Vision For Equality

04/23/2026

Our latest Family Connections Weekly Newsletter highlights the "This is Autism" video series, showcasing the diverse experiences of autistic individuals. We also announce the 34th Annual "My City, My Place" Brighter Futures Awards and invite participation in crucial community assessments. Join us in advocating for individuals with I/DD and Autism.

Email from Vision for Equality, Inc. Join Us in Empowering Families to Advocate and Navigate Life's Challenges Together. Family Connections Weekly Newsletter Top News Headlines for this week:  This i

04/22/2026

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is anticipating the release of a new bulletin on the Appeal and Fair Hearing process. ODP is scheduling this webinar for individuals and families and Supports Coordinators (SCs). This webinar will explain the information that is included in the bulletin, the process of appealing a decision, and what a Fair Hearing is.

This webinar was developed for individuals and families, but ODP encourages SCs to attend so they understand the Appeal and Fair Hearing process. Supports Coordinators are responsible for understanding this process so they can assist their individuals and families when they have questions. There will be time throughout the webinar for individuals and families or SCs to ask questions directly to ODP staff about the topic.

Who should attend? Individuals, Families and Supports Coordinators.

Date: May 1, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8956651861092995928

04/20/2026

Join us for a vital Critical Conversations session, co-hosted by Imagine Different Coalition and Vision for Equality!

🗓️ Mark your calendars: Monday, April 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM ET on FB Live.

Discover how families can effectively engage with their legislators about the importance of Medicaid.

🎤 Featuring State Representatives Dan Frankel & Joe Hohenstein, along with advocates Erin Gabriel, Tom Carasiti, and Ned Whitehead!

Register here: https://www.facebook.com/share/18GLmqvD3p/

04/17/2026

This week's Family Connections newsletter highlights essential initiatives, including Governor Shapiro's new executive orders enhancing protections for individuals with disabilities. Join us for the 34th Annual "My City, My Place" Brighter Futures Awards and participate in our bi-weekly wellness series. Your feedback on the community needs assessment is crucial for improving services. Let's advocate for our community together.

Email from Vision for Equality, Inc. Family Connections Weekly Newsletter Top News Headlines for this week:  Governor Shapiro Signs Three New Executive Orders Expanding Protections for Pennsylvanians

04/16/2026

Join Vision for Equality and Imagine Different Coalition for a discussion on How to Talk to Your Legislators.

Monday, April 20, 2026
6:30pm

Featuring Representative Dan Frankel, Representative Joe Hohenstein and
Parent Advocates, Tom Carasiti and Ned Whitehead from Vision for Equality and Erin Gabriel from Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN)

Register Here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/18GLmqvD3p/

04/16/2026

Family and friends provide billions of hours of mostly unpaid care for adults with disabilities and other conditions across the U.S. A new report finds the value of such care tops all Medicaid spending.

04/14/2026

We’re looking for a Birth–Family Specialist to support Philadelphia families with young children (birth to age five) as they navigate early evaluations and new diagnoses.

This role is all about connection- walking alongside families, offering peer support, and helping them feel less alone in the process.

This position is based in the Philadelphia area and requires the ability to travel locally, so reliable transportation is needed.

Interested or know someone who would be a great fit? We’d love to hear from you. Read the full job description here- https://www.visionforequality.org/about-us/join-our-team/

If you are interested in this position, please send us an email at jobs@visionforequality.org

04/13/2026

Free Webinar: April 20th @ 6pm

Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uVysBxdwT8GB16mT3pQWwA

04/10/2026

Critical Conversations co-hosted by Imagine Different Coalition and Vision for Equality will be having a conversation about, “How to speak with your legislators?” Join us Monday, April 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM ET on FB Live and learn how families can engage with their elected state and federal legislators regarding the importance of Medicaid.

Featuring State Representative Dan Frankel, State Representative Joe Hohenstein, David Gates (attorney at law, Imagine Different Coalition), and parent advocates Erin Gabriel (PHAN), Tom Carasiti and Ned Whitehead (Vision for Equality)

RSVP using this link, https://www.facebook.com/share/18QLzkXaW5/

If you missed our last FB Live, “Denials on the Rise” please visit our You Tube channel and watch the recording.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0JKVoYLFXP3gISY3Hrbm2w

04/09/2026

This week’s Family Connections newsletter highlights Autism Acceptance Month, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting autistic individuals. With CDC statistics showing 1 in 31 individuals are affected, it’s crucial to foster an inclusive environment in schools, workplaces, and communities. Don't miss our upcoming events like the Critical Conversations livestream on April 20, where we discuss advocacy with legislators. Let’s be champions for change!

Email from Vision for Equality, Inc. Check out Our Exciting Community Events! Family Connections Weekly Newsletter Top News Headlines for this week:  Autism Acceptance Month: What It Means and How to

04/09/2026

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh today announced the 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season has been extended from April 10 to May 8, 2026.

Following a delayed opening due to the federal government shutdown, DHS has adequate funding to continue the current season. Secretary Arkoosh urged Pennsylvanians who are behind on or having trouble paying home heating bills to apply for LIHEAP Cash and LIHEAP Crisis benefits before the new May 8 deadline.

Despite calls from the Trump Administration to defund this program that provides life-sustaining heating assistance so Pennsylvanians can safely heat their homes during the coldest months of the year, there are currently no changes to LIHEAP or this season’s program in Pennsylvania. Because DHS has adequate funding to continue the current season, Secretary Arkoosh urged Pennsylvanians who are behind on or having trouble paying home heating bills to apply for LIHEAP Cash and LIHEAP Crisis benefits before the new May 8 deadline. While this season is not expected to be impacted, continued federal funding and support are critical to DHS’ ability to provide uninterrupted assistance for Pennsylvanians during the next winter season.

"LIHEAP helps Pennsylvanians around our Commonwealth heat their homes and keep themselves and their families warm through the winter, but as we welcome Spring, past-due bills and emergencies may still be financially destabilizing,” said Secretary Arkoosh." If you are still having trouble paying your heating bills, please apply by May 8 so LIHEAP can help ease this burden."