The Arc of Pennsylvania
Our Mission:
The Arc of PA’s mission is to advocate with and for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to promote and secure their rights
- Get ready for Disability Pride Month in July with something new from our online store! Our branded merchandise is the perfect way to show your passion for advocacy! Shop here: bit.ly/4euricT
- Medication meant to help can sometimes have adverse effects. Join Dr. Craig Escude and his guest, Nanette Wrobel, RPh, on July 10 at 1:00 pm to discuss commonly used medications in people with IDD and some of their side effects, of which all should be aware. Register here: bit.ly/3ZT3oBD
- July is #DisabilityPrideMonth chosen to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. It’s a time to celebrate the strength, diversity, and experiences of people with disabilities as well as to raise awareness about disability rights and issues.
- Congratulations to PA State Reps Perry Warren and Tina Pickett on their bills to remove derogatory language against individuals with disabilities from our state insurance laws. After passing the legislative process unanimously, Governor Shapiro signed them as Acts 8 and 9 of 2025. bit.ly/45VWRtR
- July is Fragile X Awareness Month. Fragile X syndrome is a rare genetic condition affecting intellectual, behavioral, and social development. It is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism. There is no cureLearn more here: fragilex.org/fx/about/
- This is Autism is a video series highlighting the stories of 12 autistic individuals in Pennsylvania. This series aims to elevate the voices of autistic people of all ages, genders, races, and experiences. Watch the videos here: paautism.org/resource/thi...
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- Pennsylvanians, contact our senators! p2a.co/iuiej1t
- Representative payee services offer a secure approach to money management, utilizing a safe and organized system that adheres to Social Security’s accounting guidelines. For Rep Payee services, email Tracy Gross-Fritz at rep-payee@thearcpa.org or call 717-919-8444.
- The June 2025 Issue 2 of our newsletter TAPestry is now available! Inside you’ll find information on upcoming webinars and events, state and national news, and other disability-related news of interest. Read it here: bit.ly/4emjdH8
- Choose from one of these forthcoming virtual training sessions to learn how to provide Supported Employment and Community Participation Services. Upon completion, earn a basic ACRE certification. Register here: thearcpa.org/training/acr...
- The body temp of ppl w/Down syndrome is regulated differently compared to ppl w/out DS. This can put them at greater risk of overheating when exercising/outside in heat. They may need to drink more water, take more breaks, or move to a cooler place.
- What a busy year we had! From state and federal advocacy work to trainings and Include Me programs, this highlight video captures the many ways we grew and continued to elevate the voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. thearcpa.org/2024-25Highl...
- Join this free webinar on June 30 from 9-10:30 am to learn how to create inclusive environments for people with disabilities. This session covers a broad range of disabilities & emphasizes respectful communication, accessibility, & person-centered support. bit.ly/3FIPz1X
- Join the Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center for a special webinar in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a focus on how technology is shaping the future of accessibility. Register: bit.ly/3Tw3Guo
- This course will teach you how to create and support fully customized jobs. Upon completion, you’ll earn certification for Customized Employment and Advanced Supported Employment in Pennsylvania. Register today at: thearcpa.org/customized-e...
- Last week, staff presented "Health Disparities Among People with Disabilities” at The American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) conference. The conference is dedicated to health and dental care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Registration closes in 1 week for Includi-Con! We’ve got an incredible offering of speakers to bring to life the theme of Alternate Angles: Innovative Inclusion for Students with Disabilities. Held virtually June 24 – 26 from 8:30 am -12:30 pm. thearcpa.org/includicon/
- From @thearcus.bsky.social : LGBTQ+ people w/disabilities often face more challenges because of the way their identities overlap. They can experience discrimination at school, work, or in medical settings. This month, & every month, we honor the advocacy of LGBTQ+ people w/disabilities.
- Have you checked out our online store? It’s full of shirts, hats, backpacks, and more! Display your advocacy while supporting The Arc of Pennsylvania’s work. Shop here: store.modernimprintllc.com/the_arc_of_p...
- Last chance to register for our free, virtual inclusive summer camp! Camp IMCC is for 3rd-6th graders and offers games and activities from the comforts of our own homes every Tues, July 1-Aug 12, 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Register: thearcpa.org/includeme/in...
- The Shapiro Administration has released a report detailing the Medicaid and SNAP programs in PA with a high-level analysis of the potential impacts under proposed federal cuts. Read the full report here: bit.ly/43OPvFG
- Our staff spotlight for June is Include Me Program Specialist, Robin Massina! Robin has been in this role for over 3 years and she had much prior experience working with elementary age students with disabilities. Her favorite part of her job is helping students succeed and grow.
- Want to learn how to provide quality Supported Employment services? Register for our next Making Employment Work training. You’ll earn the basic ACRE certificate required by PA’s OVR and the ODP. thearcpa.org/training/acr...
- Pennsylvanians, use this link to contact our Senators. p2a.co/iuiej1t
- Seeking volunteers to serve as Advisory Committee members for our work w/the Policy Information Exchange. The advisory group meets 4 times/year virtually. Current/future leaders w/disabilities are invited to participate. Find the interest form here: thearcpa.org/pie-advisory... #disability
- Join a presentation on #Diabetes and Individuals with #IDD on Tuesday, June 10. The webinar will include info on the STAT Waiver service in PA. Register: tinyurl.com/3jhm9v3x
- rab your seat: "Disability Acceptance through Literature” virtual book studies are available for kids 8-12 and 12-17 this summer! Signups close June 8. Register here: thearcpa.org/includeme/bo...
- Join @paddc.bsky.social for a free webinar on July 14 to learn about the possibilities for Inclusive Recreation in PA! Learn about the benefits of #inclusive #recreation opportunities & how to create these spaces in your own community. Register: tinyurl.com/5n872d9v #inclusion
- The latest issue of TAPestry is now out! It’s full of the latest happenings from The Arc of Pennsylvania plus state and national #disability news, webinars and trainings, and other disability-related items of interest. Read it here: tinyurl.com/4bzfcwna #autism #downsyndrome #autistic
- Only 3 weeks until Includi-Con! WHERE is Includi-Con? Wherever you are – it’s virtual! It couldn’t be easier to attend, so don’t delay – register now! Register and learn more here: thearcpa.org/includicon/ #inclusion #disabilities #education #specialeducation #iep
- Join a webinar to learn about Aging Our Way, PA as well as the PA CareKit for caregivers and the Caregiver Support Program. Register here: achieva.info/events/aging...
- Just in time for summer vacations, VRBO has announced the addition of new search filters to help travelers with disabilities find accommodations that meet their specific needs. To learn more: newmobility.com/vrbo-rolls-o...
- Looking for an inclusive summer camp that won’t break the bank? Join Camp Include Me Connection Club (IMCC), a free virtual camp for 3rd-6th graders, for games, fun activities, art projects, and more! Everyone is welcome here! Register here: thearcpa.org/imcc-registr...
- Learn best practices in providing Supported Employment services and earn the basic ACRE certification upon completion. Learn more and register here: thearcpa.org/training/acr...
- Williams syndrome is a genetic condition that can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning challenges. Learn more: tinyurl.com/mtdmy77u
- Registration is now open for our next Customized Employment certification course! Successfully completing this course will certify you to provide Customized Employment/Advanced Supported Employment in PA. Register: thearcpa.org/customized-e...
- A limited number of family scholarships are available for PA residents to attend the Bridging Knowledge to Know-How: Empowering Pennsylvania Educators and Partners Conference, in-person or virtually. Apply now: tinyurl.com/y8nn2kve
- Tell Congress: No cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Take action now: bit.ly/3SDigjn #ProtectMedicaid @thearcus.bsky.social
- Please welcome Tessa Moore to The Arc of PA! Tessa started in the role of Include Me Program Specialist in April 2025. Prior to that she was the Executive Director at The Arc Susquehanna Valley. She is looking forward to sharing her passion for inclusion with others!
- Wow! Don’t miss this incredible keynote lineup at Includi-Con 2025! Sally Bailey will start off with the Day 1 keynote, Kelli Suding will have 2 keynotes on Day 2 & Kerry Magro will finish us out with the keynote on Day 3. Learn more & register here: thearcpa.org/includicon/
- Get ready for warmer weather with something new from our online store! Short sleeved shirts paired with an umbrella are perfect for spring advocacy work! Plus, every purchase supports our mission. Shop now: store.modernimprintllc.com/the_arc_of_p...
- The May TAPestry Issue 1 is now out! Inside, learn about upcoming events and programs, our staff spotlight, and national and state disability news. Read it here: tinyurl.com/4pxjtzfb
- ncludi-Con is a 3-day, virtual event designed to help school personnel and parents to build their inclusion skills. Hear from national leaders in the inclusive education realm and learn practical strategies you can use right away. Sign up TODAY: thearcpa.org/includicon/
- t’s here! Read the spring issue of our Include Me News & Tools newsletter for information on Includi-Con and other upcoming programs and see what our Include Me team has been up to. Access it here: tinyurl.com/2btpdsun
- Don’t miss our next Customized Employment training! Successfully completing this course will certify you to provide Customized Employment/Advanced Supported Employment in PA. Learn more and register here: thearcpa.org/customized-e...
- Don’t miss an amazing lineup of keynote speakers at Includi-Con 2025! Includi-Con will be held virtually from June 24-26. Reserve your spot NOW at: thearcpa.org/includicon/
- Next month, our Making Employment Work training will be held online June 4-6. Gain the knowledge and skills essential to providing high quality Supported Employment services and receive a basic ACRE certification. Register here: thearcpa.org/training/acr...
