Life Without Limits- Planning with Vision for Equality

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; mental health advocacy groups; legislators; and muni...

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. 

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!

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 the sibling.

 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 the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in...

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.

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 and Building Resilience. Sign up today...

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. 

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. 

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 during the pandemic, how their outlook has ch...

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 other forms of health insurance and public funding...

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. 

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. 

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.