Join Tracy and Rebecca for a conversation about Lifesharing. Tracy is a Lifesharing Participant and Rebecca is a Lifesharing Coordinator with Cares Lifesharing means living with and sharing life experiences with supportive persons who form a caring household. Lifesharing is recognized as both a close personal relationship and a place to live. Lifes…

Wendy Davis, Director of Marketing and Outreach for Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), joins us to discuss the life-changing funding PATF helps Pennsylvanians receive. Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a statewide, non-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians acquir…

Wellness can mean something different to everyone. What's important, is finding what works for you! PA Family Network advisors, June Morris, Chris Gaus, and Ernie Roundtree, join us to discuss what activities and habits they do for wellness. Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental healt…

Terri Spry joins us to discuss her role as a Caregiver and her experience using a Supports Broker. A Supports Broker is paid to perform a variety of duties to support a person in self-directing services and supports. They can offer assistance with employer-related functions, enhancing natural supports, and service and supports continuity and mainte…

Join us for an honest conversation about the impacts of Medical Trauma. As caregivers and individuals, it's a challenge many of us will inevitably encounter. Chou Hallegra and Diana Smaglik, both Program Managers at Vision for Equality, offer invaluable insights shaped by their personal experiences. With professional experience and family members w…

PA Family Network Advisor Sara Nye joins us to chat about the assistive technology (AT) she uses every day. Just like all of us, Sara relies on technology to stay connected with friends, excel at work, and keep herself safe.

An emergency can happen at any time, and being prepared is important. This is even more true for those who use devices that may need charged, or have medications that need to be taken daily. Join PA Family Network Advisor, Rachel Frometa, as we discuss the importance of preparing for emergencies and how to get started. For More Information: https:/…

Assistive Technology(AT) is ever-evolving- but how did it get it's start? Join Pierce Meire and Paul Smaglick as they chat about the history of AT. Pierce studied technology in school and is a PA Family Network Advisor. Paul is the dad of a man who receives services through the ODP System and uses assistive technology daily. He is also an IT profes…

PA Family Network Advisors, Joan Nery and Gabe Smaglik, join us to chat about Lifesharing and the potential benefits! Lifesharing supports individuals with intellectual disabilities to live with qualified adults who provide support in their home. It means living with and sharing life experiences with supportive persons who form a caring household.…

Join us to hear Ernest Roundtree, a PA Family Network Advisor and certified reflexologist, discuss his journey to independent living and the daily choices that help him live a life he loves. Ernie is also actively involved in his community and the Special Olympics.

Going to the Emergency Room can be scary for anyone. For those with an intellectual disability/autism, it can be even more daunting. Rachel Chitswara, a physician's assistant in Wilkes-Barre, joins us to discuss the importance of being prepared for a medical visit.Av PA Family Network

Chele and Melissa join us to share their unique perspectives and experience with Post Tramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma. We discuss the importance of seeking help, sharing in safe spaces, and breaking the stigma. Chele Abraham-Montgomery and Melissa Suarez are both family support specialists with Vision for Equality. If you or someone you …

Lt. David Godfrey joins us to discuss the innovative program, Project Lifesaver. Project Lifesaver is a 501 (C)(3) community based, public safety, non-profit organization that provides law enforcement, fire/rescue, and caregivers with a program designed to protect, and when necessary, quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are pron…

Gabe Smaglik and Ursula Lesic join us to discuss the role that self-advocacy has played in their lives. Self-advocacy raises awareness. It makes others aware of the challenges you’re facing. Speaking up for yourself and communicating needs identifies gaps, blocks, and issues earlier, allowing your support system to help you find a solution Join us …

When asked who decides what activities he does every day, Billy quickly and clearly answers "I do". A life of choice is important to living a good life, and a cornerstone of the self-directed model. Join us as Billy and Lynn dive into 'A Day in the life of Participant Directed Services". Billy is a 37 year-old man who self-directs his services. Lyn…

My ODP is a great hub of information for anyone with a disability in Pennsylvania. Join Carey, a PA Family Network Advisor, as she discusses the importance of using and exploring My ODP. MyODP.org provides a single place for people to access the Office of Developmental Programs' virtual trainings, resources and communications, as well as to registe…

Mary Elks and Sara Nye join us to discuss the importance of Roommate Interviews and finding the right match for you. Sara and Mary are both Family Advisors with the PA Family Network and Self Advocates. Check out this resource to get ideas on questions to ask during a Roommate Interview. https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/critical-questions-ask-po…

Cheryl Parker joins us to discuss the effects of Trauma, prevention, and seeking help. Cheryl is the Western Region Director of Person Driven Clinical Solutions. With a Masters of Education, she uses her 29 years of experience and education in Human Services to the benefit of those who use Autism/ID/DD services.…

Jeremy Yale and Lauren House (ODP) join us for a two-part podcast to discuss the benefits of Assistive Technology and accessing it through the waiver system Jeremy is the Director of the Bureau of Policy and Quality Management on behalf of ODP and Lauren House is the Director of the Bureau of Community Services on behalf of ODP. The Office of Devel…

Jeremy Yale and Lauren House (ODP) join us for a two-part podcast to discuss the benefits of Assistive Technology and accessing it through the waiver system Jeremy is the Director of the Bureau of Policy and Quality Management on behalf of ODP and Lauren House is the Director of the Bureau of Community Services on behalf of ODP. The Office of Devel…

Nicole and Linda Sue, two PA Family Network advisors with decades of experience in the ID/A field, discuss their experience as Common Law Employers through the Vendor Fiscal model of Participant Direction. The Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) Financial Management Services (FMS) model is a self-directed service delivery approach. The model is in…

Wellness isn't one 'set' action or method- it's all-encompassing. Chou Hallegra joins us to discuss Wellness as a Way of Life. Chou oversees the Philadelphia Family Support Projects at Vision for Equality. She is a mental health specialist and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) trainer and consultant passionate about promoting wellbeing and b…

Darcy and Sue, two PA Family Network advisors with decades of experience in the ID/A field, discuss their experience as managing employers through Agency With Choice. Agency With Choice is a service delivery option in which individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Autism and/or their family members are able to self-direct their services – whi…

Jennifer Harniman-Crangle, LSW joins us to discuss the challenges that families with medically complex loved ones face trying to receive the care and services they need. Jennifer is a Family Navigator with Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care (PCHC), working on behalf of ODP.Av PA Family Network

Trooper Jasmine Berrocal joins us to discuss her role as a Community Affairs Officer. She shares her experience and chats about the importance of knowing your local law enforcement; particularly as a family/individual with a disability. Members assigned to the Community Affairs Section work with a multitude of community groups and organizations; me…

Assistive Technology can open up a world of possibilities for people with disabilities and their families. Join Family Advisors and parents, Nicole and Lisa, as they discuss the importance of Assistive Technology and what their kids use to live a more independent life of choice.Av PA Family Network

Taylor has been a Support Service Professional for 5 years, working in Self Direction with her friend and Family Advisor Noelle for the majority of that time. Working for a family has many differences from being employed by an agency. Join us as we discuss Taylor's experience!Av PA Family Network

Barb Sapharas is a sibling and professional working in the disability field in Ohio. With over 40 years of experience and an MA in Speech Language Pathology (SLP), her perspective as a sibling and professional supports her passion to empower people with disabilities, families, and professionals. Join us for a conversation on the impact of Trauma on…

Join us as Dr. Gregory Cherpes discusses the importance of Trauma Informed Care and Wellness and what the state is doing to help those in the commonwealth. Dr. Cherpes is the Medical Director at the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and has been ingrained in the disability community since completing his psychiatric residency and fellowship at …

Ernie Roundtree, an advisor with the PA Family Network, joins us to discuss Reflexology, his journey to get certified, and the benefits of managing stress. Ernie has competed in the Special Olympics and ran the Boston Marathon.Av PA Family Network

When people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families hear the word 'trauma', they seldom think of themselves as being traumatized. Join us as Dr. Beth Barol discusses the challenges to understanding, recognizing, and overcoming trauma through wellness and resilience. Registration is open for our June Summits on Moving Forward…

Elopement is a terrifying and dangerous reality. We hope it won't happen, but being prepared is vital. Join Francine Hogan for real-life examples of how to be aware of wandering, help prevent it, and helpful tips on what to do if your loved one elopes.Av PA Family Network

Emergency Management exists at all levels of government- but what do they do? Join us as we chat with John Matz, Coordinator of the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), as he sheds light on what EMA's do.Av PA Family Network

Join Katie-Marie Wilson from the Office of Developmental Programs, as we tackle the topic of receiving waiver services while in the hospital.

Emergency Preparedness can be a daunting topic to discuss, but it's also incredibly important for the safety and wellbeing of you and your loved ones. Join Francine Hogan and Diana Smaglik as they discuss the importance of Emergency Preparedness and offer some tips to help you prepare for the unexpected.…

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted us all significantly. With our lives turned upside down, we had to learn how to adapt to a new 'normal'. For some of us- this meant becoming an unexpected caregiver. Join us for a conversation with two siblings and PA Family Advisors, Jamie and Sarah, as we discuss their journey of becoming unexpected caregivers durin…

David Gates, an expert on housing options, shares his insight on future planning. Join us to discover the first steps a family and individual with a disability need to consider when looking at future housing options. Mr. Gates has been representing families and adult consumers in efforts to access services and supports under Medical Assistance and …

Francine Hogan, Director of the PA Family Network, joins us to talk about the organization and its new initiative, Community Engagement. Get insight into the origins of Vision for Equality and exciting information on our upcoming theme for the quarter- Emergency Preparedness.Av PA Family Network

Join us for an interview with Mary, a sibling providing Lifesharing. She takes us through the steps of her decision to do Lifesharing with her brother and all the joys and trials she's faced.Av PA Family Network

Join us as PA Family Network advisor Gabe and Lifesharing participant John, discuss how they came to live together. From strangers to family, these two have forged a strong bond through Lifesharing.Av PA Family Network