March 2018

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Governor Wolf Proclaims March National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Because all people with developmental disabilities are valued members of society who find fulfillment living everyday lives, Governor Wolf issued a Proclamation this month. The document highlights initiatives launched by the Wolf administration and the PA Department of Human Services. Read the official proclamation .

Sex Ed is for Everyone Last month Everyday PossAbilities reported on the National Public Radio investigation into the issue of sexual assault in the intellectual disability community. The series, called Abused and Betrayed , aired on WHYY Philadelphia in January. This month we focus on educating individuals, especially adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, about relationships and sex. The topic can be uncomfortable and difficult for any parent, but may present additional challenges when the young person has differences in learning or communication. These awkward conversations are even more important to have when a young person is vulnerable and has limited access to other reliable sources of information. Read more .

Have you heard of the Mazzoni Center? The largest health care provider in the Philadelphia region specifically targeting the unique health care needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Find out more !

Oprah Winfrey Reports on ACEs for "60 Minutes" on CBS Calling it one of the most "life changing stories I've ever done," Oprah Winfrey reported on the science behind Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, in a "60 Minutes" segment, Sunday, March 11. Winfrey, who has acknowledged experiencing trauma as a child, delved into the topic with experts and drew on her own life experiences. She discussed how the story changed her views on CBS This Morning. See a clip of that interview .

Chester County Announces two Public Hearings for the Human Services Block Grant Monday, April 9 at 4:30 PM in West Chester  Tuesday, April 10 at 1:00 PM in Coatesville Details at this link.

Join us for the next fundraiser for the 2019 Self-Determination Awards! Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 5 PM to 9 PM At SNAP Pizza - Main Street Shopping Center, 231 Main St., Exton, 484-875-5800  Click for flier

Chester County's 6th Annual Single Mother's Conference is FREE and FUN! Click here to find out more about this event and how to register. Click here for information about the Belinda R. Harrison Award for an outstanding single mother.

The recent inclement weather and power outages served as a strong reminder about emergency preparedness. Chester County's official source for emergency information and government notifications is free and located online at Readychesco.org . When you enroll online, you can receive alerts before, during and after a weather or other emergency.  Individuals can choose which kinds of alerts they want to receive when they sign up. Don't wait for the next storm. Go to Readychesco.org for more information and to enroll today!

Resources, Training, Opportunities Charting the LifeCourse tools are available online. Darcy Elks, Family Advisor with the PA Family Network is available to mentor families and individuals charting their LifeCourse. Contact her at darcyelks@aol.com Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care Training classes scheduled in April - check out more at the website ! Ready for Download - The Pennsylvania Department of Health Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Assistive Technology (AT) EMERGENCY PLANNING GUIDE Refer Web - Chester County's source for human services

Chester County Department of Mental Health / Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 601 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA www.chesco.org/mhidd Chester County Commissioners Administrator: Linda Cox Deputy Administrator: Bridget Thrash