Category Archives: Education

FREE screening: “Opening Doors to College”: Hundreds of colleges across the U.S. are opening doors to higher education for students with intellectual disability.

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opening doors

Opening Doors to College” is a 36-minute documentary by filmmaker Dan Habib which shows the educational, social and self-determination strategies of inclusive higher education at Millersville and Temple Universities. Hundreds of colleges across the U.S. are opening doors to higher education for students with intellectual disability. The 36-minute film “Opening Doors to College” shows how students like Fudia, Missy, Curtis, and Janet are leading this inclusion revolution as they immerse themselves in classes, residential life, extracurricular activities, and the entire college experience at Millersville and Temple Universities.

Watch the trailer here.

Watch this film for FREE on June 19 at noon. Register here:

https://millersville.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9UkMSy5vStakbUOUMCr4jw

Hundreds of colleges across the U.S. are opening doors to higher education for students with intellectual disability. The 36-minute film “Opening Doors to College” shows how students like Fudia, Missy, Curtis, and Janet are leading this inclusion revolution as they immerse themselves in classes, residential life, extracurricular activities, and the entire college experience at Millersville and Temple Universities.
Posted in: Disabilitiies, Education, Events & Actvities

“‘It’s not cutting it’: Significant roadblocks deter special education students from progressing at home” – Lancaster Online

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unique struggle

by Alex Geli

“Denise Schwebel and her daughter, Emma, sat at the head of their dining room table on a recent Friday afternoon to finish the final few online assignments of the school year.

“Schoolwork for Emma, who is in a multiple disabilities support program run by the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 at Conestoga Valley High School, is always a team effort. The 20-year-old is cognitively delayed and in a wheelchair, can’t talk and only eats pureed foods.

“But because she hasn’t been in school since mid-March because of the coronavirus shutdown, her mom has been by her side to help.”

Click here to read this Lancaster Online / LNP – Always Lancaster article in its entirety.

Posted in: Disabilitiies, Education, Uncategorized

“Coronavirus video for kids explains the basics.” – Futurity

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A new coronavirus video for kids offers scientifically accurate information in an engaging and understandable way.

coronavirus for kidsClick on the graphic to watch the video.

by Nardy Baeza Bickel-Michigan

“The coronavirus pandemic affects everyone, including children, who may find the complexity of the situation especially difficult to understand, researchers say.

“’Packaging evidence-based information about the pandemic in a digestible way and delivering it directly to educators and education systems will benefit children, their teachers, and their families,’ says Andria Eisman, a research assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

“These brief resources focus on age-appropriate content, knowledge about the virus, and how to prevent its spread to empower kids and inspire them to act with their own agency.”

Click here to continue reading this article at Futurity.org.

Posted in: Corona virus - Covid-19, Education

Department of Aging Receives $3 Million to Support Aging and Disability Resource Centers during Pandemic

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PA link logo 2

Harrisburg, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) Office has been awarded $3 million from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living to support efforts to mitigate and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ADRC, also known as the PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources, is a statewide program that provides information and referral services to older adults and individuals with disabilities. This program helps individuals with activities of daily living by connecting them with medical and non-medical supports and services. Consumers, family members, caregivers and providers, can contact the PA Link through the helpline,1-800-753-8827, or here.

“During COVID-19, being able to obtain information and access support services is a vital concern for older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers,” said Aging Secretary Robert Torres. “The PA Link provides seamless connection to a vast array of services, supports and person-centered counseling delivered in local communities throughout the Commonwealth. This federal funding will help PA Link boost capacity and improve connectivity to serve consumers during this pandemic and beyond.”

The PA Link will use the grant funds to administer the following activities:

Virtual Management of ADRC Access Functions: Implement e-services for PA Link staff and partners to improve business operations related to accessing PA Link programs.

Care Transition Services: Assist those most at risk of COVID-19 who are seeking transitional support from hospital or nursing home to a home setting.

Food Order and Delivery: Collaborate with local grocery stores, restaurants and/or online/mobile food order and delivery services to provide delivered groceries and food.

Assistive Technology: Help older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers and care providers learn how to use telehealth technologies to provide and receive needed services. The Department will partner with the Assistive Technology Act program to provide assistive technology assessments, devices and training.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide PPE for community partners to ensure in-home supports can be maintained safely.

Marketing of PA Link Helpline and Outreach: Increase public awareness of the PA Link helpline,1-800-753-8827.

Reduce Social Isolation: Provide individuals with the ability to request periodic check-in calls by trained staff and increase awareness of low-cost programs that connect individuals through broadband and telecommunication equipment.

Information and Counseling Services: Increase the capacity of the PA Link network partners to respond to requests from individuals in need of resource information, assistance with referrals and person-centered counseling.

Visit the PA Department of Health’s dedicated Coronavirus webpage here for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.

Learn more about the various programs offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging here.

SOURCE: news release

Posted in: Aging, Disabilitiies, Education, Events & Actvities

Link Webinar trilogy is complete | Do not miss any of these – Register for these three Link Webinars now

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Each of these webinars are totally FREE to attend; take advantage of these special training opportunities for Link to Aging and Disability Resources partner agencies.

Managing through uncertainty FINAL-3

Click on the above graphic; then click on the link in the .pdf file to register.

dr lark Webinar flyer with CEs

Click on the above graphic; then click on the link in the .pdf file to register.

amitamehta announcement FINAL

Click on the above graphic; then click on the link in the .pdf file to register.

 

Posted in: Education, Events & Actvities, People, Trauma

“With Schools Closed, Kids With Disabilities Are More Vulnerable Than Ever” – NPR

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school kids with disabilitiesMaria Fabrizio for NPR

by Elissa Nadworny

“With school closed, Marla Murasko begins her morning getting her 14-year-old son, Jacob, dressed and ready for the day. They have a daily check-in: How are you doing? How are you feeling? Next, they consult the colorful, hourly schedule she has pinned on the fridge.

“Jacob, who has Down syndrome, loves routine. So this daily routine is important. Schools in Hopkinton, Mass., are closed until April 6th, so Jacob’s morning academic lesson — which according to the schedule starts at 9 a.m. — has been temporarily moved to the basement.

“But there’s been one big hiccup to all this: What, exactly, to learn during these at-home sessions?”

Click here to read this article at NPR in its entirety.

Posted in: Corona virus - Covid-19, Disabilitiies, Education

Department of Banking and Securities Provides Recommendations for Pennsylvanians Financially Impacted by the Coronavirus

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dept of banking logo

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) collaborates with state agencies to develop resources available for Pennsylvanians financially impacted by COVID-19.

“As Pennsylvanians continue to heed the advice of public health experts to stay calm; stay home and stay safe, it is important to know your financial options,” said Acting Secretary Richard Vague. “Pennsylvanians should take action now to understand their financial situations and stay informed of what resources are available.”

Access Your Financial Institution

When possible, complete transactions using online or mobile banking, phone banking, drive thru, or ATMs.

Make use of services available 24/7 on your financial institution’s website or mobile app including: balance inquiries, transfers, loan payments, mobile check deposits, and transaction inquiries.

Consumers should contact their financial institution for any concerns with credit, automatic bill payments, or debt obligations like credit card and mortgage payments.

Unemployment and Workers’ Compensation

If you are unable to work because of COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation benefits. Learn more about eligibility requirements, latest developments, and how to get started here.

Trouble Paying Credit Cards

If you have seen a reduction in pay due to COVID-19 and are struggling to make your credit card or loan payments, contact your lender right away. Regulatory agencies have encouraged financial institutions to work with customers impacted by the coronavirus. For guidance visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or contact a credit counselor near you.

Trouble Paying Your Mortgage or Rent

If you do not have enough money in your savings to cover your mortgage payment or rent contact your lender or landlord immediately. Do not wait until you’re behind on payments. Some lenders may work out an agreement with you to waive late fees, set up a repayment plan or offer loan forbearance.

For mortgage information visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or find a housing counselor near you. For rental assistance visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Short Term and Emergency Loans

Consider your options before taking out a high cost short term loan. Talk with your creditors to negotiate more time to pay bills or borrow from friends or family before exploring loans offered by banks, credit unions, or licensed small loan companies that you may not be able to repay. Confirm the lender is licensed with DoBS and borrow only what you can afford to pay back.

Paying Utilities

On March 6, 2020, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman signed an emergency order prohibiting electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunication and steam utility terminations by utilities that are under the PUC’s jurisdiction. The moratorium will remain in place for as long as the Proclamation of Disaster, issued by Governor Tom Wolf related to the Coronavirus, is in effect. If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, contact your service provider for possible emergency assistance programs.

Insurance Issues

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has resources and information available for consumers who have insurance related questions and developed an FAQ that provides information and answers to common questions related to insurance coverage and COVID-19.

Financial Scams

Consumers should be on the lookout for financial scams during major events such as the outbreak of COVID-19. If you have received an unsolicited phone call, when in doubt, hang up. Never provide credit card or other financial or personal information as part of an unsolicited phone call and think twice if you’re being pressured to act now.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, visit the PA Department of Health’s dedicated Coronavirus webpage that is updated daily.

Learn more about COVID-19 information and guidance for financial Institutions and consumers from DoBS.

Anyone can contact DoBS at 1-800-PA-BANKS or 1-800-722-2657 to ask questions or file complaints about financial transactions, companies, or products.

Posted in: Education, Uncategorized

The latest coronavirus information

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coronavirus info

Click here for the daily Coronavirus PA COVID-19 Updates and much more helpful information.

Posted in: Aging, Aging in place, Caregiving, Corona virus - Covid-19, Disabilitiies, Education, Emergency Preparedness, Events & Actvities, Health, Veterans

“Youth teaching tech to seniors fosters generational connections” – WITF

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intergenerational

by Megan Kamerick

“The United States now has 46 million people age 65 or older. That’s a record number, according to a study by the Pew Research Center.

“More of these senior citizens are adopting technology, but most also say they need help using new electronic devices such as smart phones. Falling behind on technology puts seniors at risk for social isolation, which makes them vulnerable to poor health and earlier death. It’s also expensive. A study by AARP found isolation is associated with nearly $7 billion in additional annual spending by Medicare.

“A startup company in Albuquerque has made matching tech-savvy young people with seniors its mission. Teeniors coaches them on using smartphones, computers and tablets.”

Click here to continue reading this article at WITF.

Are there local programs in Berks, Lancaster & Lebanon Counties like this? Should there be? Let’s get the conversation started — email us at blllink@mail.com to share your thoughts.

Posted in: Aging, Education, Technology

If you are a senior driver, take an online defensive driving course – AAA

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safe driver

Take an Online Defensive Driving Course

AAA’s Roadwise™,  a senior defensive driving program is an online course designed to positively affect driving behavior and help you learn about and adjust to age-related physical changes. It can be taken online in the comfort of your home or wherever you have an Internet connection. The course covers topics like:

  • Extending Your Safe Driving Career
  • Distractions, Drowsiness, Aggressive Driving & Road Rage
  • Managing Visibility, Time & Space
  • Alcohol & Medications
  • Comfort & Safety Tips

AAA members, check with your local club for special benefits or discounts on the course. Automobile insurance discounts also may apply upon course completion, check with your insurance provider for details.

Educational offerings are not available in all areas. Contact your local AAA club for more information.

Raodwise

“Medications have both intended and unintended effects on your body, and these effects change based on the other medications that you’re taking and the foods that you eat. Not only does that affect how you feel, many of these effects can also impact your ability to safely drive.

“Roadwise Rx is a tool designed to help you learn more about your medications and how they may affect your driving.

“Any information that you enter in this tool is completely confidential and cannot be viewed by any other party.”

Posted in: Aging, Education, Events & Actvities