The PEAL Center

PYLN It’s My Life! Series
Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network leadership Webinar Series
Each month join the PYLN for a lively chat on topics that are important to you and your future. These webinar sessions are LED by youth and young adults who are excited about sharing their experiences and insights with you. During each call we’ll have time for you to share your stories and ask questions.  Each webinar will be offered from 10:00 - 11:00 AM or 1:00 - 2:00 PM on the following dates.  You may register now by clicking on the links of the dates you would like to attend.
Empowerment: Speaking Up for Yourself
June 4, 2010—10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/617957330
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/241459267
The PYLN is a team of youth leaders with disabilities from across Pennsylvania with a purpose to develop the self-determination, empowerment, and leadership of youth that promotes successful post school outcomes in the areas of education, employment, independent living, and health and wellness among youth and young adults throughout Pennsylvania.  http://payouthleaders.ning.com/
Visit the PYLN website before each webinar to download materials: http://payouthleaders.ning.com
Webinar System Requirements:  PC-based attendees: Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003
Server, Vista Macintosh®-based attendees: Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

A Practical Guide to Using Community Resources to Get People with Disabilities To and Through College
The session will provide training on ways to help people with disabilities obtain - and succeed in - post-secondary education, career training, and competitive employment.  The free, innovative full day training will be offered statewide by Pa SEN.  The session will be offered in the Philadelphia area as “Guiding People Down the Path to Education & Employment:  A Roadmap for Providers of Disabilities Services”.  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  There is no fee for the full day of training. Early application is encouraged.  Seating is limited.  Registration is required. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/19e8ee8c57999492d1f109d2b/files/Statewide_Training_Flyer_v2000.pdf Trainings are offered at each site from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM  Space is limited June 1, 2010, Horizon House, 120 South 30th Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104
June 10, 2010, Pittsburgh VA (Veterans Administration) - Highland Drive Division, Pittsburgh
A continental breakfast and lunch are provided!  Breakfast and Registration are from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.  For more information or to request an accommodation please contact Roody McNair, Pa SEN Coordinator, at 215.386.3838, ext. 151, or email Roody at: Roody.McNair@hhinc.org.

The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community is the annual fundraising walk that benefits local health and human service agencies in northwestern, southwestern and central Pennsylvania.  Highmark underwrites the cost of the walk so that 100 percent of the money raised by walkers goes to the participating organizations. June 5, 2010, at Presque Isle State Park, Erie, PA  June 12, 2010, downtown Bethlehem. Visit  www.walkforahealthycommunity.org

Gaskin Advisory Panel
June 3, 2010, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM -  Four Points by Sheraton, 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA  17111
The final meeting of the Advisory Panel on the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) (also known as the "Gaskin Advisory Panel")." The Gaskin Advisory Panel was established as an outcome of the Gaskin Settlement Agreement, a formal resolution between the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and a group of families and advocacy organizations who had filed, in 1994, a class-action lawsuit against PDE on behalf of  Pennsylvania’s students with disabilities.  The goal of the Gaskin Settlement Agreement was to ensure that Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams consider the regular classroom with supplementary aids and services before considering a more restrictive placement and to increase the numbers of students with disabilities being educated with non-disabled peers in their neighborhood schools in regular classrooms.  The Advisory Panel was part of the Settlement Agreement (SA), which expires in September 19, 2010."
The panel will present and discuss their final report of progress made under the SA.  There will be opportunity for public comment.   For more information:  Dr. Martin Elks, Chair,  Email: MartinElks@aol.com To read more about the Gaskin Advisory Panel and the Settlement Agreement, go to: http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/lre/

Disability Awareness Celebration and Resource Fair at PNC Park hosted by Pittsburgh Pirates
June 4, 2010   Come out to the ballpark for a night full of fun and entertainment along with an educational message focusing on inclusion, transportation, services, and more. Accessible seating is available upon request for wheelchair users and other special circumstances.  This fun and fantastic event will include: Resource Fair community and regional vendors;  Discounted Group Tickets/Group seating together; Organization recognition on the Color LED Scoreboard; Disability Awareness T-Shirt (First 800 people to purchase through the program);  Pirates Batting Practice Cap Resource fair will occur on Federal Street (outside of PNC Park) from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.  This fair will be open to the general public and will include music, special guests, raffles, and more.  We are very excited and would encourage organizations around this region to consider participating.  Cost to participate is only $210 which includes vendor space for two hours, 10 tickets in the L/R Field Box, 10 Disability Awareness Celebration T-Shirts, 10 Pirates ‘21’ T-Shirts, 10 Pirates Batting Practice Caps, scoreboard message on LED Scoreboard, and special organization raffle for Pirates prizes.  Limited space is available and we encourage participation from all organizations. If you have any questions or need additional details,  contact Chaz Kellem me by phone at (412)325-4731 or email at chaz.kellem@pirates.com

Ready, Set Ride
Saturdays:   June 5, 12, 19, and 26 -  9:45 AM to 11:00 AM -  Barber National Institute West Parking Lot, Erie
The Barber National Institute is sponsoring a 4 - week program to help children develop independent two-wheeler bike riding skills. $85, which may be covered through an FSS allocation; scholarships are also available.  The program is designed to assist children with special needs but is open to any child who is able to pedal and steer a bike but who has not been successful in riding without training wheels.  Children should be at least 7 years-old and able to steer and pedal.
All participants should have a bike and helmet.  A limited number of bikes may be available for use.
For more information, please call 874-5671 or visit www.barberinstitute.org

 The Washington Wild Things Present…Early Intervention Families’ Night
June 8, 2010 at 7:05 PM - Sponsored by Early Intervention Specialists, Inc. There will be an information table set up by the main entrance for anyone who would like to distribute resources for families.  Reserve Level Tickets $ 6.00/tix  ALL KIDS 12 & UNDER EAT FREE !!  For Reservations,Contact: Dave Wojtkowski 724.250.9555, dwojo@washingtonwildthings.com or visit  www.washingtonwildthings.com

Helping Families Take Flight
June 8th, 2010 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, LeMont Restaurant, 1114 Grandview Avenue, Pittsburgh 15211
Hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, music by Joy Ike, and lots of door prizes!  Cost: $25 per ticket.  RSVP by May 21st by calling 412.665.0600 or by emailing info@everychildinc.org.  Tickets can also be purchased online through PayPal at.- http://www.everychildinc.org/upcoming-events/

Creating the Incredible - Empowering Youth
Pennsylvania’s Department of Health, Pennsylvania Association of Pediatrics, and the PEAL Center are creating a new program for youth with disabilities to become empowered to be able to make changes in the state. They are looking for youth leaders with disabilities from Pennsylvania, ages 14-28, to participate in a leadership development Institute and to bring their experiences to the group.  Exciting activities are planned where youth will meet other young leaders who are making a difference in their communities.   Please encourage youth leaders with disabilities from central Pennsylvania to apply for the LDI on June 26th and 27th at the Penn Stater in State College Pennsylvania. The meeting will be Saturday evening from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Sunday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM  Youth under 18 years of age will be required to bring a parent or adult chaperone.  The hotel room, food, and travel will be paid by the PEAL Center.  YOUTH MUST APPLY TO ATTEND THIS EVENT!  Space is limited and youth applicants will be selected by their interest and experience in working with groups and activities that demonstrate their desire to assume leadership roles, through their application. Youth will be notified of their selection by June 11th.   All applications are due by June 10. Go to survey monkey to complete the application, the link is:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PD67VMN  If you have any difficulty please contact Leslie Kolenda at  412-281-4404 x 21 or lkolenda@pealcenter.org. If you need more information about the event, contact Josie Badger at josiebadger@hotmail.com or call Josie at: 724-944-0429

FSS Grandparent Autism Support Group 
For Grandparents of Grandchildren with an Autism Spectrum Disorder June 10, 2010,  6:00 PM – 7:30 PM - Barber National Institute, Erie, PA (Enter from Bayfront Parkway – North Parking Lot)  Breakout Rooms – North Lobby Door.  For more information or questions, please contact Joyce Krahe McDonnell at JoyceMcDonnell@BarberInstitute.org or call 814-878-5905. Reservations are requested by calling Family Support Services at 814-878-5961.

The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community  - Annual fundraising walk that benefits local health and human service agencies in northwestern, southwestern and central Pennsylvania.  Highmark underwrites the cost of the walk so that 100 percent of the money raised by walkers goes to the participating organizations. June 5, 2010, at Presque Isle State Park, Erie - June 12, 2010, downtown Bethlehem.
Visit  www.walkforahealthycommunity.org

Wellness Expo
Friday, June 11, 2010, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, CCAC North Campus, 8701 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA  15237.  The Wellness Expo is designed for individuals receiving services from the Allegheny County Office of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities, their families and the people who support them, but anyone is welcome to attend.  You may choose to spend the day with us or stay for a short time. There is no fee for participants.  All costs have been provided by a grant through the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Direct care professionals may earn in-service credit for their participation.  Information provided at the Wellness Expo is not a substitute for medical care or advice.  Consult a doctor about individual concerns or questions.  Registrations must be received one week in advance of program.  Seating is limited, so register early.  Registrations are accepted on a first received, first registered basis.  Upon submission of a registration form, participants are registered unless otherwise notified by the College.  There is no registration fee for participants.  For more information, contact Susan Kennedy at 412-231.6587 or email skennedy@ccac.edu.

Mental Retardation System Basics
June 11, 2010, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Intermediate Unit #1, One Intermediate Unit Drive, Coal Center, PA 15423
This training is a very basic introduction to the Mental Retardation (MR) system in Pennsylvania. They will cover how the system is organized, who should register, how to register for services and what kind of services are available. They will also discuss the types of assessments and planning used in the MR system as well as other resources that may be helpful. The training wraps up with a discussion of your rights in the MR system and some tips about how to advocate for yourself or your family member. To register, contact Joyce Brandon, 412-955-5000 x513 Email: rsvp@achieva.info  Act 48 Credits available ($10 processing fee). Training provided at no cost. To view printable flyer: http://www.temple.edu/thetrainingpartnership/resources/flyers/mrb20100611_1.pdf

ABOARD Support Group Meeting
The Game Group  - Time : Every Saturday from 12:30 to 2:30 PM
Location/Address: Valley Points Family YMCA - New Kensington Location
For Aspergers/PDD Kids ages 9-15 and their parents.  Kids can socialize and play games while parents can particpate in a positive based support group.
Monthly:  Every Saturday, Contact:  Ginger Shaffer, 724-567-6965,  thegamegroup2009@gmail.com

Cranberry CARES Meeting
June 11, 2010, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Parents in Toto Autism Resource Center. This support group typically focuses on issues and supports for parenting a child diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome or High-Functioning Autism.  All are welcome.  For more information call:  724-473-0990 Please RSVP to Mary at mary@parentsintoto.org  or www.parentsintoto.org RSVP page. For a complete listing of the ABOARD Support Groups visit  www.aboard.org

PaTTAN’s Summer Institute
Response to Instruction & Intervention (RtII) in PA: An “All-Ed,” Standards— Aligned Initiative
June 14-16, 2010 - Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Hershey. Strands for novice and veteran elementary teams, novice secondary teams, and parents Featured National Speakers: Drs. Dylan Wiliam, Don Deshler, Ed Shapiro, Lana Santoro, Russell Gersten, Joe Kovaleski and more.  Act 48 hours.  Parent Summit on June 15th  Register on the PaTTAN website: www.pattan.net

SummerFood Program
On June 14, 2010, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services will open SummerFood, a free breakfast, lunch and recreation program for children and youth 18 years of age and younger in economically disadvantaged communities. Delicious, nourishing meals will be served weekdays at approximately 120 SummerFood locations throughout Allegheny County. A site supervisor and accompanying staff will be present to ensure the well-being of the children. The program is scheduled to close August 20, 2010. For information on SummerFood site locations and meal times, call DHS toll-free at 1-800-851-3838. To participate as a SummerFood site, call 412-350-2798 for eligibility guidelines.For information about food assistance, including SummerFood, visit: www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/food.aspx.

Response to Instruction & Intervention (RtII) in PA: An “All-Ed,” Standards— Aligned Initiative
June 14-16, 2010 -PaTTAN’s Summer Institute -- Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Hershey Act 48 hours.  Parent Summit on June 15th.  Register on the PaTTAN website: www.pattan.net

Add YOUR ideas to the public discussion about services for children and youth in Allegheny County. The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) and Juvenile Justice are once again hoping to hear recommendations from County residents about how best to coordinate services for children and youth in Allegheny County.  Services include those for children, youth, and young adults with mental health concerns, substance use disorders, mental retardation and developmental disabilities, as well as those related to child welfare and juvenile probation.  You will have an opportunity to talk directly with DHS Director Marc Cherna, Juvenile Probation staff and the administrators of the DHS offices that oversee these services.
June 14, 2010, 1:00 PM, Womansplace, McKeesport Auditorium, 410 Ninth Street, McKeesport, PA  15132
June 16. 2010,  4:00 PM,  Westinghouse Valley Human Service Center, 519 Penn Ave., Turtle Creek, PA  15145
June 24, 2010,  2:00 PM Focus on Renewal Community Center, 701 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136
If you have a concern about a specific case, Director’s Action Line (DAL) staff will be on hand to address it with you, or you can call 800‐862‐6783, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

SIS and the PA Plus  (Webinar)
The Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) and the Pennsylvania Plus is the standardized assessment for people with mental retardation in Pennsylvania. Everyone who receives waiver services through the MR System will be required to have a SIS and the PA Plus interview to evaluate the frequency, intensity and type of supports a person with intellectual disabilities (mental retardation) needs. This training explains the purpose of SIS and the PA Plus, describes what a SIS and the PA Plus interview is like and explains how the information is used. The discussion focuses on how the assessment is done, the format and process for the assessment and the assessment’s connection to the development of the Individual Support Plan (ISP). Everyone’s role in completing the assessments is described so that you and your family member will be prepared for the SIS and the PA Plus interview.
June 15, 2010  TIME: 6PM to 7:30PM
June 22, 2010  TIME: Noon-1:30PM
This training is a webinar. You must have a high-speed internet and telephone.  Instructions for participation will be sent to those who register.  You must be a self-advocate or family member to participate.
TO REGISTER: Contact: Karyna Chrislock, Phone: 1-866-865-6170 Email: training@temple.edu Act 48 Credits available ($10 processing fee). Training provided at no cost. To view printable flyer: http://www.temple.edu/thetrainingpartnership/resources/flyers/sisawebinar201006150622_1.pdf Presented by Vision for Equality: This session is taught by Partnership trainers.