Using A Supports Broker: A Caregiver's Perspective

The Family Advocacy & Resource Portal: Championing Change with The ARC

Join Roseann Polishan, Lead Advocate at The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania, as she explores the vital role of The Arc and their contributions to the Family Advocacy and Resource Portal. In partnership with the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council and other organizations, this portal—available on the Vision for Equality website—provides essential tools for individuals with disabilities and their families to: * Engage in current advocacy efforts * Access vital information * Advocate for systemic change Together, these unified efforts aim to transform systems, empowering individuals with disabilities and their families by prioritizing their needs over those of providers. Visit the ARC of North Eastern Pennsylvania- http://www.thearcnepa.org/ [http://www.thearcnepa.org/] Visit the Portal Here- https://www.visionforequality.org/family-advocacy-resource-portal/ [https://www.visionforequality.org/family-advocacy-resource-portal/]

My Experience With Lifesharing: Tracy

Join Tracy and Rebecca for a conversation about Lifesharing. Tracy is a Lifesharing Participant and Rebecca is a Lifesharing Coordinator with Cares Lifesharing means living with and sharing life experiences with supportive persons who form a caring household. Lifesharing is recognized as both a close personal relationship and a place to live. Lifesharers offer individuals the opportunity to be part of a family and to participate in community life.

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation- Lifechanging Funding

Wendy Davis, Director of Marketing and Outreach for Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), joins us to discuss the life-changing funding PATF helps Pennsylvanians receive. Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a statewide, non-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians acquire the assistive technology devices and services they want. PATF is a state and federally-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and is the Commonwealth’s designated Alternative Financing Program (AFP) under the federal Assistive Technology Act.  https://patf.us/who-we-are/publications/funding-your-assistive-technology/ [https://patf.us/who-we-are/publications/funding-your-assistive-technology/]

Finding Wellness That Works for You

Wellness can mean something different to everyone. What's important, is finding what works for you! PA Family Network advisors, June Morris, Chris Gaus, and Ernie Roundtree, join us to discuss what activities and habits they do for wellness.  Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, you're thriving.

Using A Supports Broker: A Caregiver's Perspective

Terri Spry joins us to discuss her role as a Caregiver and her experience using a Supports Broker.  A Supports Broker is paid to perform a variety of duties to support a person in self-directing services and supports. They can offer assistance with employer-related functions, enhancing natural supports, and service and supports continuity and maintenance. The role of the Supports Broker is uniquely defined by the individual utilizing the brokering service.