Category: Resources

October 20, 2021

Down Syndrome Association of the Valley

I recently had the pleasure to meet Michele Jones, the President of Down Syndrome Association of the Valley (DSAV).  DSAV serves Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania as a regional support group. She was excited to share some of the opportunities that DSAV has to offer people with Down Syndrome and their families.  Down Syndrome Association of the Valley provides everything...

Categories Community/General/Resources

October 6, 2021

Down Syndrome Awareness

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month and did you know that in our region we are lucky enough to have the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UPMC?  It is one of only ten centers in the United States. The clinic is run by Dr. Peter Bulova who is also the Co-Director of Magee Center for Women with Disabilities. He is...

Categories General/Resources

September 29, 2021

Morphic is Raising the Bar

Morphic’s mission is to make computers easier to use. This software is quick and easy to install on Windows or Mac computers making an all-in-one accessibility package just a few clicks away. Morphic accesses the accessibility features already built into the operating system of a PC or Mac and makes them easier to customize and reach with shortcuts. Many are...

Categories General/Resources/Technology

September 15, 2021

It’s a Cup of Coffee for the Win!

I don’t know how many of you are like me. I love my coffee. And for those of you who know me well I may have a little bit of a struggle until I have that first cup.  I used to drink my coffee with flavored creamer but within the last few years I have gravitated towards plain black. Pour...

Categories General/Resources

August 25, 2021

Virtual Cooking Classes for Self-Advocates

Food…it’s something we all enjoy and can’t live without.  It brings people together and creates opportunities for us to gather and enjoy one another’s company while making memories.  For a lot of people, the most appetizing thing about food, of course, is eating it; however, for others it’s the cooking aspect.  You may not know it, but there are many...

Categories General/Resources

August 11, 2021

Special Needs Summer Camps

Summer is officially here and with summer comes… summer camps!  Perhaps you remember your summer camp days of hiking, swimming, canoeing, playing sports, doing crafts, sitting and singing around campfires, and participating in many other  recreational activities.  Oh, and we can’t forget eating the camp food! Summer camps offer people many different opportunities, as well as a chance to establish...

Categories Community/General/Resources

July 21, 2021

Beat the Heat

It’s a hot one out there! This year seems like we are right on schedule with both the heat and humidity! Summer can be the best time of the year to get outdoors to do all the fun activities such as exercising, picnics, swimming, gardening, and so much more. The combination of both heat and humidity can also bring many...

Categories General/Resources

July 14, 2021

Coming Out of the Cocoon

The vaccination rate is climbing, the wearing of masks is decreasing, and we are venturing out into the world again.  If you are like me, the world feels new, and the same, and wonderful, and overwhelming.  I couldn’t wait to hug my friends and family after not seeing them in over a year.  The joy of sitting on a couch...

Categories Community/Resources

June 23, 2021

Support Resources

Every June, our Nation comes together to support equality, liberty and justice for members of the LGBTQ+ community.  Many of us care for someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has an intellectual disability, but may not be aware of the resources available to provide information and support.   Helping people acquire the resources, tools and supports to access...

Categories General/Resources

June 16, 2021

The Joy of Adaptive Ski with My Family

Interested in trying something new? Join this zoom event to learn about adapted skiing. Maybe this winter, you will enjoy a new sport. Self-Advocacy Voices – Mentorship Incubator Program is hosting an event this Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.  You are invited to join this free Zoom presentation, The Joy of Adaptive Ski with My...

Categories General/Resources