Voices Rising for Justice

04/02/2026

Vision for Equality will be closed Friday, April 3rd and Monday, April 6th. We will reopen on April 7th.

04/01/2026

This year, Governor Josh Shapiro has officially proclaimed April as Autism Acceptance Month in Pennsylvania, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity, understanding, and support for individuals with Autism and their families.

Governor Shapiro stated:

“In recognition of the many accomplishments and contributions made by those with developmental disabilities, I encourage all Pennsylvanians to support those with a developmental disability and their families in all aspects of community life.”

Autism is a spectrum, meaning each person experiences it differently. Some may require minimal support while others require 24/7 care.

03/31/2026

👮‍♂️⚖️👩‍⚖️ You're invited! Join us for 'Autism and the Justice System' on April 29th from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM at Drexel University: https://cstu.io/f61db3

The event will feature a day of conversation and collaboration to better support autistic individuals across the justice system. Here the perspectives and experiences of autistic self-advocates and learn practical tools and strategies from justice-related professionals.

Registration is free! Deadline to register is April 15, 202

03/30/2026

The Shapiro Administration’s 31 percent reduction in the emergency waiting list is a significant policy achievement.

03/30/2026

This article talks about harm to another person. Reader discretion advised.

GROUP HOME WORKER ACCUSED OF ‘EXCESSIVELY BATTERING’ AUTISTIC CHILD: Shannon Cooper, a 38-year-old employee at a Florida group home, has been arrested and accused of child abuse. Deputies got reports of child abuse at a group home after the father of a non-verbal autistic child noticed he had multiple injuries. Detectives watched a video that reportedly showed Cooper “excessively battering” the child. In the video, Cooper is reportedly seen pulling the child around by their collar, hitting them several times, straddling the child and putting her weight upon them, throwing the child into furniture, and taking the victim into rooms that she thought didn't have cameras. Detectives also noted that the child had bruising on their neck, right and left arms, and scratches on their hand and face.

03/18/2026

When you or your loved one needs care - do your loved ones know what you would like? If you are caring for someone in your family, your son, daughter or another loved one, do you know what they would like when they need care? Please join us via Zoom for this important and much needed conversation.

Hosted by Marianne Roche.

The follow up sessions will be in person at a later determined date.

To attend, contact Carol Costello at ccostello@visionforequality.org

You can also call 267-702-1601 to Register.

We hope to see you on Friday, March 20th at 10am.

03/17/2026

Today is the 2nd Annual Profound Autism Day. Vision for Equality is celebrating today, by sharing information and resources about Profound Autism. We also invite you to join us in our advocacy.

03/15/2026

There is still time to Register!

What do you want your family or friends to know when you need care? Are you taking care of a family member? What do they want when they need care?

Join us for this important conversation, led by Marianne Roche.

Register today!

Email Carol Costello- ccostello@visionforequality.org or call
267-702-1601

03/04/2026

Trigger Warning: content may be upsetting to some readers. Use of taser mentioned.

https://triblive.com/local/lawsuit-accuses-pittsburgh-police-of-using-taser-on-autistic-man-without-cause/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHkGj0OCJl5uasNkvHSQhVSERlE0El-HAzElBA_D545VPWMX_jhC7pptcQBQs_aem_SrLaFDK4QUmJyHt-fSe_Tg

A Pittsburgh man who is on the autism spectrum is suing city police, alleging they shocked him with a Taser and arrested him without cause two years ago. Kevin Matthew Dunn, 24, of Pittsburgh’s Westwood neighborhood said in the complaint filed last month in federal court that no criminal charg...

03/02/2026

🎉 It's Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! From the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, the theme of: "We’re Here. Then, Now, Always." is the message. People with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — and always will be. Our continued advocacy is critical to ensuring full inclusion and support for people to live, learn, work, and thrive in their communities. JOIN US!

03/02/2026

Join the Public Interest Law Center and the Legal Clinic for the Disabled for a special education legal clinic on March 4. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a special education lawyer.

RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4TawEEv7ZKVSYDM5DkuQC8jri4tyN9tc5FUWJMYOEq5nHvw/viewform

02/28/2026

What I Want My Loved Ones to Know About My Care (when I or a loved one needs care)

It’s important to plan ahead and let our loved ones know what we’d like. If you are planning with/for a loved one, it’s important to listen to them and honor what they would like.

Hosted by Marianne Roche

Part one is virtual. Part 2 will be scheduled in various locations throughout Pennsylvania.

Please call 267-702-1601 or email:
Carol Costello
ccostello@visiongorequality.org