Voices Rising for Justice

01/15/2026

Honest Conversations: Respecting Myself, Respecting Others
We’re excited to share that we’re using the Elevatus Training program to support young people with disabilities in learning about healthy relationships, boundaries, safety, and self-advocacy.

The program begins with a parent and caregiver component, giving families the tools and confidence to have open, supportive conversations with their young person. From there, youth will participate in interactive sessions that cover topics like understanding bodies, consent, communication, friendships, and navigating relationships with confidence.

Register today!
https://www.tfaforms.com/5204253

01/09/2026

Happy January! Join us this month for a variety of workshops and support groups to help you live a good life and navigate life's challenges.
Register for all upcoming events at www.pafamilynetwork.org/events

Good Life Groups/ Support Groups
- Caregiver Support Group: Wednesday, January 7th
- Caregiver Support Group: Tuesday, January 20th
- Sibling Good Life Group: Monday, January 26th

LifeCourse Workshops
- Peace of Mind, Long Term Planning: Friday, January 16th
- Transitions Through the Lifespan: Thursday, January 22nd
- Using the LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve, Part 1: Tuesday, January 27th
- Using the LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve, Part 2: Wednesday, January 28th

Waiver Workshops
- Advanced Waiver for Siblings, Part 1: Monday, January 5th
- Advanced Waiver for Siblings, Part 2 : Monday, January 12th
- Waiver Basics, Part 1: Tuesday, January 6th
- Waiver Basics, Part 2: Tuesday, January 13th

01/07/2026

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Join the City of Philadelphia Office of Domestic Violence Strategies on Friday, Jan. 9, in Love Park at 12:15 p.m. for a group picture ahead of . Wear something blue, the international color of human trafficking awareness, and join us for a group picture to show that we believe and support survivors of human trafficking.

12/10/2025

12/10/2025

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a case that advocates say could have major implications for how intellectual disability is defined.

11/29/2025

10/29/2025

As a result of the government shutdown, the Pa. Department of Human Services has announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be paid until the shutdown ends and funds are released to Pennsylvania.

Nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians receive SNAP benefits monthly. In Philadelphia, 473,000 households obtain SNAP … that’s 30 percent of the city’s population. With the delay in SNAP benefits, thousands of Philadelphians -- including children, the elderly, and our most vulnerable community members -- will be without food.

The disruption in SNAP benefits will begin Nov. 1. Furthermore, it is not known whether recipients will be reimbursed for SNAP dollars not released due to the shutdown.

At DBHIDS, we are committed to addressing all social drivers of health that impact the people and communities we serve. Therefore, we can refer people to resources already in place. Some of those resources include pantries listed in The Philly Food Finder, a City resource that helps people locate free food, meals, nutrition services, and public benefit support hubs. Food services are categorized as Food Sites, General Meal Sites, Older Adult Meal Sites, Student Meal Sites, Food Assistance, and Benefits Sites, and any resident is eligible.

Additionally, the City of Philadelphia cross-departmental leadership has created a landing page, What you need to know about significant changes to SNAP benefits, that provides an overview of changes to SNAP as result of the H.R.1 Bill implementing work requirements for SNAP recipients.

Food Resources are listed below. Some are County Specific and some are State-wide.

PA Resources:
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/food/food-assistance/food-security-in-pennsylvania/food-resources-for-pennsylvanians #:~:text=If%20you%20are%20in%20immediate,1%2D1%20for%20live%20help.

Chester County:
https://chestercountyfoodbank.org/

Delaware County:
https://www.delcopa.gov/cosa/food-resources

Montgomery and Bucks County:
https://www.alongthewaypa.org/food-and-clothing?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13973968251&gbraid=0AAAAABvbgSkz3lUNxBstExRctw7zTjcUZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9obIBhCAARIsAGHm1mQuuyN5Ne_FHckgtQzGbBQmhfwQrOmkv877BhowgT8FUQQE_Nz3PyoaAuIBEALw_wcB

Philadelphia Food Finder
https://www.phila.gov/food/

10/21/2025

Due to the ongoing Federal Shutdown, November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be unavailable for some individuals.

Resources through local food banks, community meal programs, or other emergency food resources may be available to assist individuals experiencing food insecurity. PA Navigate (https://pa-navigate.org/) can help you locate these resources.

Additional information is available at:
Due to Federal Shutdown, November SNAP Payments Will Not be Made to Nearly Two Million Pennsylvanians | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of P…

Find social services that serve your area, anywhere in the US

09/17/2025

Man Pleads Guilty To Attacking Man With Autism

https://butlerradio.com/man-pleads-guilty-to-attacking-man-with-autism-2/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR64J4t1mu0-ljtZWMr1HiBembW48MjzPvyLnqPvUja63yVOdJocVLvKhr-a6Q_aem_zdzbx9Kw6kwt5VRwukUJ3Q

A second man has pled guilty and was sentenced in the attack of an man with autism in the City of Butler. The incident happened last September when police were […]

09/12/2025

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is inviting individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism and their families to join in a virtual exploration and discussion with members of the Division of Policy and Program Innovation. These sessions are informal, meaning the conversation will not be recorded, and rules will be set before the session starts to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe to provide questions and comments. The session will be held through Microsoft Teams. Please note: This event is being held only for individuals and family members; this is not an event for someone who is only a professional.

What Will Be Covered?

Family members often want to stay as involved as possible with the services their relative receives. This session will consist of an overview of services that family members can provide through ODP's 1915(c) waivers, as well as who is considered family and other important definitions. The session will also include time to explore where this information can be found.

Date: September 18, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Register at this link:
c78516c5-c70e-457b-88f3-1470a1305ab8@418e2841-0128-4dd5-9b6c-47fc5a9a1bde" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/c78516c5-c70e-457b-88f3-1470a1305ab8@418e2841-0128-4dd5-9b6c-47fc5a9a1bde

09/01/2025

Today we celebrate hard work and dedication.
Vision for Equality is closed today and we will re-open on September 2, 2025. Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

08/04/2025

Learn some great tips for traveling from The Arc of Pennsylvania.

Going on a summer vacation is an exciting experience and traveling with an individual with an Intellectual Disability (ID) can also be an excellent opportunity to increase independence and expand a sense of community. Good planning and support are important to ensure a fun and rewarding vacation for everyone. Click here for travel tips: https://tinyurl.com/5n8bjbcy