Vision For Equality

12/05/2025

This week's Family Connections Newsletter highlights essential resources for families of children with special education needs. Join our holistic self-care session and learn about transitions from childhood to adulthood in our upcoming webinars. Gain insights from real-life experiences and explore smart home technology for better accessibility. Stay informed with our biweekly wellness series and communication resources.

Email from Vision for Equality, Inc. Don't Miss All the Upcoming Community Events. Register Today. Family Connections Weekly Newsletter News, Updates and Events for the Week of December 5, 2025 Langua

12/04/2025

We’re proud to share our 2025 Impact Report, highlighting the progress we’ve made together to preserve disability history and uplift the voices of people with disabilities in Western Pennsylvania.

From major advancements to our online archive and the expansion of our Empowered History project, to the successful launch of our inaugural Beyond History fundraising event, this year has strengthened the foundation for long-term impact and deeper community connection.

Read the full report to see what your support made possible: https://www.wpdhac.org/2025-impact-report/

12/03/2025

LIHEAP Applications are now OPEN!

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help you pay your heating bill during the cold winter months.

For more information about the program and how to apply, review our LIHEAP flyer.

If you live in Philadelphia and are having trouble applying for LIHEAP or are facing other utility issues, contact us at 215-981-3700 and leave us a message.

Link for more information:

https://www.pa.gov/services/dhs/apply-for-the-low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap

12/03/2025

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually on December 3rd to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities and raise awareness about disability issues. Celebrations involve events and activities organized by governments, organizations, and communities to foster inclusion, accessibility, and support for people with disabilities in all aspects of life.

12/02/2025

Join us for a cozy Winter Holiday Gathering where parents of children with IDD and/or Autism can connect and share stress relief techniques.

The holidays can be full of fun and memories, but also a bit stressful at times—especially for caregivers. If you care for someone with intellectual or developmental disabilities and/or autism, we invite you to join us to learn stress relief techniques, explore helpful resources, and connect with other caregivers for support. We can't wait to see you there!

Register Here- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-holiday-gathering-for-parents-of-children-with-idd-andor-autism-tickets-1969872767475?aff=oddtdtcreator

Monday, December 22, 2025
5:00pm - 6:30pm

Location: Logan Library, 1333 Wagner Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19141

The Logan Library has with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot.

12/01/2025

After Hours with Policy from the Office of Developmental Programs:

Waiver 101: What is a Waiver, and What Does it Do?

December 4, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism (ID/A) and their families to join in a virtual 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?

ODP staff will provide an overview of the ID/A Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) waivers available in Pennsylvania. This session will consist of a brief history of ID/A services in PA, what ODP is, and how the "waivers" came to exist and their purpose. The session will also include time to explore the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) and ODP’s websites for this information.

To Register: ee64929c-e7d7-4bbf-95dd-cd9dd95f7847@418e2841-0128-4dd5-9b6c-47fc5a9a1bde" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/ee64929c-e7d7-4bbf-95dd-cd9dd95f7847@418e2841-0128-4dd5-9b6c-47fc5a9a1bde

11/30/2025

November is National Family Caregiver
Month. Caregiver Action Network offered a series of webinars throughout the month.
If you didn’t get to attend, please see the link below.

Plug-In to Care Hub Community Support Plug-In to Care Hub Community Support Care Connections: The Plug-in to Care Webinar Series This November, join Caregiver Action Network for Care Connections, a special Plug-in to Care Webinar Series celebrating National Family Caregivers Month 2025.Throughout th...

11/29/2025

Today we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We are also sharing a timeline of Civil Rights and Education Law.

11/29/2025

Today we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (IDEA)

We thank the parents, families and advocates who worked to get this law passed.

🌟Fifty years ago TODAY, President Gerald Ford signed a landmark promise into law: The Right to Education for All Handicapped Children. The historic act—now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)—guaranteed every child with a disability the right to a free, appropriate public education. Before IDEA, millions of children were kept out of classrooms. Afterward, doors opened, expectations rose, and a vision of inclusion began to take shape.

For five decades, this law has helped build a more just and inclusive future—one fueled by the tireless ADVOCACY of families, educators, and lawmakers who believed that every child deserves the chance to learn, belong, and thrive.

11/28/2025

November is Assistive Technolgy (AT) Awareness Month.

11/27/2025

From the Vision for Equality family to yours, we wish you a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving.

Please take the time to enjoy and relish the
holiday with your friends, family, and loved
ones. And may you be blessed with
happiness and good health throughout the year.