Lansdale resident raises funds for autism speaks.

A Lansdale resident who is a member of Alpha xi delta sorority at Indiana University of Pennsylvania helped raise more than $3000 for Autism Speaks, which is the largest autism awareness organization in the nation. I think its great that this sorority took time out of their schedule to raise money for such an important …

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Stand up against bullying

This week I wanted to discuss the topic of bullying. Unfortunately, when I was growing up the kids I went to school with didn’t want to accept me because of my disability. While I didn’t let the bullying get in the way of my education, it still hurt my feelings. Sadly, bullying is still a …

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Adapted Sports in Philadelphia

Are you a big sports fan? Have you always dreamed of being an athlete? Have you ever felt that this dream is impossible because you are disabled? Well if you are a sports fan and would love to play sports regardless of disability, there’s great news for you, you can. The Pennsylvania Center for Adapted …

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Township to make local softball/baseball complex handicapped accessible.

The Upper Gwynedd Township has recently agreed to a contract with a local landscaping contractor to make improvements to the Nor Gwyn Baseball Complex. S & H Landscaping Contractors has been hired by the township to make the baseball complex comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In order to make this facility ADA compliant …

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Assistive Technology Resources in Philly

Technology has become a big part of our everyday life as much as assistive technology has become a crucial asset in the lives of people with disabilities. The following resources are available to help people with disabilities maintain a level of independence in their daily lives, by assisting them in communicating with others in their …

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Lansdale resident raises funds for autism speaks.Stand up against bullyingAdapted Sports in PhiladelphiaTownship to make local softball/baseball complex handicapped accessible.Assistive Technology Resources in Philly

May
12
2012

Lansdale resident raises funds for autism speaks.

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A Lansdale resident who is a member of Alpha xi delta sorority at Indiana University of Pennsylvania helped raise more than $3000 for Autism Speaks, which is the largest autism awareness organization in the nation.

I think its great that this sorority took time out of their schedule to raise money for such an important cause. Its a perfect example of people coming together to help others in their community. The funds that were raised will go towards research and resources to help individuals living with autism and their families.

If you would be interested in donating towards this cause or becoming a part of the Autism Speaks organization here in the Philadelphia area, you can email them at Philadelphia@autismspeaks.org or feel free to call them at 1-856-858-5400.

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Apr
29
2012

Stand up against bullying

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This week I wanted to discuss the topic of bullying. Unfortunately, when I was growing up the kids I went to school with didn’t want to accept me because of my disability. While I didn’t let the bullying get in the way of my education, it still hurt my feelings. Sadly, bullying is still a big problem in our schools and other public places. This is unacceptable. People with disabilities deserve the right to an education and be a participant within our communities without having to worry about not being accepted by their peers.

It seems that some school districts now are really starting to step up against bullying. For example I know that the North Penn School District has a zero tolerance policy against bullying which is great as long as its something that’s enforced. Also a lady recently spoke to students at Gwynedd Mercy Academy to speak up about bullying in honor of her sister who is deaf because students were teasing her and calling her names because of her disability.

People who bully others don’t seem to realize how their words and actions are hurtful to their victims. I hope that if your a victim of bullying you don’t allow the bullies to get in the way of your dreams, if you see it happening to someone else please speak up against it and if you are a bully, please knock it off, its hurtful, find another way to resolve your unhappiness and issues without taking it out on others.

The last thing I want to point out is that no one is immune to developing a disability, it can happen at birth or later in life, so if your bullying someone think of it this way, what if it was you? Would you like to be treated this way on a daily basis? I don’t think you would feel that same way if it were you. Please stand up against bullying.

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Apr
16
2012

Adapted Sports in Philadelphia

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Are you a big sports fan? Have you always dreamed of being an athlete? Have you ever felt that this dream is impossible because you are disabled? Well if you are a sports fan and would love to play sports regardless of disability, there’s great news for you, you can. The Pennsylvania Center for Adapted sports located here in the Philadelphia area offers a variety of adapted sports programs to individuals with physical disabilities. Some of the Fall/Winter programs they offer are indoor rowing, aquatics, sled hockey, indoor climbing, and skiing. Some of the Spring/Summer programs they offer are rowing, tandem cycling, hand cycling and walking. The fees for some of these programs are $5.00/ session for their aquatics program, 10.00/session for their indoor climbing program, and $50.00 for their skiing program, this fee includes the lift, the lesson and all the equipment. For more information on these programs or to make reservations please call 215-765-5118.

If you are a veteran and your interested in getting involved in an adapted sports program, you can do so by getting involved through the Paralyzed veterans of America Association. Some of the sports programs offered through the Paralyzed Veterans of America Association include billiards, bowling, Paralyzed Veterans of America Bass Tour, shooting sports, and racing and fitness programs. The requirements for being eligible to become a member of this association are you Must be a U.S. citizen, a veteran of the U.S. Armed forces whose discharge status was anything other than dishonorable, and be an individual who has suffered from a spinal cord injury due to trauma or disease. IN order to obtain the application to become a member go to the Paralyzed Veterans of America’s website at www.pva.org click to the far right of the page where it gives a drop down box of options and click I want to become a member, after that there is a tab at the top of the webpage that says application click on it, and the application will open up, you will need to print it out, fill it out and mail it to the Philadelphia VA Regional office, P.O. Box 42938, Philadelphia, PA 19101. If you have any question or need help in any way feel free to call their office at 215-381-3057.

SO if you are a big sports fan and would like to get involved with one of these organizations, go for it. please don’t let the fact that you have a disability deter you from fulfilling your dreams. Regardless of disability we can do anything with the right information and resources. I hope that you have found this information to be helpful and hope you get involved within your community.

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Apr
08
2012

Township to make local softball/baseball complex handicapped accessible.

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The Upper Gwynedd Township has recently agreed to a contract with a local landscaping contractor to make improvements to the Nor Gwyn Baseball Complex. S & H Landscaping Contractors has been hired by the township to make the baseball complex comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In order to make this facility ADA compliant the company plans to pave all the pathways and add a ADA compliant, prefabricated, composted restroom. These changes will allow the facility to be more accessible to people with disabilities to attend events held at the facility. The funding for this project has been made available by the PA Department of Conservation. My first impressions of this complex are that its a great facility and while although I personally have not faced obstacles at this facility due to my disability despite mobility issues, I feel that an individual in a wheelchair would really struggle to enjoy their time at the complex especially without the option of having a handicapped accessible restroom area.

I think it is great that this project will be underway in the near future, to make this facility more handicapped accessible. In my opinion, it shows people within our communities are taking action to make areas more accessible. Once this project is completed I hope you can get out and enjoy the improved facility. G

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Mar
21
2012

Assistive Technology Resources in Philly

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Technology has become a big part of our everyday life as much as assistive technology has become a crucial asset in the lives of people with disabilities. The following resources are available to help people with disabilities maintain a level of independence in their daily lives, by assisting them in communicating with others in their own communities or elsewhere. Currently, there are

keyboards for the disabled, with larger size buttons and spaced out letters, to help with typing skills (examples of these keyboards can be viewed here: http://www.disabledonline.com/disabled-online-store/keyboards-and-mice/large-keylarge-print-keyboards/). There are also computer programs that can type for the disabled (Dragon Naturally Speaking software: http://www.disabledonline.com/products/disabled-online-store/alt-input-devices/voice-recognition/dragon-naturallyspeaking-11-premium/) if they’re not able to use a keyboard.

Temples Institute on Disabilities offers device demonstrations, device loans, and device refurbishing programs to help out the disabled financially. They also offer training, technical assistance and public awareness activities. Any Pennsylvanian with disabilities can participate in this program, as well as older residents and their families.

If you’re interested in more information about any of these programs or to obtain assistive technology for yourself or someone you know, contact Temples Institute on Disabilities at: 1-800-204-7428.

Another option available would be the Assistive Technology Clinic at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, which serves both children and their families. Once you call and request assistance, you’ll be mailed an intake form to fill out and mail back. Your next step is to call and set up an appointment for a two hour evaluation. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Assistive Technology Clinic at Children’s Hospital in Philly at: 1-215-590-5819.

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Mar
08
2012

Playground for all abilities

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The Chestnut Street Playground Community is looking for volunteers and more ideas to help make improvements to the playground located at Chestnut Street and Wile Avenue in Souderton to make it handicapped accessible. Plans for the playground include a major play structure, a handicapped accessible swing set, small, individual spring rides including an Americans with Disabilities Act lady bug, a hippo tunnel and an interactive music structure that is designed particularly for children with autism and Asperger’s. The playground will be open to all children with or without disabilities. Plans for the playground also include special “pour and play” ground, which is sort of a rubberized surface that is more accessible for kids and those who need to wheel onto the playground.

I am really happy that this group is making improvements to this playground. All children should be able to play and enjoy the playground regardless of ability. When I was a kid, I loved going to the playground to play with my friends and the other children. However, part of the playground was made of a rigid stone surface. Back then, I used a walker to get around , so the stone ground wasn’t really accessible. SO glad that people are looking at the bigger picture so that all children can enjoy that experience.

For anyone wishing to get involved or wanting to learn more about the playground can attend a volunteer night for the playground project March 6 at 7pm at Souderton Mennonite Church, across the street from the playground. For more information call pastor Clemmer at (215)723-3088 ext. 18. To learn more about the project or to get in touch with volunteers visit www.chestnutstplayground.org.

by sam1111

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Mar
01
2012

Library adds new features to story time for hearing impaired kids

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The North Wales Library recently added sign language to their story time who are deaf or hearing impaired, so they can participate with children without an impairment. They recently invited a special guest to the library, a professional American sign language interpreter, who signed the songs and stories with the children, as they were being read by the library staff. The library hopes to have more story time sessions, once funding is made available for this project.The library currently offers other story time programs, the first one is for special needs children, which would be better served in a smaller group setting. The second one is for youths with therapy dogs, where the children don’t enjoy reading. In addition to the story time programs, the library recently added some baby sign language books to their collections. For information on these story time events check www.northwaleslibrary.org or the online community bulletin board at www.npenn.org.

While I think it’s great that the North Wales Library is offering these services to children without disabilities, so they’re exposed to sign language and can adapt more easily to children with special needs, I hope that one day, the library will offer special classes for parents, caregivers and teachers, so they’re also better able to communicate with the deaf or hearing impaired community. I would love for these classes to be made available to people who would be interested in learning sign language too, as this form of communication would be a great skill for business owners who want to communicate with customers with these disabilities.

by sam1111

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Feb
18
2012

Finding the Right Place to Live

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This week I’ll discuss housing options for people with disabilities. Most people want the option to live on their own, regardless of their disability or limitations. Some people with disabilities currently live with other family members, since they assume there is no other alternative as a housing option. If you are considering moving from your current home, to strive for greater independence, there are a few low income housing options in the Philadelphia area which cater to people with disabilities.

One option is the Pheasant Run Apartments, which offers handicapped accessible housing. Another option is the Dock Village Apartments,which offers handicapped accessible housing with walk-in showers and kitchen sinks that will allow a wheelchair user to wheel directly up to the sink while washing dishes. Also, the cabinets sit lower as well, so wheelchair users can reach supplies in the cabinets easily.

Another option that is available is to obtain an apartment through the Lamb Foundation, which offers housing for people with disabilities. There is a monthly program fee which includes: utilities, house keeping services, laundry services, prepare meals, cable, telephone and other support services.

If you’re interested in applying for an apartment through Pheasant Run, you can call (215) 256-6973 and request an application or stop by the office and pick one up.

If you’re interested in applying for an apartment at Dock Village, you can call (215)362-8073 to request an application or stop by and pick one up.

To apply for an apartment through the Lamb Foundation, you can log on to www.lambfoundationpa.org and download a copy of the intake application or call the office at (215)699-5600 to have the application faxed or mailed to you.

Once you’ve receives your completed intake application, a representative will schedule an interview with you and your family members. Depending on the results of the interview, you will be invited to tour any available apartment at Pheasant Run or Dock Village. If you’re accepted by the Lamb Foundation, you will consent to a month to month residential program agreement.

Remember, if you’re looking to gain independence on a daily basis, I hope you will find these suggestions and information valuable in assisting you to achieve your dreams and goals of continuing to strive for greater independence in your every day lives.

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Feb
09
2012

Accessible colleges in Philadelphia

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This week I wanted to discuss colleges. I feel it’s an important topic to discuss, since many high school seniors are considering what their next step in life will be. Many adults with disabilities like myself have been considering going back to school to improve our chances of getting a well paying job. There are so many options to attending school; you can attend classes on campus, online or a combination of the two options. For some people with disabilities, it’s easier for them to attend classes online, but for others, they would rather attend classes on campus, so they can socialize with their peers.

Today, I wanted to share some information with you regarding two colleges in the Philadephia area if you’re considering college. You’ll be aware of the services available to you, and how to apply for those services. The first college is Montgomery County Community College. Their disability service center provides support and accommodations to students with disabilities such as: tutoring ,academic advising, advocacy and supportive counseling, reasonable classroom accommodations, arranging accommodations for classes, documentation requirements and assistive technology. The second college in the Philadelphia area is Gwynedd Mercy College. Their disability support services will provide reasonable accommodations to students upon request such as: tutoring, academic counseling, and classroom accommodations.

If you’re interested in applying for services through Montgomery County Community College, you should apply for admission into the college first, then arrange to meet with the director(Blue Bell campus) call 215-641-6300 or the coordinator(Pottstown campus) call 610-718-1800. To apply at Gwynedd Mercy College, you’ll need to submit a disability support services accommodation application, supporting documents regarding your disability and course schedule. Then, you’ll need to set up a meeting with the counselor/Director of disability support services by calling 215-646-7300 ext. 427. I hope that you find this information helpful, if you are considering attending college in Philadelphia, and need to know what types of services are available within the colleges to help you succeed in your endeavors.

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Jan
25
2012

Employment resources for people with disabilities in Philadelphia

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For some members of the disabled community, it’s a dream of theirs to become gainfully employed either by entering the workforce for the first time since completing high school or college or just re-entring the workforce in general. This dream can become a reality, despite whatever limitations you may be facing. There are resources available to assist you in achieving this goal. For instance, if you are considering gaining employment, the first piece of advice I would give is to call your Philadelphia Social Security office and tell them you are considering entering the workforce. They will send you a red book and some pamphlets explaining how much in wages you may earn on a monthly basis and still receive your full disability check. This information should also explain the trial work period, which will allow you to work and earn full wages, plus receive your full disability check for the first nine months of employment. Currently, the minimum wage is $1,000, which means after your trial period expires, if you are at or below the minimum wage amount, nothing will change, regarding your disability check. If you’re considering employment, the reason I want you to check with the Philadelphia Social Security Administration so you will have real time information from the government agency that may affect your Social Security status. Make sure to print out any information they may give you for your own records.

Call the Philadelphia Social Security office (215-225-9165) and ask what their application process is for job placement. There are a number of employment agencies, such as Pennsylvania career link ( www.cwds.state.pa.us/ ), where you can set up an online account to access job postings through their agency or stop by their office for job placement assistance. Additionally, Goodwill stores (215-653-7095) also help train and employ people with disabilities. If you’re interested in applying with Goodwill for job placement and training, call and tell them you’re interested in receiving services. They will get you started with their application process. I hope that if you’re considering employment, you find this information helpful and relevant in answering some of your basic questions.

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