Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
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Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
@paddc.bsky.social
170 followers 210 following 140 posts
The Council works to promote advocacy, drive systems change, and build community capacity alongside people with developmental disabilities and their families. We envision a Commonwealth where all people are valued and thrive.
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paddc.bsky.social
Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC) @paddc.bsky.social · Jan 22
Good morning Bluesky! PADDC promotes advocacy, drives systems change, & builds community capacity alongside people with developmental #disabilities & their families. We created this STARTER PACK for those interested in Disability issues & rights. Let us know if you need added!

go.bsky.app/4uZPpe8
paddc.bsky.social
National Council on Disability seeks input for a policy brief on the need for disability-focused clinical care and competency training for medical professionals. Electronic comments are due by 11:59 PM EST Jan. 6, 2026, via email to [email protected] www.ncd.gov/2025/12/01/d...
National Council on Disability | Disability Competency Training RFI posted to Federal Register
AGENCY: National Council on Disability (NCD). ACTION: Notice; request for information. SUMMARY: NCD is requesting information to help inform a policy brief it will be publishing concerning the need fo...
www.ncd.gov
December 17, 2025 at 11:43 PM
paddc.bsky.social
A limited number of parent scholarships are available for those who may want to go to the PA Department of Education Conference in February. Pennsylvania residents who have school-age children with a current IEP are eligible to apply. January 2, 2026 is the deadline! www.pattan.net/Training/Con...
PaTTAN - Scholarship Opportunities for Parents
www.pattan.net
December 17, 2025 at 12:01 AM
paddc.bsky.social
A new Pew Charitable Trusts study shows a rise in employment among Philadelphians with disabilities. But the findings also show that more work is needed to remove barriers and expand job opportunities for working-age adults with disabilities. www.pew.org/en/research-...

#Philadelphia #Disability
Philadelphians With Disabilities Increasingly Are Finding Employment
Philadelphia had the highest rate of disability among America’s 10 most populous cities, with 17% of respondents reporting at least one disability of some kind, according to five-year census data from...
www.pew.org
December 9, 2025 at 10:24 PM
paddc.bsky.social
It's great to see yet one more #Pennsylvania college program for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities/autism. Congratulations to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) ! The new program is called The Crimson Hawks Bridge www.post-gazette.com/news/educati...
New IUP program aims to help students with intellectual disabilities live independently
A new IUP program for those with intellectual disabilities will aim to fill a “real need” in Indiana and Armstrong counties. The Crimson Hawks...
www.post-gazette.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:22 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Inclusive Schools Week 2025 celebrates the theme “Children First,” inspired by the Maasai greeting asking, “How are the children?” It reminds us us to ensure all students—especially those with disabilities—are supported, valued, and included.
Children of different backgrounds and abilities are playing in a graphic that is centered. One holds balloons. Another flies a kite. Inclusive Schools Week. Children First. Building a Stronger Tomorrow. Inclusive Schools week 2025 Logo for the PADDC Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.
December 8, 2025 at 5:44 PM
paddc.bsky.social
The Fall 2025 PADDC Outlooks Newsletter is out. Read it here! www.paddc.org/wp-content/u...
PADDC Outlooks Fall 2025
December 5, 2025 at 7:40 PM
paddc.bsky.social
The #Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is seeking public input on emotional support animals (ESAs). ESAs have access rights in housing but not other public accommodations. The commission is exploring future guidance and welcomes community feedback. Read about it: www.pa.gov/agencies/phr...
A young woman has her head laying on a dog's head while she embraces the dog. Provide Input on Use of Emotional Support Animals. Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission will use public input to develop draft guidance on emotional support animals.
December 4, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Reposted by Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
kffhealthnews.org
Only 347 of the nation’s roughly 14,500 nursing homes have specialized units dedicated to people on ventilators, forcing people with ALS or MS to move far from families. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
They Need a Ventilator To Stay Alive. Getting One Can Be a Nightmare. - KFF Health News
Few nursing homes are set up to care for people needing help breathing with a ventilator because of ALS or other infirmities. Insurers often resist paying for ventilators at home, and innovative progr...
kffhealthnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 7:55 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Be sure to check our our December Spotlight e-newsletter. mailchi.mp/pa.gov/spotl...
A group of 4 diverse students, including a girl with Down syndrome, are sitting at a table and looking in a book. One student is standing behind and leaning over to see what is in the book.
December 2, 2025 at 7:56 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Great article about people with disabilities working and also having the ability to receive public benefits. It doesn't have to be one or the other.
#Disability #Employment

www.publicsource.org/balancing-di...
Work or get benefits? People with disabilities don’t have to choose.
A McCandless man builds a life around inflatables while navigating disability benefits, work opportunities and employment rules.
www.publicsource.org
December 1, 2025 at 5:22 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Fifty years ago today, Pres. Gerald Ford signed the law now known as IDEA, guaranteeing every child with a disability the right to a free, appropriate public education. Before it, many were excluded; afterward, doors opened & inclusion grew—driven by the tireless ADVOCACY of families and educators.
There are three photos of diverse students with disabilities in classroom settings. Logo for PA Developmental Disabilities Council. 50th Anniversary. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES WERE GUARANTEED A FREE, APPROPRIATE PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION. On Nov. 29, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed the Right to Education legislation, which later became Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
November 29, 2025 at 1:54 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Happy Thanksgiving from the PA Developmental Disabilities Council!
A garland of fall leaves and berries is across the top, with two leave sprigs on each side of the bottom. Happy Thanksgiving from PADDC PA Developmental Disabilities Council.
November 27, 2025 at 2:43 PM
paddc.bsky.social
This experimental app helps users of speech-generating devices add humor and other engaging communication. But its AI may sometimes shape or influence what users say, not just support it. Read about its development here: today.umd.edu/should-ai-te...
Should AI Tell a Joke With You—or for You? | Maryland Today
Research Finds That Users of Speech-Generating Devices Weigh Risks of Losing Their Own Voice When Delivering Witty Remarks
today.umd.edu
November 21, 2025 at 2:44 PM
paddc.bsky.social
After a four-month impasse in the State legislature, Governor Shapiro was finally able to sign the 2025–2026 #Pennsylvania budget. His press release highlights several areas of increased funding for #disability related services. Read the full release here: www.pa.gov/governor/new...
A partial view of the dome of the Pennsylvania State capitol building. Some Areas of Increased Funding for Disability Issues in Pennsylvania State Budget: $40M for special education: $100 million for mental health and school safety funding for -12 schools; $21 million to raise wages for direct care workers; $433,000 for library services for the visually impaired and disabled. Logo for PENNSYLVANIA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL.
November 13, 2025 at 8:42 PM
paddc.bsky.social
This is our last Key Technology Principle that guides our grant-making and advocacy. #5. Learning, Education, Ongoing Support. Expertise is built through experience. We need many ways to learn, explore and grow over a lifetime. Read the rest of this key principle here: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...
A young woman wearing headphones is seated in front of a laptop computer. She's looking at another woman next to her who appears to be showing her something on the laptop. PENNSYLVANIA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL. Key Technology Principles. # 5. Learning, Education and Ongoing Support. Training, knowledge, skill building, and learning must be continuous and ongoing. Education must be provided in ways that are accessible to individuals with disabilities and their families.
November 12, 2025 at 3:25 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Our Key Technology Principle #4. There are risks with online communities, such as cyber bullying, financial exploitation, & other negative aspects of anonymous social interactions. People should plan how to keep safe and protect themselves. More: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...

#AssistiveTechnology
There is a hand holding a cell phone and the other hand is typing. PENNSYLVANIA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL. Key Technology Principles. 4. Security, Privacy and Risk. Each person should have individualized support, information, education, and services to safely access technology. There are risks. People should plan how to keep safe and protect themselves.
November 11, 2025 at 3:40 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Our Number 3 Key Technology Principles: Relationships. Assure technology isn’t a replacement for needed human resources, like direct support staff, friendships, and co-workers. Read the principles here: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...

#AssistiveTechnology
Two friends laughing together. One man has down syndrome and is grinning widely. The other many is looking at him with a big smile on his face. PENNSYLVANIA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL Key Technology Principles 3 Relationships. The joys of face-to-face connection with others, reciprocal relationships, and inclusion is important to quality of life. Technology use must be balanced against the risk of losing in-person interactions and decreased time in the community.
November 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Continuing to share our PADDC Key Technology Principles, here is the next: #2 Empower People.
Ensure individuals have control of and engage with technology on their own terms. Read the rest of this and our other technology principles here: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...

#AssistiveTechnology
A disabled man who uses a wheelchair uses technology such as a sip/puff switch to control his computer. PENNSYLVANIA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL Key Technology Principles #2 Empower people. Ensure people have control of and engage with technology on their own terms. Those who do not communicate with words or speech must have decision-making authority and ways to express their choices.
November 8, 2025 at 2:16 PM
paddc.bsky.social
It's Assistive Technology Month. We want to share PADDC Key Technology Principles that inform our grant making & advocacy work. Technology is a conduit to community. Finding, exploring, and connecting with others is a key feature of technology today. Read more here: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...
A young woman with Down syndrome is holding an electronic tablet and typing on it. Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council. Key Technology Principles. 1. Everyday Lives. Using Technology is a common part of everyday life for most people. Using technology that is the same as what most other people are using should be a top priority when possible.
November 7, 2025 at 5:58 PM
paddc.bsky.social
With a federal grant, The University of Pittsburgh's HERL will be leading a project to reimagine a wheelchair and assistive robotic arm. The work will improve independence, safety and quality of life for people who have #disabilities.
www.pittsburghmagazine.com/university-o...
University of Pittsburgh Kicks Off Project to Imagine a Better Wheelchair | Pittsburgh Magazine
Pitt engineers will lead a $41.5 million federal project that aims to 'change the field.'
www.pittsburghmagazine.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:46 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Read the latest Pennsylvania and National Disability Policy News from our Policy Information Exchange grantee at the Arc of Pennsylvania: www.paddc.org/slice-of-pie...

#Disability #Policy #Pennsylvania
A view of a laptop is in the lower corner on a table with a plant and coffee cup. Logo from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council. A Slice of PIE: A Communication from from the Policy Information Exchange. VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3 FALL 2025
November 4, 2025 at 6:17 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Check your email inbox for our November Spotlight newsletter! Or you can read it here: mailchi.mp/pa.gov/spotl...
Brightly colored spotlights shining down. Spotlight. November 2025. National Family Caregivers Month. Highlights of the activities, advocacy, and interests of the PADDC. Logo for the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.
November 3, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Reposted by Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
iodtempleu.bsky.social
C2P2 2026 application period is open! C2P2 offers free leadership training for:
▪️ Adults in PA with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism
▪️ Family members of a school-age child in Pennsylvania with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism. buff.ly/SFhPf9T
Photo: C2P2 2025 graduates, a group of mixed age, ability, and gender, pose together in front of a cherry red wall. Graphic: Institute on Disabilites at Temple University logo. Text: C2P2 2026 - Apply Today
October 7, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Reposted by Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
pahumanservices.bsky.social
Workplaces are better when they are inclusive, and Pennsylvanians with disabilities can get services & resources to help them find a career they love, including:
⚕️ Benefits counseling
💼 Career Assessments
🔎 Finding a Job
🤝 Job Coaching
➕ and more: dhs.pa.gov/WeCanWork

#NDEAM
Graphic of three people working in an inclusive workplace inside a light blue shape of Pennsylvania on a darker blue background
October 24, 2025 at 7:40 PM
paddc.bsky.social
If you are an adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities/ or autism or the parents of a school-age child with intellectual or developmental disabilities/autism in Pennsylvania, check out this opportunity!
iodtempleu.bsky.social Institute on Disabilities @iodtempleu.bsky.social · Oct 7
C2P2 2026 application period is open! C2P2 offers free leadership training for:
▪️ Adults in PA with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism
▪️ Family members of a school-age child in Pennsylvania with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism. buff.ly/SFhPf9T
Photo: C2P2 2025 graduates, a group of mixed age, ability, and gender, pose together in front of a cherry red wall. Graphic: Institute on Disabilites at Temple University logo. Text: C2P2 2026 - Apply Today
October 7, 2025 at 10:08 PM