Disability Empowerment Center

12/12/2025

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas", read by Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living's Social Skills member Ben.

12/11/2025

🎄✨ DEC the Halls 2025 was a HUGE success! ✨🎄

A big shoutout to Barb for all her hard work—she made sure everyone had an amazing time from start to finish! ❤️

Swipe through our photo gallery to see all the smiling faces… and keep an eye out, you might even spot a few mischievous holiday elves hiding in the mix! 🎅🧝‍♂️📸

12/03/2025

🌍 Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025!

Today, December 3, we celebrate the achievements, contributions, and leadership of people with disabilities, while recommitting to advancing disability rights, inclusion, and accessibility in every part of our communities.

This year’s theme — “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress” — reminds us that true progress is only possible when everyone can participate fully and equally.

✨ Why This Day Matters
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes the rights, dignity, and well-being of people with disabilities and raises awareness about the barriers many still face in accessing employment, healthcare, transportation, housing, and community life.

➡️ 🔎 Key Focus Areas for 2025:

✅ Accessibility in all environments

✅ Equal opportunities in education, employment, and community life

✅ Strengthening health and social protection systems

✅ Removing barriers to full participation and leadership

✅ Advancing disability-inclusive policy and innovation

At Disability Empowerment Center, we remain committed to supporting individuals with disabilities in leading self-directed, independent lives and advocating for inclusive communities where everyone belongs.

💜 Let’s continue working together toward a more accessible, equitable, and empowered future!

11/27/2025

🧡🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Disability Empowerment Center and Roads to Freedom!

Today, we’re especially grateful for our consumers, partners, staff, volunteers, and community members who make our mission possible every single day.

Thank you for supporting independence, inclusion, and choice and for all you do to help create a more accessible and inclusive world.

Wishing everyone a safe, warm, and joyful holiday! 🦃✨

Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living
Disability Empowerment Center

11/14/2025

🚨 When disaster strikes, how do we ensure everyone in our community is safe—especially people with disabilities?

Join this webinar on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for an important conversation on building truly inclusive emergency preparedness.

We'll hear from frontline leaders who've navigated real disasters, learn about Pennsylvania-specific risks, and discover how you can advocate for more inclusive planning in your community.

Register now. Link in the comments.

FISA Foundation
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living

🚨 When disaster strikes, how do we ensure everyone in our community is safe—especially people with disabilities?

Join this webinar on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for an important conversation on building truly inclusive emergency preparedness.

We'll hear from frontline leaders who've navigated real disasters, learn about Pennsylvania-specific risks and discover how you can advocate for more inclusive planning in your community. Register now. Link in the comments.

FISA Foundation The Pittsburgh Foundation Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living

11/11/2025

2025 Veterans Day Free Meals

The following list is for the national restaurant chains offering free food or meals on Veterans Day.

- Applebee’s
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Chic-fil-a
- Chili’s
- Dairy Queen
- Dave and Buster’s
- Denny’s (morning)
- Firehouse Subs
- Golden Corral (evening)
- IHOP
- In-N-Out
- Krispy Kreme
- Olive Garden
- Outback Steakhouse
- Panera Bread
- Starbucks
- Texas Roadhouse
- Wendy’s

11/10/2025

Please see attached flier regarding the Coalition-sponsored Dine and Donate event being held at the Texas Roadhouse in Palmyra on Wednesday, November 19th.

➡️ You must have the flier for us to gather profit - the flier can be presented via paper or electronic versions.

In addition, the Lebanon County Coalition to End Homelessness will have an information table available to share shelter and food resources.

There will be donation opportunities available at the restaurant that evening as well. A jar for cash donations and a box collecting items for the Point in Time Count event scheduled for January 21st, 2026.

Items for consideration include:
✔️ Hats
✔️ Gloves
✔️ Socks
✔️ Travel-size Toiletries
✔️ Crackers
✔️ Water
✔️ Band-Aids

Thank you so much for your attention and participation. Let's make this a great event for all the individuals that we serve.

11/07/2025

Just sharing...

Aster Place will be accepting applications for the waiting list. Conveniently located in Manheim Township, between Neffsville & Lititz, near Lancaster Airport on Route 501, Aster Place Apartments offer a peaceful, inviting setting. This general-occupancy community comprises 66 two- and three-bedroom apartments (no one-bedroom apartments). The on-site community building and nearby park provide additional recreational space for the families and individuals who call Aster Place home. Minimum and maximum income limits apply. Rent includes water, sewer, and trash removal. General Occupancy Community.

Professionally managed by HDC MidAtlantic. Equal Housing Opportunity. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Community Manager at 717-581-1337 or email AsterPlaceApartments@HDCweb.org

Thank you,
The HDC MidAtlantic Team

Aster Place
201 Starflower View, Lititz, PA 17543
Phone: 717-581-1337 TTY 711
AsterPlaceApartments@HDCweb.org

10/31/2025

🎃👻

All you need to do is take a few simple steps and you'll be set up with a trick-or-treating station that every child can enjoy.

Provide Barrier-free Access

Some trick-or-treaters may have difficulties navigating inclines, stairs, curving walkways, etc. Make sure to place your trick-or-treating station at a location that is easily accessible to all.

🎃 Make sure the path to your trick-or-treating station is well-lit.

🎃 Clear your driveway and pathways of any obstacles.

🎃 Park your vehicle on the street or in your garage to allow easy access.

🎃 Set up your trick-or-treating station at the end of your driveway or in your garage.

🎃 If your home doesn't have a driveway why don't you use your vehicle to trunk-or-treat? Show your creativity and decorate your vehicle to make it extra special.

Create a Safe Environment

If you are planning to decorate your trick-or-treating station, your front yard, or other visible areas of your home make sure that you are creating decorations that can be enjoyed by all.

🦇 Refrain from the use of strobe lights and high-pitched, sudden loud noises which may be alarming for some children.

🦇 Some pets can be intimidating so make sure that they are kept safely away from the front of the house.

Everyone is different

Different disabilities can affect how someone interacts with others. All it takes is a little patience and understanding to ensure that trick-or-treaters feel comfortable and welcome.

👻 Not everyone can eat candy, so consider stocking some non-edible treats such as stickers, pencils, crayons, small toys, etc. stored in a bowl separate from your edible treats.

👻 You may see trick-or-treaters that appear older, but that doesn't mean that aren't excited about your treats!

👻 Some trick-or-treaters may not be able to see what they are getting. Consider explaining to them the delightful treat you're providing.

👻 Not everyone communicates in the same way. Just be patient and understanding. The children and their caregivers will appreciate it.



Thank you, Treat Accessibly!