSGRrw1FbZPTWP89) Upon registration, registrants will be sent a Google Meets calendar invitation.

December 2nd -4th

Elf The Musical Trip with Exceptional Adventures

Travel to Toby’s Dinner Theater in Columbia MD to follow Buddy the Elf on his journey to New York. Guests will also enjoy great accommodations with an indoor pool, hot cocoa bar and gift-making. Register here: https://exceptionaladventures.org/adventures/

December 6th 11:00am & 2:00pm

The Polar Express

Join us for our annual Polar Express event on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the historic Strand Theater in Zelienople. Choose between two showings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Admission is FREE, but we ask that each family bring a gift card or gift donation to support a Glade Run child in need this holiday season. Your admission includes a private screening of the movie, concessions, door prize raffle and a visit from Santa!

Preregistration is required and the event sells out quickly. You can reserve your seats today at https://forms.gle/gzinUcdNANkyUgA96

December 8th 7:30pm

A Very Yinzer Christmas Live Show - Band Together

Benedum Center for the Performing Arts 237 7th Street, Pittsburgh, PA

December 14th 2:00pm-5:00pm

Band Together Open Mic & Christmas Party

Registration Required - Reclamation Community Center 2456 Tilbrook Rd, Monroeville

December 14th – 18th

Holidays in New York City, NY with Exceptional Adventures

Exceptional Adventures takes you on a scenic train ride to the Big Apple. Guests will enjoy all the holidays have to offer, including The Lion King on Broadway, shopping and delicious dining. Register here: https://exceptionaladventures.org/adventures/

December 15th 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Learn About PA ABLE and ABLE Age Expansion

December 17th 12:00pm

Strategies for SSI, Medicaid, & Special Needs Trusts – Virtual

• SSI Criteria and Financial Restrictions

• Medicaid Criteria and Financial Restrictions

• What is a Special Needs Trust (SNT) and How to Create One

• What is an ABLE Account and Their Role in Benefit Planning

• Case Studies: Managing Inheritances for Those with Special Needs or Receiving Government Benefits

• Estate Planning Tips for Special Needs Individuals and Caregivers

Who Should Attend: Parents and caregivers of individuals with disabilities, estate planning professionals, and anyone seeking to better understand SSI, Medicaid, and special needs planning. Register here: https://www.fiffiklaw.com/event-details/protecting-assets-securing-care-strategies-for-ssi-medicaid-and-special-needs-trusts-2025-12-17-12-00

December 30th

New Year’s Eve, Eve Party with Exceptional Adventures

Wyndham Grand Hotel Downtown

Ring in 2026 with Exceptional Adventures. We’ll have great food (sit down dinner), music and dancing with DJ Rick, photo booth, door prizes and more!

January 13th - March 26th (Tuesdays or Thursdays) 4:00pm-6:00pm

Open Up Yoga Club

Students will participate in an engaging yoga class, play imaginative games intended to promote mindful social interactions, and make crafts they can use to help support a mindfulness practice at home. This is a smaller group setting with no more than 12 students, and is located in our yoga studio in Lawrenceville. Our staff is trained at making this program accessible for students.

https://www.open-up.org/club-camp

Various Saturdays (Sept-Dec. 10am-4pm)

Camp Woodlands Jr. Day Camps

Camp Woodlands Jr. (CWJ) is designed for our youngest campers, ages 6-12. Each Saturday session features a wide range of activities including arts & crafts, nature exploration, music, sports, “snack-tivities,” and more! Each CWJ session is built to encourage social connections and creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Saturday session costs $100 (lunch included). We accept out of pocket or private pay, ESY, and waiver funding. We also have a scholarship program called the “Wonderfund” to assist with cost, available upon request. To apply or for more information, contact Kenyon Lewis, 724-935-5470 or klewis@woodlandsfoundation.org www.mywoodlands.org

Duquesne University Compass Program AY 2026-2027 Application Open

Compass is a transformative 4-year inclusive post-secondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It empowers students to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals through a supportive, person-centered approach. By focusing on their unique strengths, Compass nurtures leadership, independence, and self-advocacy through engaging coursework, active campus involvement, and comprehensive career exploration, equipping students with the skills they need for a fulfilling future. Students intending to apply are encouraged to do so by the priority deadline of January 1, 2026. Application portal, requirements and guidelines, tuition and program information are available at: https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/health-sciences/academic-programs/compass-program.php