Learn about activities offered by our members on this page and by liking and following our facebook and instagram pages.
Creative Support Group – Sundays from 7:30pm – 8:30pm Via Zoom
Join Not Forgotten Home & Community Services for a virtual creative support group on Sunday nights. This group is a supportive, creative space to connect, share and build lasting friendships through simple art making and refreshing activities you’ll leave feeling recharged for the week. Led by Kristin Cortese, a graduate student in art therapy and counseling, this group fosters self-expression, emotional well-being, and meaningful connections. Register at www.nfhcs.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 16th 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
RSVP Required - Music Therapy @ Moondog’s
Band Together Clubhouse (in Moondog's) 378 Freeport Rd, Blawnox, PA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, January 23rd 1:30PM & 8:00PM
Free Live Webinar: Addressing Anxiety: A Deeper Look at the Role of Brain Connectivity (Brain Balance Centers)
Register Here: https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/webinar-high-five-parent-discovery-event
We have seen a drastic rise in anxiety over the last few years. Understanding what is happening in the brain to cause anxiety is the first step towards making lifelong change!
Nausea when tasks are difficult, emotional school drop-offs, difficulty changing plans, excessive worry and fear… You are not alone. 1 in 8 children struggles with the symptoms of anxiety. THERE IS HOPE! Join us and learn WHY some kids struggle with anxiety and what is happening in the brain to cause these symptoms. Get actionable tips for alleviating anxiety based on an understanding of brain development. Learn how brain connectivity is connected to the symptoms of anxiety and why strengthening these connections can help lead to improvements in debilitating worry and fear.
All registrants will receive a free resource guide!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 24th 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
RSVP Required: Live Autism Friendly Open Mic @ The Warhol
The Andy Warhol Museum 117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JANUARY 28TH – 8:30AM
SPECIAL NEEDS CONSORTIUM NETWORKING MEETING
VIRTUAL
RSVP at snc@specialneedsconsortium.org
More information will come in a separate email.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 29th 5:30pm
UPMC Jameson Project SEARCH Open House
This open house will be an informational session for families, students, school staff, etc. to learn more about the program. It will be held at 1211 Wilmington Ave. (Professional Building in front of UPMC Jameson Hospital). Any questions or to RSVP, please contact Amy Donston at 724-656-4637, amyd@upcm.edu, or to register https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1097763705478054&set=a.210773390843761
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 29th 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Webinar: Scams and Identity Theft: What Everyone Should Know
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is hosting a free identity theft webinar as part of our ongoing Money Talks series. The webinar is open to everyone. David Shallcross from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General will discuss how to identify and avoid scams and how to protect your identity.
Registration is required at this link: https://bit.ly/IdentityTheftandScamsWebinar
Accommodations: Captioning, ASL interpretation, Spanish interpretation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 3rd 7:00-8:00pm
RMU Trees Network Virtual Parent and Family Meeting
Presenter – Melody Ovitsky, Manager and Occupational Therapist at AOT Inc. speaking about the difference of private, early childhood, and school-based occupational and physical therapy. Contact Vicki Donne donne@rmu.edu or Deanna Hiltz hiltzd@rmu.edu for more information. To register: https://forms.gle/FF2YuB3s9KLV8iaj7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, February 6th 1:00-3:00pm
Valentine’s Day Party
Three Rivers Community Care - 1 Veterans Way Carnegie, PA 15106
Games, Music, Dancing, Crafts, Open sensory room. Friends can RSVP for the party and view/register for regularly scheduled free and low-cost monthly activities at the following link:https://www.3riverscommunitycare.com/book-online or by phone/email: info@3rcc.net
(412) 206-9118
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 7th 6:30pm-8:30pm
Night to Shine at North Way Christian Community – Sewickley Valley
Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love for people with disabilities. It is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, and open to anyone 14 or older. There will be dinner, dancing, activities, and more for guests. They will have the chance to walk down the red carpet and be crowned king or queen!
Registration is open and will close mid-January. More information on how to register, serve, or support the event can be found at www.northway.org/night-to-shine. Contact nighttoshine@northway.org with any questions!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 7th – 9th starting at 5:30pm
Weekend Retreat at The Woodlands– Love Around the World – Celebrate Love with Global Traditions and Activities.
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 Leia Patsilevas, 724-935-5470 or lpatsilevas@woodlandsfoundation.org www.mywoodlands.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 14th 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Valentine’s Dance – Recreation Alliance of North Pittsburgh
Activities include a free lunch, variety of games, crafts and more. Ohio Township Community Park Nature Center – 325 Nicholson Road. Email arubino@ohiotwp.org for more info. Register here: RANP.RECDESK.COM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 7th-9th starting at 5:30pm
Weekend Retreat at The Woodlands– Color Wars: A Camp Tradition coming to The Woodlands! Friendly Competition, Team Work & Fun!
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 18+. 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 Leia Patsilevas, 724-935-5470 or lpatsilevas@woodlandsfoundation.org www.mywoodlands.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 14th-16th starting at 5:30pm
Weekend Retreat at The Woodlands– DIVA! Dreams, Inspiration, Vision and Advocacy. A Self-Empowerment Weekend culminating in a runway presentation.
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 16-35! 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 Leia Patsilevas, 724-935-5470 or lpatsilevas@woodlandsfoundation.org www.mywoodlands.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 14th 6:00pm – 8:00pm
St. Patrick’s Day Dance – Recreation Alliance of North Pittsburgh
Pine Community Center – 100 Pine Park Drive. Email pgeis@twp.pine.pa.us for more info. Register here: RANP.RECDESK.COM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 23rd 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Summer Kick Off Dance – Recreation Alliance of North Pittsburgh
Elias Fry Barn, Knob Hill Community Park, 415 Knob Road Wexford. Email jdrozd@twp.marshall.pa.us for more info. Register here: RANP.RECDESK.COM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 28th-30th starting at 5:30pm
Weekend Retreat at The Woodlands– Woodlands Gone Wild: Explore Nature, Adventure and Wild Outdoor Fun.
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 Leia Patsilevas, 724-935-5470 or lpatsilevas@woodlandsfoundation.org www.mywoodlands.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
April 25th-27th starting at 5:30pm
Weekend Retreat at The Woodlands– Time Warp Weekend: Journey Through History with Retro-Themed Challenges and Games
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 Leia Patsilevas, 724-935-5470 or lpatsilevas@woodlandsfoundation.org www.mywoodlands.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customized Employment Certification Course
Attendees will meet for 10 days of Zoom classes over the span of 5 months. Attendees will also complete field assignments between meeting dates in order to reinforce skills and concepts learned during class. This course structure meets the qualification requirements for Customized Employment/Advanced Supported Employment in Pennsylvania. Our instructors will teach the essential elements of Customized Employment – Discovery assessments, customized job development/negotiation, systematic instruction/onsite supports. Attendees will need to secure a learning partner prior to the course launch. A learning partner is someone with a disability that wishes to participate in the Customized Employment process. Attendees will do assignments where they will implement the knowledge and skills learned in class with their learning partner in a real world setting, all while under the virtual guidance of an experienced mentor.
Click one of the two groups to register. Attendees must be available for all dates within the group.
Register for Group B – Classes will meet 9am – 4pm Eastern with a 1-hour lunch break at 12pm.
March 17-18, 2025
April 28-29, 2025
June 13, 2025
Questions: Please email Anthony Chan achan@includemepa.org with any questions.
Questions? Contact Celia at cmorrison@includemepa.org and Jennifer at jmacsisak@includemepa.org.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
FIND A MENTOR!
Bender Leadership Academy serves 12 counties Southwestern Pennsylvania by providing a high-quality, cost-free, community-based mentoring program that connects youth ages 11-17 with disabilities one-on-one to an adult in their community. The youth who participate in our program will be matched with their mentor for a total of one-year, with a minimum requirement of 4 mentoring hours each month. The program is available in-person as well as virtual, or hybrid.
Youth who participate in mentoring programs are more likely to:
Stay in school
Build a resource network
Engage in their community
Make long-term career plans
Hold leadership positions
We are also actively recruiting mentors! If you are an individual age 18+ who is interested in mentoring youth with disabilities, this is a great opportunity for you to make a difference!
For more information, or to start the application process, please reach out to Stephanie Law, Bender Mentoring Initiative Program Coordinator by email at slaw@benderleadership.org, or call 412.677.8554.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Include Me Connection Club
Designed for 3rd – 5th graders of diverse abilities and interests
These virtual club meetings will offer creative opportunities for students to connect through games, activities, and student-driven discussions. Each club meeting will be facilitated by our engaging and energetic staff.
Your student is welcome here!
Club meetings occur the last two Tuesdays of each month from 5:30-6:30pm. Themes and topics change monthly and are curated to meet kids where they are. This school year’s theme is Around the World.
Registration for IMCC is on a rolling basis, meaning you can always sign up!
https://thearcpa.org/imcc-registration-form/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Studio Forget-Me-Not!
Our mission at Studio Forget-Me-Not! is to actively cultivate perspectives, both within ourselves and within our community, by fostering artistic expression and growth.
We provide an inclusive art space where individuals with diverse abilities can engage in boundless artistic exploration through a wide array of classes.
At Studio Forget-Me-Not!, we prioritize celebrating abilities over limitations, offering the necessary support for everyone to thrive.
Dedicated to surpassing traditional artistic norms, we embark on vibrant and joyful explorations across various mediums, ensuring a dynamic and enriching experience for all.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPEN UP FREE CLASSES
Open Up's mission is to teach mindfulness tools through movement practices and interactive arts while centering people living with disabilities. We want all people to be able to have ease of access in finding avenues for increasing their sense of overall wellbeing. We believe that all people should be able to experience joy in community with others. We have inclusive movement classes at our studio and can be found in schools and community spaces around the city and beyond.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
East Suburban Citizen Advocacy Calendar of Events
East Suburban Citizen Advocacy hosts event in different locations in Westmoreland and Allegheny counties. You can list your event on their calendar for free. Go to www.eastsuburbancitizenadvocacy.org/events/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free resource for individuals with Autism.
A new resource that will be beneficial for our individuals on the autism spectrum: The Autism Resource Card. For many on the autism spectrum, due to autism, their behaviors can cause barriers to effective communication. This card can be carried by autistic individuals and presented during any encounter with police for a safer interaction for everyone involved. For more information you can visit this page: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/pa-state-police-details.aspx?newsid=868
It is a free resource that you can suggest to your individuals/community members and others who can benefit. Individuals may print the card from the website, fill it out and carry it in a wallet, or they can choose to save it on their phone. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Troopers will distribute the cards at public community events.
Use the following link to view, download, fill/forward the card to customers who can use this card.
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/psp/documents/safety/Autism_card.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------