Disability Empowerment Center

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!

10/06/2025

Wishing you a warm and healthy Sukkot. http://ow.ly/Ns8n30sJ2Rc

10/01/2025

On this Yom Kippur, we reflect, repent, and seek forgiveness. May you have an easy fast and find peace and renewal. G’mar Chatima Tova. http://ow.ly/nnTS30sJ2Rb

09/22/2025

Wishing everyone a sweet and prosperous New Year on this Rosh Hashanah! May your year be filled with joy, health, and blessings. Shana Tova! http://ow.ly/kHh930sJ2R3

09/11/2025

Today, we pause to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. We also recognize the courage of first responders, the strength of survivors, and the resilience of our nation.

💙 May this Patriots Day remind us to stand strong in the face of challenges, united in the spirit of hope and perseverance.

09/08/2025

🌟 Happy Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Week! 🌟
🗓 September 7–13, 2025

This week, we celebrate the extraordinary compassion, dedication, and hard work of DSPs across Pennsylvania who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those with autism. 💙

DSPs are more than caregivers—they are mentors, advocates, and friends who empower the people they support to live meaningful, independent lives. Your unwavering commitment makes a difference not only this week, but every single day of the year.

🙏 Thank you, DSPs, for all that you do! 💪❤️



Proclamation by the Governor

WHEREAS, direct support professionals are integral to the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities, regardless of their age; and

WHEREAS, a direct support professional assists an individual with disabilities daily with the most intimate needs and provides a broad range of support, from preparing meals and medications, to personal care, to transporting clients to school, work, and other activities; and

WHEREAS, the assistance that direct support professionals provide allows individuals with disabilities to help maintain connections with their friends, family, and community while enabling them to lead fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, direct support professionals build close, respectful, and trusted relationships with the individuals they serve; and

WHEREAS, the participation of direct support professionals in medical care planning is critical to the successful management of medical events, post-acute care, and long term support and services; and

WHEREAS, the direct support professionals community encapsulates a multitude of professions, including but not limited to direct care workers, personal attendants, in-home support workers, and paraprofessionals, all of which share an equal role in providing long­ term support and services for millions of individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, direct support professionals have worked tirelessly to support individuals with disabilities, and their dedication will continue to make the Commonwealth an inclusive and safe place for all.

THEREFORE, I, Josh Shapiro, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim September 7-13, 2025, as DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS' WEEK to encourage all Pennsylvanians to recognize and appreciate the dedication and contributions that these providers make to enhance the lives of their clients.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this nineteenth day of August two thousand twenty-five, the year of the Commonwealth the two hundred fiftieth.
~ Governor Josh Shapiro

08/28/2025

📢 We’re excited to share some great news!

The Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living (RTFCIL) and the Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) are collaborating to deliver high-quality, consumer-driven services within our respective service areas.

This partnership will bring even more resources and support to our community, reflecting our shared commitment to strengthening, stabilizing, and expanding the core services of Independent Living in our communities.

For more information or to request services, please use the following contact information:

Phone: (570) 327-9070 or (800) 984-7492

Email: office@cilncp.org

Website: www.cilncp.org

We look forward to this next chapter of growth, collaboration, and empowerment — together, for the communities we serve.

08/13/2025

Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council Will hold its quarterly board meeting this Thursday, August 14th 2025 via Zoom. Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend. The link to register will be in the first comment.

07/20/2025

Come support the 14th Annual March for the Fallen!

📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
📍 Location: Fort Indiantown Gap
🌧️ Rain or Shine

Choose your challenge:

🏃‍♂️ 5K Run/Walk
🚶‍♀️ 14-Mile and 28-Mile Light or Heavy March
🚴‍♂️ 28-Mile Hand Cycle
🌐 Virtual Participation
Register now: runsignup.com

Order your T-shirts by Sunday, August 27 at 11:59 PM: totalidentitysolutions.chipply.com

Let's come together to honor and remember. 💙

07/15/2025

Nothing is changing about Medicaid right now. Any changes resulting from the budget reconciliation bill passed on July 4th will happen over time. You can still apply for Medicaid, renew your coverage, and access healthcare as usual. Be sure to update your contact info with the County Assistance Office to ensure you get important updates and renewal paperwork.

Read more about how to update your information with Medicaid here: http://bit.ly/4nJAE8x

07/14/2025

Through our ChildProtect Program, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health is proud to offer free vaccines to children 0-18 years of age who do not have health insurance or have Medical Assistance (Medicaid).

On Monday, July 21, our team will hold a clinic at Family Medicine Susquehanna in Marietta where vaccines to protect against chicken pox, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, Hib, Hepatitis A + B, HPV, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, pneumococcal disease, polio, and rotavirus will be available.

Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend signing up at 717-544-3811.