Vision For Equality

04/02/2026

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

04/02/2026

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

04/02/2026

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month this April, we highlight essential resources and events for families navigating autism and developmental disabilities. Join our upcoming meetings and programs designed to support young adults and their families. Let's promote understanding and acceptance together.

Email from Vision for Equality, Inc. Get Involved This April - Check out Our Exciting Community Events! Family Connections Weekly Newsletter Top News Headlines for this week:  Governor Issues Proclam

04/02/2026

The theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2026 is “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value”. This UN-aligned theme focuses on moving beyond just awareness to ensuring the dignity, rights, and inclusion of all autistic individuals, fostering environments that celebrate neurodiversity.

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

“For many years, the ID/A community did not feel like a priority issue for the General Assembly. That has changed, at least in part, because of the focus this administration has brought to it, along with the strong voices of families, DSPs,and the provider community.

But we should be honest about where things stand.

Reducing the waiting list is a tremendous achievement.”

https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2026/03/gov-shapiro-reduces-waiting-list-for-people-with-intellectual-disabilities-but-the-work-continues-opinion.html

But for many families, the services they receive are still available for fewer hours than needed by the individual and their families.

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

03/27/2026

The Pennsylvania Office of Childhood and Early Learning (OCDEL) has put together a Toolkit for Family Leaders. Please see the Toolkit below for more information and resources.

https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/services/children/documents/ocdel-family-leadership-toolkit-english.pdf

03/26/2026

There’s still time to Register and attend!
Philly Fam’s Educate to Connect Series

Back to Basics Advocacy: When Systems are Uncertain, It’s Time to Get Back to Basics!

For Families, by Families

For all ages and stages.

Link to Register:

https://bit.ly/Back2BasicsMarch26?r=qr

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

03/24/2026

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

03/21/2026

Today is World Down Syndrome Day.
This day celebrates individuals with Down syndrome, raises awareness, and advocates for inclusion, rights, and well-being.

Learn more here:
https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/

03/19/2026

Philly Fam is back with the Educate to Connect Series

Back to Basics Advocacy
When systems are uncertain, it’s time to get Back to Basics.

Thursday, March 26, 2026
7:00pm- 8:30pm

Register Here:

https://bit.ly/Back2BasicsMarch26

You can also call 267-702-1601 to register. When you call, please leave the date, event and your contact information. Thank you!

We hope to see you on March 26th.