The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania

04/07/2026

Melody May - 2026 Pennsylvania DSP of the Year - ANCOR
Congratulations Melody!!!! We are so proud and grateful for your kindness, compassion and dedication!
The Arc of Pennsylvania The Arc of the United States Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability

04/07/2026

“Join us for a vibrant and inclusive Community Resource Fair designed to connect individuals with intellectual, developmental disabilities and Autism, and their families, to valuable services and supports. This event brings together a wide range of local vendors and organizations offering resources on transition, housing, employment, transportation, recreation, and more.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with service providers, learn about available programs, and discover tools that promote independence and quality of life. Whether you are seeking guidance, support, or new opportunities, this fair is a welcoming space to explore what’s available in our community.

Come connect, learn, and empower your journey—everyone is welcome.”

04/05/2026

04/02/2026

Happy April! Join us this month for a variety of workshops and support groups to help you live a good life and navigate life's challenges. Thinking about the transition to adult services? Our waiver workshops can help you understand how waivers fit into the process!

Register for all upcoming events at www.pafamilynetwork.org/events

Support Groups
- Caregiver Support Group: Wednesday, April 1st and Tuesday, April 21st
- Sibling Good Life Group: Monday, April 27th

LifeCourse Workshops
- Using the LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve Part 1: Thursday, April 2nd
- Using the LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve Part 2: Thursday, April 9th
- Peace of Mind Long Term Planning: Thursday, April 30th

Waiver Workshops
- Waiver Basics, Part 1: Monday, April 6th
- Waiver Basics, Part 1: Friday, April 10th
- Waiver Basics, Part 2: Saturday, April 11th
- Waiver Basics, Part 2: Monday, April 13th
- Advanced Waiver, Part 1: Saturday, April 18th
- Advanced Waiver, Part 2: Saturday, April 25th
- Advanced Waiver, Part 1: Tuesday, April 14th
- Advanced Waiver, Part 2: Tuesday, April 28th

04/02/2026

April 2 is World Autism Day! The United Nations observes this day to celebrate and promote the rights and freedoms for autistic people across the globe. This year, the theme is: “Autism and Humanity — Every Life Has Value.” It’s a call to action to move beyond limiting narratives and to recognize the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person. How will you celebrate autism awareness and acceptance today?

04/02/2026

Please join The Arc of NEPA advocacy department as we host Disability Rights PA on the topic of Employment and Maintaining Benefits.
Date: Tuesday April 21, 2026
Time: 6 pm
Registration Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2CemJDzbTqyyvc-UhL9w8g #/registration

Questions: Reach out to Roseann Polishan rpolishan@thearcnepa.org

04/02/2026

🎉April is Autism Acceptance Month and we are thankful for Governor Shapiro for issuing the proclamation! Full Text:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Proclamation by the Governor

WHEREAS, anyone can be affected by autism, regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, or geography; and children and adults with autism are our family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and students; and

WHEREAS, autism affects 1 in 31 children, including more than 400,000 individuals in Pennsylvania, with an estimated 73,000 children and adults receiving autism services in Pennsylvania, and more than 5.4 million people in total in the United States; and

WHEREAS, each individual with autism carries a unique diagnosis across the spectrum and has distinctive skills, characteristics, and qualities; and

WHEREAS, research shows that early intervention can improve a child’s development and individualized support provided by trained professionals can lead to better outcomes for individuals and caregivers; and

WHEREAS, individuals with autism may benefit from specialized services and community support to ensure their health and safety and successful participation in community life; and

WHEREAS, people with autism, families, professionals, and community members are supported through connecting with others in a variety of settings and the sharing of resources, including through access to ASERT initiatives such as the Statewide Resource Center and ; and

WHEREAS, the aim for Autism Acceptance Month is to recognize the diverse nature and abilities of people with autism and to encourage support through family, friends, professionals, and community that will allow a broader understanding and appreciation of those individuals.

THEREFORE, I, Josh Shapiro, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim April 2026 to be
AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH

I encourage all Pennsylvanians to provide their support in furthering autism awareness and acceptance.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this twentieth day of March two thousand twenty - six, the year of the Commonwealth the two hundred fiftieth.
Governor Josh Shapiro
First Lady Lori Shapiro

04/01/2026

We’re extremely proud to share that our CEO, Sherri Landis, has been named a 2026 City and State PA Above & Beyond honoree! Please join us in celebrating Sherri on this well-deserved honor and thanking her for her visionary leadership and dedication to our mission. 🎉
Read more here: https://bit.ly/413zqeo

03/31/2026

Registration is open for this year's Everyday Lives Conference! It will be a multi-day virtual event and you can see the complete program here: https://everydaylives.org/