Learn about activities offered by our members on this page and by liking and following our facebook and instagram pages.

Weekdays through November 28th 9:00am – 5:00pm

Somatosensory Tactile Art Exhibit

You’re invited to Somatosensory: Relating to the Senses, the annual hands-on art exhibit where you are encouraged to touch the art as you explore incredible sculptures by talented local artists and hear them tell the story of their creations through recorded statements! Hosted by CLP’s Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians and the Pittsburgh Society of Sculptors, the exhibit is on display at LAMP, 4724 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Come experience art through all your senses. For more information, call 1-800-242-0586.

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 12:00PM-1:00PM

The Special Needs Consortium invites all to commemorate the 1975 signing of the legislation now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at this SPECIAL EDUCATION DAY VIRTUAL LUNCH & LEARN! JOIN MEETING HERE or at the link below.

Email Mary.Evrard@AlleghenyCounty.US to receive a Teams invitation or with questions. Introduction to IDEA by Cindy Duch, The PEAL Center IDEA in Practice by Nathan Leeman, Rochester Area School District Resource Awareness to include learning about special education in PA and supports are available for families of students receiving special education services. https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZTQ4NmUwNDAtYjQ4Ni00NTE5LWI2NzktNWQzNTVkZDJjMmUz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e0273d12-e4cb-4eb1-9f70-8bba16fb968d%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22414f8abd-2d5e-4fbc-b02d-727007b106ad%22%7d

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

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

December 8th 7:30pm

A Very Yinzer Christmas Live Show - Band Together

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

December 11th 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Your Child’s Place Open House (part of Pathways/Fulfilling Milestones)

Come tour our state-of-the-art facility designed for medically fragile children, meet our dedicated team, and learn more about the exceptional care and services we provide. We currently have openings and would love to share how we can support families and children in need. We hope you’ll join us for this special event! Location: 289 North Avenue, Washington PA. For more information call 724-223-7801

December 11th 1:30pm AND 8:00pm (2 Live Events)

ADHD & Behavior – Brain Balance

Have you struggled with your child’s behavior? Do you feel like you don't understand WHY your child is misbehaving? In this FREE webinar, you will learn why ADHD and behavior challenges often go hand in hand. We will dive into what is happening in different systems in the brain to cause these behavior challenges. Identifying WHY your child is struggling with self-regulation is the first step towards making meaningful change for their future! Join us to learn how brain development plays a role in ADHD and behavior challenges and what you can do to build the connections your child needs for success. Registrants will receive a free resource guide!

December 13th 10:00am – 1:00pm

A Magical Visit with “Sensory Friendly” Santa

Looking for a calm, welcoming way to visit Santa this year? Join us for our Sensory Friendly Santa Drive-Thru, a unique holiday experience designed for individuals who prefer a quieter, low-stimulus environment. Sensory Santa events offer softer sounds, a slower pace, and a gentle atmosphere so every guest can enjoy a magical moment with Santa — without the overwhelm. Stay cozy in your car, wave to Santa, pick up a treat bag, and enjoy a relaxed holiday drive-thru experience! This event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome. To help us plan smooth traffic flow and make sure we have enough treat bags for all, please register for a specific drive-thru time slot. Location: Cranberry Township Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Rd.
Reserve Your Time Slot: https://calendly.com/cranberrysunriserotary/sensory-santa

Questions? cranberrysunriserotary@gmail.com

Sponsored by The Rotary Club of Cranberry Township Sunrise and Cranberry Township — bringing inclusive holiday joy to our community.

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

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

December 17th 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-2025-12-17-12-00

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

January 31st 10:00am – 3:30pm

2026 Winter Virtual Family Retreat – PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance

Join us for a mid-winter's day full of fun, great conversations and an amazing talent show. Get more information and/or register here: https://patsainc.org/events/ts-family-retreat/

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