January 2018
Changing Minds with the Stigma Project
A recent survey of Pennsylvanians showed that almost 80% of people believe society thinks of individuals with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities "with discomfort and awkwardness." The Stigma Project aims to change that.

Launched in 2016, the Stigma Project partners with the PA Developmental Disabilities Council and the PA Mental Health Consumers' Association. The project encourages individuals to learn more about the topic, as well as the tremendous impact of stigma. Acknowledging that many people do not intend to stigmatize, the project encourages participation with an online quiz to assess personal thoughts and feelings, and asks individuals to take a pledge to end stigma.

Learn more and find out how you can become in engaged at the Stigma Project website.
Pennhurst - History to Remember
by J. Gregory Pirmann
In its earliest days, there were really two Pennhursts. There was the public facility, connected in many different ways with the local community. And there was the hidden institution, where the people who needed care were confined, while conditions deteriorated year after year. Part of the public face of Pennhurst was the “patient’s baseball team," like the one fielded in 1925, pictured above. Read more .
Self Determination

Self Determination is about having choices and control. It's about stability and safety, freedom and individuality. It involves relationships, accountability, and opportunities to contribute to your community. In Chester County, self-determination involves -

Deciding how to live your life
Deciding what supports you need
Deciding how to spend your approved funding

Individuals wanting to learn more about self-determination and have a voice in how services are delivered in Chester County are invited to the monthly Self-Determination Committee Meetings, held at the Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 4:00 PM , room 250.
Reaching for Her Dream

Amanda Ramirez started 2018 with a success story worth sharing. The 27-year-old from Oxford is one step closer to her dream job, having completed 300 hours of study in nail technology at the Shilling-Douglas School of Hair Design, LLC in Newark, Delaware this month. Ramirez,who is pictured to the right holding her diploma, had perfect attendance and graduated from her program on January 3.

An employee at Salon Secrets Spa in Kennett Square for about four years, Ramirez has dreamed of being a licensed nail technician, but she struggles with the reading skills needed for the testing. Her supports team arranged for someone to read her the final exam at school. The simple adjustment made all the difference, and these accommodations are planned when Ramirez takes the state exam later this month.

Congratulations and best of luck to Amanda Ramirez!
PA ABLE savings accounts gives individuals with qualified disabilities a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. Contributions of up to $15,000 a year may be made, and may be deducted from state taxable income. Find out more about PA ABLE at the website.
The 2018 flu season is one of the worst in more than a decade, with widespread flu activity across the United States.

Protect yourself and your loved ones this winter by taking action against the flu! Daily preventative actions include:
  • cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • avoid touching your face
  • wash your hands
  • clean surfaces
  • stay home when sick
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Resources, Training, Opportunities

ODP Announcement - Certified Employment Support Professional Credential Examinations

Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care Training Classes in February and March - check out more at the website !

Charting the LifeCourse Guide and Tools

Full-time position at ChescoLife - Family Support Specialist

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


Chester County Commissioners
Administrator: Linda Cox
Deputy Administrator: Bridget Thrash