Author: Carly Frisk

October 21, 2026

The Gold Standard of Resources: ODP Releases the Fifth Edition of the Gold Book

The service system can be daunting, confusing and overwhelming for many people who need to access it. The Office of Developmental Programs, or ODP has worked diligently to ensure that people are given resources to help lessen the task of finding answers about their care. The mission of ODP “is to support Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities and their families to...

Categories General/Resources

June 10, 2026

When Your Past Stays with You: How we can help support our self-advocates through PTSD and Trauma

Watching The Pitt Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch walks into a crowded waiting room in the ER on the hit show, The Pitt. When Dr. Robby sees how crowded the waiting room is that day, he instantly walks away and the music starts to speed up, depicting his mind racing with flashbacks of working the front lines of the COVID pandemic. During the scene, Dr....

Categories Community/General

May 20, 2026

Competing in Comfort: Adidas unveils a new shoe made for everyone

Chris Nikic set a Guiness World Record by becoming the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman in 2020. Throughout his training, Chris continued to struggle with finding a shoe that fit the unique anatomy of his foot. Down Syndrome, the most common genetic condition, can include different physical characteristics like foot issues. The issues can fall into...

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February 11, 2026

Breaking Free from Loneliness: How Can We Help Our Self-Advocates Navigate and Foster Healthy Relationships and Connection

February is the month of love. It makes you think about the relationships in your life and what they mean to you. Relationships are something that all humans hope for in some capacity. According to author and researcher, Brene Brown, “we are hardwired to connect with others, it’s what gives us purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it,...

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November 19, 2025

When The World is Overwhelming: How to offer helpful support to individuals who experience sensory challenges

Intro According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 5%-16.5% of the population experience sensory processing issues. Sensory challenges can affect people in different ways. People can experience mild to severe sensory challenges, experience too much sensory input, or they may not get enough sensory input. It can affect a person’s daily functioning, and make it difficult to complete...

Categories Community/General

March 12, 2025

Defying Ableism: How Wicked Actress Brings Light to Self-Advocacy and Positive Representation to the Disability Community

The adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, Wicked, was brought to the big screen and was a massive success in theaters. In the movie, Elphaba, a young girl who is misunderstood due to the green hue of her skin, meets Glinda, a girl who is used to privilege and has an unwavering desire to be popular at Shiz University. Elphaba...

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February 26, 2025

Beyond the Fame: Lewis Capaldi’s Journey with Tourette Syndrome

Lewis Capaldi is known for his captivating voice and lyrics to match. He has performed his hits, “Before You Go”, and “Someone You Loved” all over the world. He is a Scottish singer-songwriter and musician who has performed in front of hundreds of thousands of adoring fans. During his show in 2023 at the Glastonbury Music Festival, Capaldi started to...

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November 27, 2024

Keeping The Holidays Bright for Everyone: Support Through the Season

As the holiday season quickly approaches, we may feel excited, nostalgic, and ready to celebrate. As you prepare to gather with family and friends, put up your Christmas decorations, light your menorah, or celebrate a holiday that is meaningful to you, it is important remember that the holidays can also bring challenges and stress to some of the individuals that...

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September 25, 2024

Connect Over a Cup of Coffee – Expand Your Community

On a beautiful Virginia day, Deputy Shannon of the Stafford County Sheriff Department was in Wawa waiting to pay for his items. He noticed a group of people he had met before were outside gassing up their van to go on a trip to the zoo. Deputy Shannon also noticed that one of the individuals was starting to walk away...

Categories Community/Resources

April 3, 2024

We All Grieve: Understanding How to Support People with Autism

As the holiday season ends, we all know that feeling of taking down the festive holiday décor and boxing it up for the next year. For some people, it might bring a feeling of joy to have some organization back into their home. For some, it may bring a sense of sadness and change to let the excitement of the...

Categories General/Resources